Ugly Sweaters 2016: Ideas, Where To Buy, How To Make Christmas, Hanukkah Outfits

All of December can reasonably be consider prime "ugly-sweater season," but National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day falls on Dec. 16, a special day to rock no-holds-barred outrageous outfits in honor of holiday spirit. That leaves just enough time to buy an ugly sweater or, for the very dedicated, make one from scratch.

Virtually every big retailer sells holiday sweaters in December. Forever 21 carries items on the cheaper side for both men and women, starting at less than $20. Specifically tailored sites like www.uglychristmassweater.com have an even wider array of ugly outfits, including everything from Donald Trump sweatshirts to reindeer onesies. Kohl’s carries more toned down versions of ugly sweaters for men, women and children as well as items like holiday leggings and socks.

Target is another purveyor of tacky festive sweaters including various pullovers adorned with cats and dogs. Arguably one of the best places for Christmas sweaters, Walmart, carries sweaters displaying everything from Santa drinking a beer to a “Let’s Get Lit” menorah shirt. For those who take Christmas sweaters seriously, Whoopi Goldberg recently launched out with her own line of them, on sale at Lord and Taylor and Hudson’s Bay. Each one runs $139 and are made of wool, alpaca, cashmere and cotton.

For those who want to stand in a league all their own, there’s always the option of making a unique holiday sweater from scratch. Pinterest has plenty of ideas and instructions ranging from novice to outrageous master-crafter.

Some of the most popular include how to make a holiday skirt from an actual Christmas tree skirt and how to entwine your sweater in real working lights. Ugly sweater kids are also available at www.uglychristmassweaterkit.com for a simpler, but still unique outfit.