With Christmas Day now less than a month away and Christmas Jumper Day fast approaching on December 11, the hunt for the perfect festive knit is officially on. Gone are the days of garish, overly bright designs; this year's selections from the high street offer a sophisticated take on holiday cheer, blending style with seasonal spirit.
Expert Picks: The Best Festive Knits
Our team of fashion writers has scoured the high street to bring you their top recommendations for Christmas jumpers that strike the perfect balance between festive and fashionable. These picks promise to deliver compliments without sacrificing style.
Eve's Choice: River Island's Elegant Bow Design
Senior Fashion & Beauty Writer Eve Rowlands selected the River Island Nephthys Green Bow Christmas Jumper as her favourite. This design, created by London-based illustrator Nephthys Foster, features a sophisticated colour palette of muted pistachio green with Christmas tree green accents on the cuffs, neckline and hem.
The jumper's delicate pink bow and subtle sequin star details provide just the right amount of festive sparkle without being overwhelming. Little bows tied onto the sleeves complete the elegant look. While Eve notes it may run slightly short for some, she recommends pairing it with barrel jeans and heels for a smart-casual occasion.
Lauren's Game-Changer: Next's Pink Fairisle
Senior Affiliates Writer Lauren Codling, who admits she's never been a Christmas jumper enthusiast, found her perfect match in the Next Pink Fairisle Jumper priced at £38. The bright pink hue and traditional Fair Isle pattern offer a subtle festive touch without the typical Christmas clichés.
Lauren praises the jumper's incredibly soft and cosy finish, making it ideal for winter wear. For those who prefer lighter colours, she suggests considering M&S's Fairisle Crew Neck Jumper at £75 as an alternative.
Jess's Subtle Sparkle: New Look's Slogan Jumper
Jessica Brunt chose the New Look Cream Embroidered Merry Mimosa Christmas Jumper for its perfect balance of festive cheer and subtlety. Priced at under £30, this cream knit features a fun slogan and just a touch of sparkle, making it suitable for various festive gatherings from Christmas dinner to Boxing Day walks.
While acknowledging the cream colour might not be the most practical for December festivities, Jess notes it's machine washable for easy care. She also recommends Brave Soul's £28 Oversized Christmas Jumper with sequin candy cane detail from ASOS for those preferring more colour.
Lucy's Budget Bow: Amazon's Versatile Find
Lucy Addicott embraced the bow trend with the Amazon Bow Knit Sweater, priced at just £17.88. Featuring a big red bow and nostalgic red stitching around the neckline, this affordable find has garnered numerous compliments.
Lucy appreciates that it's not the warmest winter jumper, making it perfect for layering during commutes or shopping trips without overheating. She confirms it's a piece she'll continue wearing well into January and February.
Narin's Quirky Choice: Boden's Christmas Tree Cardigan
Narin Flanders selected the conversation-starting Boden Christmas Tree jumper, available for £119 for adults and £39 for children. This distinctive design, reduced by 20% in Boden's Black Friday sale, features pom poms and a Christmas tree pattern that divides opinion but delivers undeniable cheer.
Narin, who writes the year-round Christmas newsletter Secret Elves Club, praises the cardigan's warmth and thoughtful design. The pom poms sit below the bust line and only appear on the front, ensuring comfort while maintaining the whimsical aesthetic that has already caused it to sell out twice this winter.
Making Your Festive Fashion Choice
Whether you prefer subtle elegance like Eve's River Island pick, bold colours like Lauren's Next selection, or quirky statements like Narin's Boden cardigan, this year's Christmas jumper offerings prove that festive fashion can be both stylish and celebratory. With Christmas Jumper Day on December 11 approaching rapidly, there's never been a better time to invest in a knit that brings joy without compromising on style.
