Turning tips into memories

Chic Christmas jumpers

By Rebecca Gonsalves on 9/12/2019

Christmas Jumper Day started as unofficial festive fun, but it's now an annual charity fundraiser.
But buying a single-use novelty sweater in a nasty acrylic blend is an unsustainable practice that needs to stop.
Thankfully, London has a host of vintage stores and charity shops with plenty of novelty cast-offs and the sort of retro 'dad' jumpers that are perfect to don on Friday 13 December 2019.
If you're looking for a long-lasting new option, then read on for the Culture Whisper guide to the chicest alternative knits for Christmas Jumper Day and beyond.
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Stella McCartney Fair Isle wool-blend jumper, £860

This cosy knit will work equally well with a pretty slip skirt for Christmas Eve drinks or a pair of raw-hem mom jeans for a bracing New Year's Day walk.

Day Birger Et Mikkelson Home Day Spry Jumper Green, £200

Day Birger et Mikkelsen Home Day green Spry jumper, £200

Christmas may come but once a year, but this fuzzy mohair-blend poloneck will be a wardrobe stalwart from September to March.

Bella Freud Lady Day black embellished wool jumper, £350

No wardrobe is complete without an elegant disco knit, and this sequined-sleeved number will have you party-ready in no time.

Equipment Omee red chunky-knit wool jumper, £430

In a red to rival Rudolph's nose, this vibrant scarlet pure wool sweater will look great with jeans, Chelsea boots and a leather jacket well into the spring.

RED Valentino Black macramé-trimmed wool-blend jumper, £345

A quirky take on the Christmas jumper trend, this Victorian-inspired embellished collar instantly elevates any outfit. Whip it out of your wardrobe whenever you want to make a good impression.

Frame grey sequin-embellished jumper, £430

You might feel a little over-indulged in the sparkly stuff once the festive period is over, but you'd be wise to keep this shimmering knit nearby for an instant pick-me-up all year round.

3.1 Phillip Lim Fair Isle wool-blend jumper, £440

This twisted take on the traditional Fair Isle knit is bound to become a life-long friend. Pair with a pleated skirt for any festive family events and with jeans and hiking boots for a casual look that works well past the Christmas period.

Boss Fivian gold cotton-blend jumper, £195

In December gold just screams 'Christmas' but the rest of the time it's accepted for what it is, an almost universally flattering shade that can pull any outfit together – sharp.

Kitri Giulia cream cable-knit jumper, £125

One of the best parts of Christmas Jumper Day (apart from raising money for Save the Children, naturally) is the chance to dress like an American clothing catalogue from days gone by. This retro knit is spot on, but will look great well into the next decade too.

No.21 black crystal-embellished wool jumper, £525

Is this the most refined take on festive sparkle ever? The fine knit features a healthy sprinkling of crystals as an alternative to sequins.

'S Max Mara Nabucco red wool-blend jumper, £340

There's a reason that berry shades return to fashion whenever the mercury plummets: there's something inherently warming about them. This wool and cashmere blend poloneck fits the bill perfectly; wear with tailored trousers for work and a silk midi-skirt for the weekends.

Saint Laurent Black Metallic-striped Jumper, £680

Saint Laurent black metallic-striped jumper, £685

No modern wardrobe is complete without a Breton-inspired top, and this luxurious take offers the perfect dose of festive sparkle without seeming out of place year-round.