10 Cool Sweaters to Buy Now

This year’s Highsnobiety Gift Guide is all about the presents that’ll make a difference in these new and strange times. From gifts that encourage connection with loved ones, to self-love suggestions you entirely deserve at the end of 2020.

A haunting part of the holiday wardrobe that just won’t die — the festive sweater seems to return each year in more awful forms. And when it does, you ask yourself why you haven’t set fire to dad’s abominable snowman knit yet.

But like every part of the seasonal wardrobe, there are more acceptable alternatives. Hey, not just acceptable, but actually-cool alternatives. Nowhere is this more true than in the holiday sweater section.

There are plenty of thick knits, wool pullovers, and chunky sweaters that feel holiday-ready enough to keep the family from calling you grinch. But you’re not going to be embarrassed if you bump into that person you’re trying to impress when popping out for milk in one of these sweaters we’ve picked out at SSENSE.

Scroll for some alternatives to the ugly sweaters of the holiday season.

Harmony Turtleneck

Turtlenecks are as synonymous with the holiday season as turkey. Well, almost. Four rollnecks make our list, and this future staple of yours by Harmony is a good place to start.

Doublet Jacquard Sweater

Is that a knitted turkey? It looks like a knitted turkey…

South2 West8 Sweater

To holiday favorite mohair now, and my personal highlight of the list. Probably the closest in aesthetic to your usual holiday sweater, but still soooo much better.

Thom Browne Cable Knit

A certified Christmas crowd-pleaser, the cable knit will be appreciated by everyone. But mostly by those over the age of 70. This one by Thom Browne is fire.

Ami Turtleneck

Next up on the rollneck front is this heart-stamped iteration by Paris’ Ami. Shares a similar shade to that of coffee, Baileys, and eggnog.

Jacquemus Sweater

There’s one element of the traditional ugly holiday sweater that we’re not doing away with, and that’s the loudness. Jacquemus’ bright pink mohair sweater is about as loud as gets.

Random Identities Jacquard Sweater

It’s been a big year for ’80s looks, spearheaded mostly by Alessandro Michele and Gucci. Continue in their vein with this garish Random Identities jacquard.

We11done Sweater

Be warned, you’re walking a fine line of what can and cannot be considered festive-enough with this one. All we’re saying is, there may be a disapproving look from that family member dressed in the gingerbread pullover.

Acne Studios Turtleneck

When this thing finally blows over, I’m planning to make a bold entrance back into the outside world. First on my list of tools to do so? A bright green turtleneck.

Tiger of Sweden Sweater

Mohair, wool-blend, and a turtleneck collar? Some people just have it all. Like this sweater.

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