

Ugly Christmas: glamorous outfits are passé

Thinking of your festive Christmas outfit and all the glitz and glam? Think again – these times are over. This year’s motto is: All I want for Christmas is you... err, an Ugly Christmas Sweater.
While I used to get properly dolled up for the festive season – including glitter make-up (I don't want to comment further on this faux pas, I'm done with glitter and glam make-up today) – I've noticed a counter-trend, which started a few years ago and has now reached its peak: celebrating Christmas in woolly sweaters with cheesy x-mas motifs, such as snowmen, reindeers or Santa.

«Ugly Christmas Sweaters» – a trend that I remember all too well from my childhood. Back then, I was given a boy's sweater by my uncle, who was unwilling to accept that I was a girl. Don't get me wrong, but you must understand that in young Vanessa's world, pink was the only acceptable colour. Anyway, he gave me a dark blue woolly jumper that featured a snowman with a three-dimensional carrot nose. I could have lived with the colour, but this itchy thing ruined Christmas Eve for me. That was my first and for the time being my last cheesy knitted sweater. Until today. At the time, I never would have thought that I'd actually spend money on such a jumper almost 30 years later. Today, ugly sweaters belong to Christmas just like cookies and a decorated tree.
Many pre-Christmas parties specifically include the dress code «Ugly Christmas Sweater» – some even have a prize for the ugliest sweater on the night. It took me a few years to get used to this new trend – I preferred the «light» version: Scandinavia-inspired woolly jumpers. But this Christmas, I've decided to show up at an event wearing a particularly cheesy sweater.

Ugly is the new festive
You're in love with this trend or you've been invited to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party? Check out these awfully beautiful models!
For hard-core Ugly Christmas Sweater fans:
For Ugly Christmas Sweater rookies:
For the little ones:
Speaking of trash: In my opinion, this slushy Christmas song by iconic band Wham! falls into the same category:
See all our Ugly Christmas Sweaters.


When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.