Holiday Sweaters for Every Party or Gathering

If the thought of wearing a holiday sweater makes you cringe, hear me out. Yes, there will always be kitschy options galore — just search for “ugly Christmas sweater” on Amazon! But if Santas and snowmen just aren’t your thing, there are equally festive, sophisticated options — such as printed, metallic, rhinestone- and pearl-studded knits that can take you from Thanksgiving through New Year’s (and beyond) — whether you are the hostess or a guest.

Floral knits

For Thanksgiving, an autumnal floral-patterned sweater is perfect. Wear it with velvet or denim jeans or black trousers — with a spirit of gratitude for nature’s abundance.

(Left to right) Botanical Alpaca Sweater Coat in Black ($355, artfulhome.com); Lambswool Floral Print Cardigan in Green ($171, brooksbrothers.com); Vintage Floral Print Crew ($135, autumncashmere.com)

Artful Home; Brooks Brothers; Autumn Cashmere

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Metallics

Metallic knits shine for both day and evening events, such as holiday office parties, open houses, casual cocktails and New Year’s Eve — or Day — celebrations. Bear in mind that the rest of your outfit should be matte, not shiny, although you could accessorize with a metallic shoe in the same color family if you choose.

(Left to right) June + Vie by Rodman’s Women’s Plus Size Metallic Cable-Knit Cardigan ($51, target.com); Audrey Cashmere Sweater in Stencil Floral ($199, talbots.com); I.N.C. International Concepts Women’s Foiled Boat-Neck Sweater in Gold Foil Combo ($100, macys.com)

Target; Talbots; Macy's

Pearled pullovers

Sweaters embellished with faux pearls are an easy way to take the glamour up a notch. Just remember not to go overboard with matching jewelry. Essentially, the sweater is the jewelry, so stick to studs or small drop earrings, or a delicate bracelet at most.

(Left to right) Pearl Textured Knit Sweater ($70, zara.com/us); C by Bloomingdales Cashmere Faux Pearl Embellished Mock Neck in Black ($139, bloomingdales.com); Charter Club Women’s 100% Cashmere Embellished One-Shoulder Sweater in Pearl Taupe Heather ($131, macys.com)

Zara; Bloomingdale's; Macy's

Sparkly cardigans

Jeweled knits can be dressed up or down and paired with everything from jeans to a pencil skirt to silky pants. Cardigans with sparkly buttons can also function as a jacket over a dress for evenings out. Again, stick to subtle jewelry. A little glitz goes a long way.

(Left to right) Rhinestone Embellished Cardigan in Plum Rose ($76, anntaylor.com); Halogen Embellished Button Cardigan in Black ($89, nordstrom.com); Odette Sweater Lady Jacket with Jeweled Buttons in Hthr Muslin ($140, jcrew.com)

Ann Taylor; Nordstrom; J.Crew

Holiday motif sweaters

In general, spending a lot on holiday-themed sweaters isn’t worth it since you have such a limited time to wear them, but there will always be some jolly souls who get a kick out of wearing a cardigan with jingle bells or headbands with antlers — perhaps for the benefit of the little ones in their lives? Or maybe just because it makes them feel merry? If this is you, make no apologies! Anything that makes you smile is a gift ... and you can always donate last year’s Rudolph pullover to Goodwill for someone else to discover for this year’s “Secret Santa Swap.”

Here are a couple of cute graphic sweaters that send a joyful message:

(Left to right) Style & Co Women’s Graphic Crewneck Long-Sleeve Sweater in Industrial Blue ($36, macys.com); Boden Edie Holiday Fair Isle Crewneck in Vibrant Pink ($140, boden.com); “Cheers” Teddie Sweater in Sequin Cheers ($35, factory.jcrew.com)

Macy's; Boden; J.Crew Factory