When the weather outside is frightful, you can probably expect to pencil a few ugly Christmas sweater parties into your calendar. Have no shame in breaking out your gaudiest, frumpiest holiday topper, because nobody likes that guy that just shows up in a Santa hat. But, unless you want to keep your crush far from the mistletoe, looking cute is still possible. The trick is to balance the silliness of the theme with cool, modern touches for a look that is playful and tongue-in-cheek. Here are a few tips that can take your ensemble from styled-by-a-drunk-elf to festively ugly-chic.
1. Vest to the Nines
A holly-jolly sweater vest is the perfect piece to top off a girly frock. Pick a bright long-sleeve dress in a classic silhouette, like this drop-waist one. A simple velvet headband keeps it adorably old school. All you need to give this sugar-plum-sweet look some edge are—what else? Gold metallic brogues. Because duh.
2. Leather Whenever
Everyone has that one friend who can’t put away her new pleather-paneled pants, and if not, it’s probably you. Wear your pair boldly to give your cutesiest Christmas sweater a don’t-mess-with-me vibe. A studded bow is quirky and stylish when fastened to a messy topknot, and pointy-toe flats are perfect for rocking around the Christmas tree all night long. Don’t forget the red lipstick!
3. Pump It Up
The oldest trick in the book to look hot in an ugly Christmas sweater is to pair it with every college girl’s trusty sidekick, a little black skirt. Make the classic look a bit merrier with pumps that match the sweater, like these Rudolph-red stilettos. Top it all off with some shiny gold jewelry for a look that’s a little naughty and a little nice.
Photo credits:
Dropwaist dress from J.Crew, sweater vest from EBay, headband from American Apparel, brogues from ASOS
Leather pants by Michael Kors, penguin sweater from Urban Outfitters, hairbow from Claire’s, lipstick by Estee Lauder, flats from J.Crew
Skirt from American Apparel, Fair Isle sweater from River Island, earrings from ASOS, watch by Michael Kors, pumps from Nasty Gal