An ugly sweater party is the one holiday event where the dress code is "have fun." But a festive sweater doesn't have to look sloppy. Styled with the right bottoms and shoes, a Christmas sweater can look cute, cozy and still win the room's vote.
Here are eight ugly sweater party outfits for women, plus how to choose a sweater that's playful without being frumpy. For dressier events, see our holiday party outfits.
What do you wear to an ugly sweater party?
Wear a festive Christmas sweater, then style it like a regular outfit: tucked into a skirt, with jeans or leather trousers, and finished with boots. Balancing a busy sweater with simple bottoms keeps the look cute rather than costume-like.
Ugly sweater party outfits
1. Sweater and a leather mini
Tuck a festive sweater into a black leather mini skirt and add tights and knee boots. The sleek skirt balances the busy knit.
Wear it with: opaque black tights and knee boots.
2. Sweater and a pleated skirt
A Christmas sweater with a plaid or solid pleated skirt is playful and preppy.
Wear it with: loafers and knee socks.
3. Sweater and straight jeans
The easiest option. A festive sweater with dark straight-leg jeans and white sneakers or ankle boots.
Wear it with: a velvet bow in your hair.
4. Sweater over a collared shirt
Layer a festive sweater over a white collared shirt so the collar and cuffs show. It looks more polished than the sweater alone.
Wear it with: black trousers and loafers.
5. Sweater dress
A festive knit sweater dress with tights is cozy and needs no planning.
Wear it with: knee boots. See our brown boots outfits for pairings.
6. Cropped sweater and high-waisted trousers
A cropped Christmas sweater with high-waisted wide-leg trousers keeps the proportions flattering.
Wear it with: block heels.
7. Sweater and leather leggings
A longer festive sweater with faux leather leggings is warm, comfortable and easy to dance in.
Wear it with: ankle boots.
8. Matching couple or group sweaters
Coordinate with friends or a partner in matching sweaters for the photos.
Wear it with: simple jeans so the sweaters stand out.
How to pick a cute ugly sweater
- Choose your level of silly. Classic Fair Isle and snowflakes read as cute; light-up trees and 3D pom-poms read as funny.
- Go for good fit. A sweater that fits well always looks better than a huge, boxy one.
- Stick to two or three colors. Red, green and cream look festive without looking chaotic.
- Balance the bottoms. A busy sweater needs plain bottoms in black, denim or a solid color.
FAQ
How do you make an ugly sweater look cute?
Choose a well-fitting sweater, tuck it into a skirt or high-waisted trousers, and keep the bottoms simple. Add boots and festive accessories like a bow or red lipstick.
What do you wear with an ugly Christmas sweater?
Dark jeans, leather skirts, pleated skirts or black trousers, with ankle or knee boots.
Can I wear an ugly sweater to work?
For an office holiday party, yes. Choose a classic Fair Isle or snowflake design over anything too silly, and pair it with trousers.
What shoes go with an ugly sweater outfit?
Ankle boots, knee boots, loafers and sneakers all work. Boots look the most put-together.
The bottom line
Style a festive sweater like any other knit: tuck it in, keep the bottoms simple, and add boots. A sweater with a leather mini or straight jeans covers most parties. Save the look you like and browse more outfit ideas.
