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Campy designs? Colors bolder than charcoal? We love what we hear. The impending holidays provide the perfect excuse for investing in festive knitwear, but shopping for it demands finessing a kind of Goldilocks balance — between buying a sophisticated and classy Christmas sweater that will turn heads at your well-oiled fête and ensuring the item is versatile enough to be reused well past December. One thing’s for certain, though: Your ugly Christmas sweater this year need not be ugly (in fact, we strongly urge against it).
Knitwear is a timeless wardrobe staple that, despite its trusty perennial comeback, has nonetheless faced key shifts throughout the years. One of the biggest happened in 2023, which saw the boom of “quiet luxury” — all disciplined silhouettes and neutral colorways and an overall aversion to maximalism. This proved to be the perfect entryway for sweaters with difficult-to-obtain, high-quality cashmere threads (for colors, think sea moss, camel, or pebble grey) but nonetheless restrained the clothing item’s creative free will.
In the present day, knitwear designers seem to have once again given maximalism the stamp of approval… and we couldn’t be happier! Indeed, sweaters are now graced with prints, appliques, and bow motifs that lend themselves to the imagination (case in point: Ralph Lauren’s iconic Polo Bear flaunts earrings, glam lashes, and a silk charmeuse jacket on the brand’s holiday sweater this year). It’s no surprise that people are all over the more-is-more approach to knits, evident by the sheer hype surrounding Princess Diana’s red-and-white wool Sheep Sweater from the brand Warm & Wonderful, which hit the Sotheby’s auction block last year and made its way into the hearts of many thanks to its endearing print and eye-catching hues.
Another trend we’re seeing in this space, confirmed by the Pinterest Predicts 2025 Trend Report, is the fisherman aesthetic — where utilitarian garb and fair isle flair join forces with a touch of nautical kitsch There’s never been a better chance for the fashion-forward to evoke introspective, cable-knit-obsessed seaside dwellers.
If all this talk has put you in the shopping mood, we’re here to save you some research time, which is better invested in holiday revelries. With these 15 hand-picked Christmas knits from luxury brands, you’ll appease both Santa and your high-brow fashion sensibilities.
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Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear Sweater
The Polo Bear gets glammed up in this cashmere-blend sweater with a ribbed crewneck and cuffs. One look at its silk charmeuse jacket, wool gabardine pants embroidered with metallic thread, and lamb shearling coat lapels will put into question who the more stylish individual is: you or your new ursine companion.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,690
Altuzarra Wirth Sweater
Remember what we said about fisherman sweaters owning the spotlight come 2025? Well, this lamb’s wool number truly takes that aesthetic to new heights. You’ll shine in it on any occasion (but especially at a low-lit holiday dinner!), in large part due to those translucent sequins that resemble sparkling droplets of water.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,295
Tory Burch Embellished Wool Cardigan
Cardigans weren’t only one of the top men’s trends for fall 2024: They cultivated a heavy following in women’s fashion, too, and continue to take up wardrobe space in oversized, argyle-printed, and many other varieties. This particular Tory Burch Embellished Wool Cardigan is chic as can be, courtesy of those horn buttons, crystal embellishments, and a soft wool-slash-mohair blend that will spare you the itchiness.
Price upon publish date of this article: $898
J. Crew Carolyn Embellished Fitted Crewneck Sweater in Merino Wool
This lightweight merino wool sweater lends itself perfectly to a nice little layering moment. Besides its luxurious burgundy hue, it stands out in the jewelry collar department — meaning you can skip the charm necklace and go with a more demure look when it comes to accessories.
Price upon publish date of this article: $87.99
Cinq à Sept Dreama Marnie Feather-Cuff Cardigan
Wish to be tickled by festive feathers this season? Your wish, as it turns out, is this cardigan’s command. Its timeless V-neck cut, ornate buttons, and (of course) those feather cuffs, come together to form a look that will make ugly Christmas sweaters bow their heads in deference.
Price upon publish date of this article: $395
LoveShackFancy Ashtan Alpaca Bow-Embellished Cardigan
A few things to love about this cardigan, in no particular order: It’s made in Peru out of an oh-so-soft alpaca blend, it can either be dressed up or down based on the occasion, and it’s got charmeuse bows that will gift you with the spirit of Christmas. Always remember to put a bow on it… because you are the gift.
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
Zimmermann Illustration Fluffy Cardigan
Pair this with a set of corduroy trousers and you might as well be the third protagonist in the children’s book series “Frog and Toad,” in the best way possible. The Zimmermann Illustration Fluffy Cardigan is grandpa vibes at its core — boasting a crystal trim that’s the sugar to the sweater’s spice color. Skip the warm and fuzzies this holiday season in favor of the warm and fluffies.
Price upon publish date of this article: $895
Boden Fenella Embellished Cardigan
All good things come in a embellished-with-sequins package (take that, quiet luxury!). This fancy pants wool blend sweater is dainty as can be, ensuring you’ll make quite the impression at the white elephant gift exchange.
Price upon publish date of this article: $198
For Love & Lemons Josephina Cardigan
Floral embroidery is the star of the show in this life-affirming cropped cardigan, which, given its style, you can wear well past winter and into the initial chilly days of spring. Feeling extra? Buy it with the matching Josephina Panty and embrace your status on the naughty list.
Price upon publish date of this article: $149
Farm Rio Colorful Stripes Sequin Belted Cardigan
For those who will die on the hill of monochromatic capsule wardrobes, this is a must-have. After all, its oversized fit (which you can cinch at the waist with the similarly sequined and striped belt) is ideal for putting the cardigan on over an all-black getup and thereby letting its inherent vibrancy do all the talking. Show up and show off at the office holiday party.
Price upon publish date of this article: $298
A.L.C. Frankie Wool Cashmere Embellished Sweater
Though it might look plain-and-simple at first glance, look closer and you’ll find that the A.L.C. Frankie Wool Cashmere Embellished Sweater is quite extraordinary: made so through its touches of teardrop-shaped crystals, high neckline, and brushed alpaca texture. Style it with a festive maxi skirt or flared jeans to seamlessly complete the outfit.
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
Mango Paillettes Knit Cardigan
This V-neck wonder provides paillettes for your pleasure, helping you rival the baubles bedecking the Christmas tree this year. Its cropped style and black colorway make it an instant classic — one you’ll no doubt get complimented on time and time again.
Price upon publish date of this article: $129.99
Favorite Daughter The Snowed In Fair Isle Merino Wool & Cashmere Blend Cardigan
The Fair Isle print was never going to leave us, but this cardigan interprets it in a chicer, more contemporary light. Soft and never itchy, with ribbed cuffs and hem, it’s bound to become your new favorite cold weather companion while fitting the dress code of any holiday get-together on your calendar.
Price upon publish date of this article: $298
Loro Piana Holiday Noel Cashmere Knit Sweater
Transition from your 9-to-5 to your 5-to-9 in no time. Known for its impeccable designs and fine fabrics, Loro Piana doesn’t miss — and this sweater, with its patterned collar and relaxed fit, is indisputable proof of that fact.
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,500
Reformation Queenie Cashmere Cardigan
This purchase will not only make you look good but also feel good, considering the fact that it’s crafted out of regenerative wool and recycled cashmere, thus helping reduce waste in the fashion industry. By itself, the navy knit is charming; with that attached collar, however, it’s simply unforgettable.
Price upon publish date of this article: $298
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Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on trending, seasonal styles.
