Let's be honest: when you hear the phrase "festive attire," you immediately envision an iconically ugly holiday sweater. Yes, there's a time and a place to rock a layer covered in tinsel and illustrations of Santa Claus himself; however, there's also a time to put your best foot forward. So why not pick up a chicer alternative to the typical holiday sweater?
To help streamline your search, we scoured Amazon for 10 upscale options you can sport all winter long. (And since many of these are Prime-friendly [1], you can buy a new sweater now and have it hanging in your closet well before your next holiday party.) Whether you want to treat yourself to some new designer wares [2] or prefer to stick to a budget [3], there's bound to be something here that piques your interest.
Candy Coated: Kirundo Women’s Casual Long Sweater
Consider this Kirundo Women's Casual Long Sweater [5] ($35) an easy, yet elevated, way to dress like a candy cane. Not only can this stealth style be worn year-round, but the buttons along the shoulders also offer a sweet finishing touch.
Plaid About You: Floerns Long-Sleeve High-Neck Plaid Crop Sweater
Is it just us, or does anything plaid immediately remind you of the holidays? Whether you pair it with jeans or a fiery pencil skirt, this Floerns Long-Sleeve High-Neck Plaid Crop Sweater [6] ($29) is poised to get you in the festive mood.
Ski Dreams Cable Stitch Fair Isle Cotton Crewneck Sweater
When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a fair isle pullover. Available in a handful of colours — like this versatile tan — Cable Stitch's Fair Isle Cotton Crewneck Sweater [7] ($40) can transition nicely from Christmas Eve to that après-ski hang.
Turtleneck Treatment: Amazon Essentials Women's Soft-Touch Funnel-Neck Cable Sweater
If Love Actually has taught us anything, it's that turtlenecks are basically synonymous with the most wonderful time of the year. This Amazon Essentials Soft-Touch Funnel-Neck Cable Sweater [8] ($31) marries the popular silhouette with an equally festive cable-knit finish.
Go For the Bold: Rag & Bone Women's Willow Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater
We don't know who needs to hear it, but a fair isle sweater can make a major fashion statement. Don't believe us? Just have a look at this Rag & Bone Willow Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater [9] ($450), which features a palette that's both merry and bright. (Another win? It looks really good with faux-leather pants.)
An Ornamented Option: ChicWish Pom-Pom Sweater
For a subtle take on the typical holiday layer, reach for this ChicWish Pom-Pom Sweater [10] ($49). This verdant shade reminds us of that faithful Christmas tree, plus the charming pom-poms are giving us big ornament energy.
Pattern Play: Zaful Christmas Snowflake Reindeer Knitted Sweater
Calling all maximalist: this Zaful Christmas Snowflake Reindeer Knitted Sweater [11] ($37) is eye-catching without being over the top. Want to offset this busy pattern? Style with black skinny jeans and your favourite Chelsea boots.
Detailed Design: Ulla Johnson Josie Pullover
As Ulla Johnson's Josie Pullover [12] ($298) proves, the devil lies in the details. With a tomato red hue, voluminous sleeves, and a scalloped neckline, this layer is an ultra-stylish choice for Christmas Day and beyond.
Snowy Style: Theory's Mixed-Cable Pullover Sweater
Cable knit and pom-poms? Theory's Mixed-Cable Pullover Sweater [13] ($495) looks like a winter wonderland in the best way possible. (We mean, we could totally picture ourselves cosying up next to a fire in this snowy number.)
Keep It Simple: Amazon Essentials Plus-Size Lightweight V-Neck Sweater
If you want to let your accessories do the talking, this Amazon Essentials Plus-Size Lightweight V-Neck Sweater [14] ($27) will look great with glitzy earrings, dramatic necklaces, or even a classy silk scarf. While this option comes in a bevy of pretty hues, this blue will be perfect for a post-Hanukkah bash.