The whirlwind of Christmas Day has passed, leaving a unique, sleepy period in its wake. This is the time known as 'Twixmas' – the days nestled between Christmas and New Year. According to fashion authority Jess Cartner-Morley, navigating this specific moment requires a particular sartorial strategy: the perfect Twixmas jumper.
What Exactly Is a Twixmas Jumper?
This is not your typical Christmas knit. Forget reindeer, gingerbread men, or 'Ho Ho Ho' slogans. The Twixmas jumper is defined by what it lacks: overt festive iconography. It's a garment designed for cosy comfort and subtle style, suitable from early December right through to the year's end.
Cartner-Morley compares the Christmas experience to drinking martinis – fun, then overwhelming. Twixmas is the time to dial down the sensory overload. The dress code for these days of rest, long walks, and leftover bubble and squeak calls for something that feels special without screaming Christmas.
The Rules for the Perfect In-Between Knit
The guidelines are clear. Argyle diamonds and Fair Isle patterns are ideal, evoking a Scandi-chic drama rather than Santa's grotto. A delicate snowflake motif might pass if it's abstract and elegant. Holly or berries can be acceptable, but Christmas trees are a definite no.
The goal is a knit that acts like good lighting: it softens edges and smooths over the evidence of late nights and extra helpings. It must be versatile enough for an early dog walk, a pub lunch, and an evening on the sofa. As demonstrated by stylist Natasha Goldenberg, the look is about understated polish.
Choosing Function as Well as Form
Beware the super-chunky knit, warns Cartner-Morley. While tactile, the most useful December jumper regulates body temperature for both indoor lounging and brisk outdoor strolls. The right weight prevents you from becoming red-faced and overheated in either scenario.
A touch of restrained sparkle or little pearls can add a joyful but not hectic feel. The jumper should be photogenic for impromptu snaps with friends, yet fundamentally practical. It's the knitwear equivalent of a contemplative beach walk or knowing how to cook clams – it suggests a wholesome, sophisticated ease.
The article highlights a specific £40 jumper from Marks & Spencer, styled with a £180 Essentiel Antwerp skirt and £169 Dune boots, modelling the perfect Twixmas ensemble. The key takeaway is to invest in a knit that bridges the gap between festive frenzy and New Year renewal, making the most of this uniquely peaceful time.
