So Much More than an “Ugly” Sweater.
This winter, look beyond your typical rotation of sweaters. By that we mean, look beyond (far beyond) the tradition of the novelty holiday sweater. Instead, opt for refined, timeless options that embrace the season with color and texture, rather than eye-popping prints. No matter what your winter looks like going forward, be it office parties, winter weddings or nights hosting family and friends, there’s a sweater on this list for you.
DUER Brushed Terry Performance Crew
While the stylish man knows holiday affairs call for refined style, there are times where you’re going to want a reliable, comfortable workhorse of a sweater on hand. The kind of sweater you’d reach for when staying in on a cold night, or the kind you’d layer underneath a winter parka – functional, soft, with modern fabric and a streamlined color. This Brushed Terry Crew checks each of those boxes.
The Tie Bar Cable Shawl Cardigan
Once thought to be a tad too old-school or stuffy, the cardigan is a winter style move that’s made a major comeback in recent years. The Tie Bar, makers of crisply designed dress shirts, tries its hand in excellent fashion at a handsome sweater that blends a flattering shawl collar with rugged-yet-refined cable knit detailing. The color is perfect for the season, and the price is near-perfect, too.
Bonobos Fair Isle Shawl Pullover
You see, there’s a way to do pattern and color tastefully in the holiday season, and this deep green sweater – which calls to mind the hues of a Christmas tree – is a prime example. The shawl collar frames the face and can be worn on its own over a lightweight tee or (better still) over an Oxford shirt. Add a black knit tie and trade the blue jeans for dark tan chinos to round out a dressy-yet-comfortable look.
Finisterre Cabet Jumper
Do your best impression of Hemingway this winter with an exceptionally rugged and eye-catching cable knit sweater inspired by vintage coastal knitwear. You needn’t be a longshoreman or fisherman to wear this sweater – the Aran cable knit stitching, a nod to old-world knitting techniques – is timeless and a great way to elevate dark blue jeans and brown leather boots.
Billy Reid Made in America V-Neck Sweater
The details separate the good in your wardrobe from the truly great, and while this might seem like a subtle V-neck sweater on the surface, it’s so much more than that. It’s a luxuriously knit sweater made for both the office (note the V-neck collar, made to show off a shirt and tie) and a holiday soiree afterwards. And its USA-made construction guarantees the finest quality. The Olive color is also a nice change of pace that pairs easily with charcoal wool trousers or dark blue jeans.
Todd Snyder Striped Merino Polo
The yuletide style of Christmas past is on expert display here in the hands of Todd Snyder, a designer that knows how to bridge the gap between retro and modern. The sweater polo channels ‘60s style to a T, like something out of Mad Men. Teal green stripes contrast tastefully with the rich cognac brown color, and the entire sweater seems tailor-made for an evening of elegant drams and elegant cigars.
About the author: Beau Hayhoe is a men's style and lifestyle writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He covers everything from menswear to watches, spirits and music. His work has appeared online at Esquire, Maxim, AskMen, Men's Journal, Gear Patrol, InsideHook and more. He's a devoted fan of Red Wing boots, Filson flannel shirts, Buck Mason jeans and a great dram of The Macallan. Follow him on Instragram @beahayhoe.
