Making my wardrobe work harder: the Christmas jumper edition

The Christmas jumper, though completely and utterly delightful – no arguments please – might well be the winner of the ‘least versatile item of clothing’ title. You can only dig them out for a few weeks a year (I mean you could wear them throughout the seasons but I don’t really want to), and they sometimes seem impossible to style beyond sticking them on with jeans and ankle boots and calling it a (Christmas) day.

Jeans and ankle boots with a festive knit is obviously a winning combo, and one of the two looks I have always reached for when December rolls around and a novelty jumper is required. When you need to squeeze your wear out of something that’s so time specific, though, it’s fun to keep outfit boredom at bay and make the most of the money you spent on the damn thing (they can be so expensive, can’t they?!) by trying out multiple looks; which is why the Christmas jumper was a perfect item to challenge myself with for a Making My Wardrobe Work Harder post. The rules are simple, but I’ll write them down anyway; I choose one item that I already own and style it four ways with other items that I already own, with the aim of making the most of my existing wardrobe.

The Christmas jumper in question is one I bought from New Look around four years ago I think. It is utterly ridiculous – I mean, look at it. It’s got a fluffy Christmas pudding and white pom poms on it. Still, I make a point of getting it out every year, and here’s what I have been/will be wearing it with this year;

Baby it’s cold outside

Seriously though, isn’t it cold outside at the moment? I have quite poor circulation and my hands/feet/limbs are hating it, so warm clothes and accessories are an absolute must right now. I’m not usually a fan of skinny jeans, but these ones are pretty thick and sturdy so I made an exception when tucked into some OTKs. I can’t believe I didn’t realise how practical this style of boot was before now (warmth wise, that is); I mean, it’s a shoe that goes all the way up your leg? I added a faux fur lined aviator, the cutest twin bobble hat and some gloves and was good to go for a chilly day in the city. Black coat + blue jeans + black boots + festive jumper is definitely a recipe for December success, I think.

Hat – New Look | Coat – Primark | Jeans – Zara | Boots – New Look | Bag – Mango

Fairytale of New York

I don’t really know where I was going with this one but I think it might be my favourite. I was looking for a combination I could wear to work but that was still fun, and somehow these things found their way together. I love the pop of red from the boots, although black would work just as well, and the layering with the white shirt under the jumper. Obviously, there are some offices where this just wouldn’t be acceptable attire except perhaps on Christmas jumper day, but I actually really like it for general day-to-day wear too. A long coat and culottes never fails to make me feel super grown up and competent, and when you want to feel a bit sassy (a bright heeled boot will do that to a girl) and throw a bit of festive onto a more slick, tailored outfit, this combo does the job.

Coat – New Look | Bag – H&M | Culottes – New Look | Boots – Dorothy Perkins | Shirt – Warehouse

Jingle Bell Rock

A faux leather a-line mini has been my go-to Christmas jumper accompaniment for about five years now. This is a outfit for when, after trying to choose between a velvet or a sparkly dress, you’re told that everyone’s wearing novelty jumpers to the Christmas party. Of course, if you want to wear your dress instead then to hell with them I say, turn up in whatever you want, but if you’re fine to go with it and still want to dress up a bit, this look is your gal. The pointed sock boots are a new addition to my wardrobe, and despite their very manageable height, they really deliver on the sass.

Skirt – Zara | Tights – Primark | Boots – New Look | Earrings – H&M

Driving home for Christmas

Easy peasy Christmas dressing here; some classic blue jeans, a thick coat, and cute shoes. This is probably an outfit contender for visiting friends or family for me; it’s comfortable and cosy, but the shoes add a little something in festive red. This H&M teddy coat is my new pride and joy – it might not be the most flattering, but it’s super oversized and warm. Switch the shoes out for pointed boots if you’re going to be outside for any length of time or pop on a pair of trainers instead and you’re good to go for a boxing day dog walk.

Coat – H&M | Jeans – H&M| Shoes – River Island

And that brings me to the end of my four Christmas jumper outfit ideas. I hope you don’t think I looked too ridiculous in any of them – which is your favourite? Are you a fan of a festive knit or are they a no-no for you?

Photos: Rob Poor

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