How, What, Where, When, and Why: Decoding the Ugly Holiday Sweater Craze
By: Megan Mancuso
The Holiday Season is one full of decorations, merriment, and love. But sometimes, it can get a bit ugly... Here’s the how, what, where, when, and why behind ugly holiday sweaters and their origin.
HOW: Originally called “Jingle Bell Sweaters”, Bill Cosby helped bring the public eye to what is now seen as “ugly” sweaters. The ugly holiday sweater trend started to surge in the 1980’s with the help of Bill Cosby’s popular TV program, “The Cosby Show”. In this show, he would appear in sweaters designed by Koos Van Den Akker, a NYC fashion designer recognized for his interesting designs with wild patterns and prints.
WHAT: There are many factors that could classify a sweater as ugly. In general, ugly holiday
sweaters will have several colors, and hanging pieces (pom-poms, bells, lights). If you’re
drawing attention to yourself, you’re doing it right! Catching someone’s eye with a unique design or funny phrase is the best way to achieve ultimate sweater ugliness.
WHERE: If you’re on the hunt for an ugly holiday sweater, don’t fret! You can buy one of your
own at stores like Target, Walmart, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Nordstrom Rack, and other locations! You
can also find countless ugly holiday sweaters that are catered to your interests online! The
internet is far from short on eye-catching holiday apparel.
WHEN: Ugly Holiday Sweaters can be worn at ugly sweater parties, or anytime during the
holiday season! Now is the time to be decked out in unique sweaters that will shelter you from the cold, and give people a good laugh.
WHY: Why wear an ugly holiday sweater? For one, it is a fun way to show off your holiday spirit and spread a little cheer. It serves as a lighthearted way to embrace the festivity of the season. Also, ugly sweaters can be a great conversation starter. Lastly, they’re perfect for fashionably bundling up in the cold weather!
Bring us your good, bad, and ugly this holiday season, Carey!
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