Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Google
YahooThere is a wonderful moment near the beginning of Bridget Jones' Diary when Bridget first encounters Mark Darcy at a holiday party; he is wearing a green sweater emblazoned with a reindeer. It's a horrible sweater, and it serves as a touchstone for Bridget's initial dislike of Mark; later, when we find out that it was a gift from his mother, it illustrates his kindness.
But it truly is a horrible sweater, even on the very hott Colin Firth.
Berek Ski Lessons Novelty Zipper Cardigan, $89.99. No. Oh NO.
Last year, about this time, I asked the Internet about holiday sweaters; the response was both hilarious and surprising. The holiday sweater -- or "jumper," as Bridget Jones calls is -- inspires quite a lot of passion from sweater wearing people everywhere.
And because I am always one to stir the pot of controversy, I'm going to ask the Internet again this year: what say you to holiday sweaters? Yay or nay?
Wool family snowflake sweater, Lands' End, $79.50. For the WHOLE FAMILY. No.
I say no. Absolutely not.
I am all about the festive; I am also all about the bling. But wee little sequined Santas dancing across your boobs is just wrong. Holiday pajamas are fine, as long as you stay home in them, and I'll give you the holiday socks, although I don't really like those either. But holiday sweaters?
No.
Ralph Lauren reindeer wool sweater, $245.00. Better, but still no.
The holiday sweater is not chic; it is not pretty. Even the best holiday sweaters (if there really IS such a thing) look silly on a grown woman (or man, or Colin Firth). Feel free to decorate for the holidays, but limit the decorations to your house or office, not your self. Or, if you just cannot resist the lure of the holiday sweater, throw a Holiday Sweater Party, and give everyone permission to break out the reindeer jumpers.
And then put them away. Please.
I'm not the only one who feels this way. The Fashion Police cut right to the chase:
Our problem with Christmas sweaters is pretty much the same as our problem with novelty socks: it's that whole 'Dress Like a Toddler' trend in action again, isn't it? You see, LOTS of sweaters are "cosy". LOTS of socks are "warm". Not all "cosy and warm" sweaters and socks look like they belong on a three-year-old, though, do they? And thus is born one of the fundamental fashion laws of our time: adults should dress like adults. Kids should dress like kids. And no one over the age of seven should ever be seen in a holiday sweater...
And let's not forget the holiday pajamas with the footies in them. For ADULTS. No.
It's wonderful to feel like a child again at Christmas; don't dress like one. What to wear instead of the holiday sweater? Think sparkly jewelry (cocktail rings are big this year, both in terms of size and popularity) or luxurious fabrics (silk and cashmere and velvet, all of which are available at a variety of price points).
Just in case you are still tempted by the holiday sweater, take a moment to check out Lynette's ugly sweater gallery. There are no words to describe these sweaters, except possibly ouch.
Looking for more great holiday style ideas? Lesley Scott at Fashiontribes has you covered; Lesley talked with Carson Kressley about his partnership with TJ Maxx, and about how to festive up without breaking the bank.
Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and The Working Closet, and about everything else at Friday Playdate. She has a little crush on Colin Firth.
A definite "no"
kperfetto November 27, 2007 - 10:46am
Designer or not, the reindeer are, um, oddly placed on the Ralph Lauren one.
Available Light & Five Dollar Radio