Now that we’re cruising through December and nearing the end of this beloved semester, you know what this means: ‘Tis the season for super rad ugly Christmas sweater parties. After all, nothing spreads Christmas cheer like some joyously tacky attire.
So, in case you’re like me and totally had no clue that National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is in two days (this year, it’s celebrated on Dec. 12), it’s time to get you an ugly Christmas sweater. Luckily for you, dear MOVEr, downtown CoMo is ornamented with vintage shops for all of your ugly Christmas sweater needs.
If you’re in the market for an ugly Christmas sweater, have no fear. We’ve got 99 problems (hello, impending finals week), but finding your holiday party outfit ain’t one.
Check out **Muse Clothing.** Muse gets all of its sweaters through resale from people who specialize in ugly Christmas sweaters, so you’re definitely guaranteed a legit ugly sweater for all your holiday festivities.
Christmas sweaters from Muse sell from around $10 to $25. Sizes range from nearly every adult size to itty-bitty children’s sizes, so if you’re also late on holiday shopping and getting a gift for your favorite nephew, Muse has you covered for that, too.
Muse’s selection ranges from your basic grandma sweaters to edgier tacky vests and from the “hey, that’s not so bad” all the way to the “wow, that’s an eye catcher.”
If you purchase a Christmas sweater from Muse Clothing this season, they will also give you a (free!) bell necklace that is just perfect for when all your favorite Christmas songs (especially “Jingle Bells”) come on.
Another option: **Absolute Vintage** on Broadway.
Its sweaters are vintage but not handcrafted. That means they are totally affordable (their prices range from $8 to $22). And if you’re looking to sell back your ugly sweaters after all the holiday parties, you can definitely do that here.
Want to dress to impress, but don’t want your sweater to outshine you as the star of the show? Absolute Vintage is your absolute best bet with their tastefully tacky offerings.
Maybe those other stores just don’t have the right sweater for your ugly sweater needs. I feel you. Perhaps you like to stand out from the crowd. Well, have no fear. If you’re looking to be the spotlight of that sweater party, you will definitely win first place with something from **Maude Vintage.**
Nothing says, “Let’s party!” like the Christmas sweaters available at Maude. All of the sweaters are locally made. If anyone ever doubts that Columbia is a lively and creative little gem in the middle of the Show-Me State, don’t hesitate to show them these sweaters.
The sweaters from Maude are interesting to say the least. They have an entire section with large sweaters heavily garnished with all Christmas decorations imaginable: tinsel of every color, ornaments of every size, jingly bells and sparkly bows.
You’ll also be surprised to find some seriously gaudy sweaters lavished with Christmas stockings and stuffed animals of all kinds. Nothing is subtle about Maude’s vintage holiday apparel, and whatever you find guarantees you an easy win at that ugly sweater contest.
These sweaters range from $35 to $45, so they’re a bit of an investment for the average college student, but I can assure you that no sweater you’ve ever seen before is quite as ugly as the sweaters for sale here.
Now that you have your best/worst Christmas sweater ever, bring on the holidays.