Ugly Adjacent Sweater Time: December 2025

Ah, December… just a few weeks away from Ugly Sweater season, and honestly, I cannot wait. Ugly sweaters have always been “the joke,” the thing everyone laughs at but secretly endures. Me? I wasn’t in on the joke… because I love them. I think they can be unique, personality-packed pieces that wake up a sleepy winter wardrobe. Sequins, reindeer, tinsel, or just bold chaos: these sweaters are loud, playful, and a little shameless. And honestly, isn’t that exactly what December needs?

So what exactly makes a sweater “ugly” (or in my case “ugly-adjacent”)? It’s less about tinsel and reindeer and more about personality on a knit. Think bold colors that clash in the best way, oversized silhouettes that almost look like they’re trying too hard (and yes, that’s the point0 and patterns or textures that demand attention. Whether it’s sequins, metallic threads, or just enough cable knit to get lost in, an ugly-adjacent sweater is unapologetically loud, a little chaotic, and a little bit charmingly ridiculous. It’s the piece that can turn a neutral winter wardrobe into a conversation starter or at least make your Zoom background feel jealous.

My weapon of choice this month is none other than a consigned treasure that somehow manages to house gold buttons, boisterous teal and purple paisley, and just enough attitude to carry the whole outfit on its own.

Bringing In The Family

I like to call this first outfit Bringing the Family! When you’re working with a loud, statement-making piece, the key is to really honor the color palette and pull from the hues that are most prominent. My magical wonder has both teal and purple (but with that neon, very 1980s flair), and so I’ve opted for a rich teal turtleneck bodysuit and a soft grey-lavender A-line skirt as the base layer.

Why does this work? By anchoring the outfit in colors that already exist in the statement piece, you create harmony and coherence, even amid chaos. It’s like giving your loud sweater a little entourage of compatible colors that lift it up rather than compete with it. The teal turtleneck picks up the jewel-toned energy and the lavender skirt softens and grounds the neon vibe. This creates a balanced, wearable canvas for all that paisley and gold detail to shine. Essentially, we’re letting the sweater be the star while the color family does the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

Because this sweater is a little oversize, everything underneath is tighter and more fitted. That’s the secret to keeping the look intentional rather than swallowed whole. The fitted turtleneck bodysuit and A-line skirt create a sleek, streamlined base that balances the volume on top, highlighting your shape while still letting the sweater shine. Oversized on top, slim underneath, and suddenly your outfit feels dynamic, polished, and effortless rather than top-heavy. It’s all about contrast: the sweater gets to be bold and boisterous while the base layers keep things grounded and wearable.

Girl In Black

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have a look that tones it all down with monochromatic black featuring a ripped black denim and a fitted black bodysuit.

Why does this work? Going all black instantly streamlines the silhouette, creating a long, lean shape that balances out any underlying volume or texture. The ripped denim adds just enough edge and intrigue, giving the outfit personality without shouting for attention. The fitted bodysuit keeps the lines clean and sleek, letting the texture of the jeans speak for itself.

To keep this all-black look from feeling too safe, I threw on a pair of bold, sequined booties. Yes, sequins! Even when you’re dialing things down, a little sparkle goes a long way. They catch the light, add texture, and give just the right hint of drama without stealing the show from the sleek silhouette. It’s that perfect mix of edge and fun, proving that even a monochrome outfit can have personality, attitude, and a little bit of unapologetic flair.

This is the kind of outfit that proves bold doesn’t always have to be colorful. By toning things down, you let proportion, shape, and subtle detail become the stars, creating a look that’s effortlessly cool and visually compelling (even without a single paisley swirl or neon pop).

The Prep

My last look is all about a little prep with a twist. I went with a crisp white button-up, collar buttoned all the way for structure and polish, and then I threw on some cut-off, raw-hem jeans for contrast.

Why does this work? It’s all about mixing clean and classic with a little lived-in edge. The shirt gives shape and purpose, but the raw hem keeps things relaxed. A pair of loafers finishes it off, grounding the outfit while keeping it effortless. This is the kind of outfit that proves you can take preppy pieces, toss in some casual cool, and somehow make it all feel intentional, modern, and totally wearable.

Ugly Adjacent

Every single one of these outfits comes back to my loud, ugly-adjacent cardigan. It’s the common thread that turns three very different moods (colorful and bold, sleek and monochrome, preppy with edge) into a cohesive wardrobe story. The sweater sets the tone, giving each look personality, energy, and a little bit of attitude. By playing with proportions, textures, and color, I let the cardigan shine while still making each outfit feel intentional and styled. Essentially, it’s proof that a single statement piece can be endlessly versatile, transforming everything from quiet minimalism to maximalist fun and making winter dressing feel just a little more magical.