When I was younger, my mom and grandma wore elaborate and gorgeous holiday sweaters. Not in an “ironic” way, or to an Ugly Sweater Party, but just beautiful and embellished sweaters that just happened to be holiday themed. There was one I loved that had Santa going down the chimney, some with snowflakes, and of course, this stunner with sequined candy canes- just to name a few. I thought that they were so chic and not corny at all, just holiday glamorous.
Then- things changed. Holiday sweaters went out of style. Ugly Sweater Parties became a thing- and let’s be honest, holiday sweaters became uglier to fit the theme. Holiday dressing, or more specifically, holiday dressing that was THEMED became corny and faux pas and something I did NOT do. (Not even the sweet jewelry!)
And now? Things have changed again; or maybe it’s my fashion sense or holiday cheer, or maybe I just stopped caring about what other people think. I’ve come back around and have been wearing my Mom’s and Grandma’s vintage holiday sweaters. Not the corny ones, the chic ones. I’ve even been know to wear tasteful jewelry with holiday theme from lights to snowflakes to Rudolph’s and more. Again- not the ugly kind, but things that I actually love that just happened to be holiday themed. I’m finding I love it, it’s chic and festive and makes me feel closer to my loved ones.
I wore this outfit to a holiday gathering this weekend- beautiful cardigan with sequined candy canes, satin tank, black pants with a satin tie waist, and red and white enamel hoop earrings. I wasn’t thinking chic or corny- I just wanted an outfit that was holiday and I loved. Beloveds, I got so many compliments, from women and men of all ages. One comment that really stuck out to me was a woman who let me know she has a ton of designer holiday sweaters, but has been afraid to wear them as she thought she would be seen as a corny old woman.
How sad is it that we wouldn’t wear something we love for fear of what other’s think? (That’s not a knock on her, I’ve been guilty of it too!) Also, what if what we worry is corny is actually chic? Or what if it’s chic to be corny? At the heart, dressing to theme (holidays or not) is a way to show you care. Dressing well is absolutely a form of good manners, and dressing with joy and being festive? What is that if not spreading cheer? (Cheer and joy and love are chic in my book!)
Fashion, trends, fads- they all change. While I have fallen victim to caring (perhaps too much) about what other people think, I’ve decided to choose chic. And during this season, chic to me means wearing gorgeous, tasteful and festive holiday sweaters, earrings and more. I’m going to revel in the things that I find beautiful and bring joy (to me and others). Maybe it is chic to be corny- and maybe we take back holiday dressing from ugly sweaters. Either way, I’m in!
This sweater is vintage, but I’m linking some vintage sweaters and some modern sweaters- as well as holiday jewelry – for your own celebrations below!
What about you- do you wear holiday sweaters? What are your thoughts about corny being chic?
XO RA
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Vintage Sweaters:
Modern Sweaters and Earrings:
