The Spectator’s shopping guide to the ugliest, most adorable holiday sweaters

It’s that time of the year! Time for snow, hot chocolate and the one thing you can only do in December: wear ugly holiday sweaters.
A few years ago, ugly holiday sweaters were seldom seen on anyone but grandma. Books have been written about how to rock your ugly sweater and how-to guides on how to host a rockin’ ugly holiday sweater party.
Here are a few tips on how and where to find the perfect ugly sweater:
When shopping for a ugly holiday sweater, it’s best to remember that you’ll be wearing the sweater once or twice a year. Go wild!
You’ll most likely be wearing your fabulously tacky sweater to a party with other people wearing fabulously tacky sweaters. It’s OK to go crazy with your sweater fashion.
Speaking of going wild, crazy elements like faux fur (preferably in white to replicate snow) and lights are great for standing out. Bells, while usually small, add a nice musical element to your sweater.
If you don’t want to be too flashy in your ugly holiday sweater, but still want to have the kitschy fun that comes with them, opt for a sweater with a scene knitted or sewn on it. The simple scenes are a great starting point for ugly holiday sweaters newbies, and doesn’t scream ‘look at me!’
If you’re attending a party where the dress code is ugly holiday sweater, you know everyone is going to be wearing warm sweaters and the fireplace (or the computer screensaver) will be roaring.
To stay moderately warm, but not boiling like the others at the party, switch things up with a sweater vest and a long sleeve t-shirt.
Sweater vests can be equally tacky, but usually aren’t as bulky and overbearingly warm like full sweaters.

Where to buy:

Ragstock, located in Oakwood Mall, has a wide array of ugly holiday sweaters for reasonable prices. Savers and Goodwill are also great places to check for pre-owned holiday sweaters.
It’s also a good idea to check stores like Walmart and Younkers (also located in Oakwood Mall) for holiday wear, too. Women’s wear usually contains some entertaining holiday sweaters, even though the designers probably didn’t intend for them to be.
If you’re especially strapped for cash, check your parent’s or grandparent’s closets — they’re bound to have something tacky for you.