The Christmas sweater - a holiday staple that can be both festive and fashionably dubious. While some might view it as a tacky tradition, others see it as an opportunity to get creative and showcase their personal style. This season, why not elevate the humble Christmas sweater with some fresh styling ideas? To help you do just that, we've partnered with L.L.Bean to bring you 7 ways to style a Christmas sweater that are sure to impress.
From casual to dressy, we'll show you how to take your Christmas sweater from bland to grand. Whether you're attending a holiday party, running errands, or simply lounging by the fire, these styling tips will help you make the most of this festive favorite.
1. Keep it Classic with Jeans and Boots
One of the easiest ways to style a Christmas sweater is to pair it with a pair of classic jeans and boots. This timeless combination creates a cozy, laid-back look that's perfect for a casual holiday gathering or a day out with friends.
- L.L.Bean Christmas Sweater: Choose a sweater with a subtle holiday pattern, such as snowflakes or reindeer, to add some visual interest to your outfit.
- Jeans: Opt for a pair of dark wash skinny jeans to create a flattering, streamlined silhouette.
- Boots: Add a pair of ankle boots, such as the L.L.Bean shearling-lined ankle boot, to elevate your look and add some rugged charm.
Tips and Variations
- Swap out your jeans for a pair of black leggings or jeggings for a more feminine take on this look.
- Add a statement piece of jewelry, such as a bold cocktail ring or a festive holiday necklace, to add some extra sparkle to your outfit.
2. Dress it Up with a Skirt and Tights
Who says Christmas sweaters can't be dressy? Pair your sweater with a flowy skirt and some patterned tights to create a look that's both festive and feminine.
- L.L.Bean Christmas Sweater: Choose a sweater with a bold, eye-catching pattern, such as a Fair Isle or a snowman design, to make a statement.
- Skirt: Opt for a flowy, knee-length skirt in a festive color, such as red or green, to add some visual interest to your outfit.
- Tights: Add a pair of patterned tights, such as snowflake or holly-print, to add some extra holiday cheer to your look.
Tips and Variations
- Swap out your skirt for a pair of fitted trousers, such as the L.L.Bean wool-blend trousers, for a more streamlined look.
- Add a pair of heeled ankle boots, such as the L.L.Bean suede ankle boot, to elevate your look and add some sophistication.
3. Go Casual with Sweatpants and Sneakers
Sometimes, the best way to style a Christmas sweater is to keep things simple and casual. Pair your sweater with a pair of sweatpants and some sneakers for a look that's perfect for lounging around the house or running errands.
- L.L.Bean Christmas Sweater: Choose a sweater with a fun, playful pattern, such as a cartoon character or a festive graphic, to add some personality to your outfit.
- Sweatpants: Opt for a pair of soft, comfortable sweatpants, such as the L.L.Bean fleece-lined sweatpants, to keep you cozy and relaxed.
- Sneakers: Add a pair of sneakers, such as the L.L.Bean slip-on sneakers, to complete your look and add some sporty flair.
Tips and Variations
- Swap out your sweatpants for a pair of joggers or leggings for a more fitted look.
- Add a baseball cap or a beanie to your outfit to add some extra casual charm.
4. Add a Pop of Color with a Scarf
One of the easiest ways to add some visual interest to your Christmas sweater is to add a pop of color with a scarf. Choose a scarf in a bold, festive color, such as red or green, to add some extra holiday cheer to your outfit.
- L.L.Bean Christmas Sweater: Choose a sweater with a subtle, neutral-colored pattern, such as a cream or beige, to provide a clean backdrop for your scarf.
- Scarf: Opt for a scarf in a bold, festive color, such as the L.L.Bean red and green plaid scarf, to add some extra visual interest to your outfit.
Tips and Variations
- Swap out your scarf for a hat or a headband to add some extra texture and interest to your outfit.
- Try layering a second scarf or a bandana over your first scarf to create a more layered, dimensional look.
5. Go Glam with a Leather Skirt and Heels
Who says Christmas sweaters can't be glamorous? Pair your sweater with a leather skirt and some heels to create a look that's both festive and sophisticated.
- L.L.Bean Christmas Sweater: Choose a sweater with a bold, eye-catching pattern, such as a Fair Isle or a snowman design, to make a statement.
- Leather Skirt: Opt for a leather skirt, such as the L.L.Bean faux leather pencil skirt, to add some edge and sophistication to your outfit.
- Heels: Add a pair of heels, such as the L.L.Bean suede pumps, to elevate your look and add some glamour.
Tips and Variations
- Swap out your leather skirt for a pair of fitted trousers, such as the L.L.Bean wool-blend trousers, for a more streamlined look.
- Try adding a statement piece of jewelry, such as a bold cocktail ring or a festive holiday necklace, to add some extra sparkle to your outfit.
6. Add a Touch of Whimsy with a Fun Hat
One of the easiest ways to add some personality to your Christmas sweater is to add a fun hat. Choose a hat in a festive color or pattern, such as a Santa hat or a reindeer antler headband, to add some extra holiday cheer to your outfit.
- L.L.Bean Christmas Sweater: Choose a sweater with a subtle, neutral-colored pattern, such as a cream or beige, to provide a clean backdrop for your hat.
- Hat: Opt for a hat in a festive color or pattern, such as the L.L.Bean Santa hat, to add some extra visual interest to your outfit.
Tips and Variations
- Swap out your hat for a headband or a scarf to add some extra texture and interest to your outfit.
- Try layering a second hat or a headband over your first hat to create a more layered, dimensional look.
7. Go Monochromatic with a Matching Skirt and Tights
For a more streamlined, monochromatic look, try pairing your Christmas sweater with a matching skirt and tights. This creates a cohesive, put-together look that's perfect for a holiday party or special occasion.
- L.L.Bean Christmas Sweater: Choose a sweater in a bold, festive color, such as red or green, to make a statement.
- Skirt: Opt for a skirt in the same color as your sweater, such as the L.L.Bean red pencil skirt, to create a cohesive look.
- Tights: Add a pair of tights in the same color as your sweater and skirt, such as the L.L.Bean red tights, to complete your look.
Tips and Variations
- Swap out your skirt for a pair of fitted trousers, such as the L.L.Bean wool-blend trousers, for a more streamlined look.
- Try adding a statement piece of jewelry, such as a bold cocktail ring or a festive holiday necklace, to add some extra sparkle to your outfit.
Now that you've seen these 7 ways to style a Christmas sweater, it's time to get creative and make the most of this festive favorite. Whether you're attending a holiday party, running errands, or simply lounging by the fire, these styling tips will help you make a statement and show off your personal style.
So, which of these styling tips is your favorite? Do you have a go-to way to style your Christmas sweater, or are you looking to try something new this season? Let us know in the comments below!
What's the best way to care for my Christmas sweater?
+The best way to care for your Christmas sweater depends on the material. For wool sweaters, hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. For synthetic sweaters, machine wash in cold water and tumble dry on low.
Can I wear my Christmas sweater to a formal event?
+It depends on the event and the style of your sweater. If you're attending a formal holiday party, you may want to opt for a more elegant sweater or a different outfit altogether. However, if you're attending a more casual event, a Christmas sweater can be a fun and festive choice.
How can I make my Christmas sweater more stylish?
+There are many ways to make your Christmas sweater more stylish. Try pairing it with a scarf or hat, or layering it over a dress or skirt. You can also add some statement jewelry or a fun pair of shoes to elevate your look.