I'm Only Here for Classy Christmas Jumpers—22 That Meet My Expectations

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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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

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

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. 

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content 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, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV 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, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.