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The novelty Christmas jumper has become as much a mainstay of the festive season as eggnog, mulled wine and family rows - so much so that there’s little excuse for not having one in your wardrobe that there’s little excuse for not having one in your wardrobe nowadays unless you're the actual Grinch.
But while we’re all for joining in on the festive fun, it is fair to say that novelty knits don’t do much for your sartorial cred.
Notorious for featuring flashing lights, colourful pom poms and run-of-the-mill puns like “Prosecco-Ho-Ho-Ho”, Christmas jumpers can easily fall off the acceptability wagon.
Luckily, a growing number of fashion retailers are launching their own ranges of Christmassy woollens that promise to help you get in the festive spirit while being unarguably stylish.
For a more pared-down look, invest in classic crew or funnel neck styles in seasonal shades and rich jewel tones such as emerald green and ruby red.
Similarly, prints like Fair Isle and jacquard manage to nod to festive cheer without diving head first into kitsch, as do versions swathed in delicate embroidery, sequins and shimmering lurex.
Slogan sweats are another great alternative, but avoid the sort that run the risk of verging on tasteless by investing in styles from brands such as Bella Freud and Chinti & Parker, both of which offer a range of graphic knits that can be worn over Christmas and the ensuing colder months.
Click through the gallery above to see The Independent’s pick of the most stylish Christmas jumpers to buy now.
