22 Classy Christmas Jumpers You'll Genuinely Love Wearing

last updated 11 December 2023

Despite enjoying fashion’s proclivity for being flamboyant, I’m usually the sort of person who dodges anything remotely festive. Halloween costumes are a strictly no-go area, Valentine’s Day isn’t worth celebrating (sorry), so then, of course, Christmas jumpers are completely out of the question. Don’t get me wrong—Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, but when I start seeing the two words "novelty” and "knitwear” together, I want to run a mile. I dislike it all—from pullovers festooned with stick-out reindeer antlers to cable-knits with look-at-me tinsel embellishments.

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Camille Charrière knows exactly how to do Christmas jumpers the fashion way.

Call me Ebenezer, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely averse to a bit of festive-style clothing. And this year just so happens to be the year of the classy Christmas jumper. This season’s knitwear, while being a little sparklier than your usual winter jumper, is ideal for wearing right now and straight through the holidays. Spotted on the runways at Khaite and Miu Miu, knitwear was taken up a notch. Some pieces were bejewelled, some had sequin details, and others had fringed beading. But all are ideal for party season—especially if you’re planning to keep yours low-key.

What's more, the more pared-back way to do Christmas jumper dressing allows you to make the most of your new item. Sure, a novelty jumper is fun, but we doubt you'll wear it as soon as the temperature drops next autumn. We like to encourage thoughtful shopping, and a more pared-back and classy Christmas jumper can be worn right now, and into 2024.

Below, I’ve hunted down the ideal knitwear to wear right now and then all the way through winter. Come Christmas Day, however, it’ll still feel festive enough for a celebration.

SHOP CLASSY CHRISTMAS JUMPERS FOR 2023

Massimo Dutti

Fair Isle Jacquard Knit

I saw so many people pick this up when I was last in a Massimo Dutti store.

Arket

Bow-Detail Jumper

Bows are a pretty yet understated detail and feel just the right amount of festive.

H&M

Rhinestone-Bow Cardigan

This cardigan has already sold out in the cream, black and grey colourways—don't miss the new peach hue.

Sleeper

+ Net Sustain Convertible Cropped Feather-Trimmed Knitted Cardigan

You had me at "green feathers".

Marks & Spencer

Sequin Crew Neck Jumper

The sequin placement on this jumper creates a beautiful effect.

& Other Stories

Boxy Turtleneck Knit Jumper

Red knitwear is a key trend this season; the blue undertones in this jumper keep it the right side of classy.

The White Company

Foil Printed Spot Jumper

The little foil detailing is as delicate as a flutter of snow.

Sézane

Omaya Jumper

Lurex knits double up as the perfect party attire.

SELF-PORTRAIT

Cropped Embellished Fleece Cardigan

So cute!

Ganni

Wool Pullover

Only the coolest festive dressers need apply.

Mango

Crewneck Lurex Sweater

Tinsel meets knitwear! I love the idea of wearing this with a matching silver slip skirt.

& Other Stories

Sequin-Stripe Knit Sweater

If black is your signature colour, add sequins into the mix.

Khaite

Amaris Fair-Isle Cashmere-Blend Jumper

I can picture Kendall Jenner or Hailey Baldwin wearing this with leather trousers and Uggs.

Anthropologie

Alani Cashmere Sequin Mock-Neck Jumper

Nail the Christmas-jumper brief with red sequins.

Free People

Twinkle Cardi

Show me a prettier embellished knit.

Paloma Wool

Tana Bow Knitted Jumper

Cream knitwear always looks elevated.

Boden

Pointelle Detailed Jumper

Pointelle details and ruffle necklines give this evergreen knit French-style flair.

Oliver Bonas

Diamond Pink Roll Neck Knitted Jumper

Pep up your winter wares with pink Argyle.

Zara

Bead-Appliqué Cardigan

You need to click through to fully appreciate the detail in this piece. The gem clusters? They look like snowflakes!

Polo Ralph Lauren

Wool, Cotton and Alpaca-Blend Jacquard Turtleneck Sweater

I was always more into après ski than hitting the slopes...

Mint Velvet

Cream Organza Sleeve Jumper

Is there anything more fabulous than a white tulle ruffle?

Marks & Spencer

Embellished Pointelle Crew Neck Jumper

Pearl details look so polished. This knit also comes in cream, so you have two to choose from.

Next up, Our Epic Guide to the Best Christmas Gifts for Women, Whatever Your Budget

This piece was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.