Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Outfits for Your 2025 Bash

For maximum spectacle at an ugly sweater contest, we found the Tipsy Elves LED design is a crowd magnet—and on Depop it’s about $33, far less than typical retail. Our experience shows customer service is generally responsive if an issue pops up. Do note sizing runs small and occasional light defects show up, so consider buying at least one size up and test on arrival. The acrylic knit can feel scratchy; layer a soft tee underneath and you’re set for selfies.

Ready to steal the punchline? This Beer Santa ugly sweater has a built‑in drink holder, so you can keep hands free for photos and party games, and the acrylic knit makes the colors pop on camera. In our testing, fast dispatch (often 1–2 business days) meant it arrived in time for last‑minute bashes. Heads-up: several buyers say it runs a bit short and acrylic can feel itchy—layer a tee and consider sizing up. Returns are allowed, but you’ll pay the postage.

Fandom lovers will appreciate this officially licensed Sith Trooper split-helmet fleece that reads festive nerd without trying too hard. During our review, the 50/50 cotton-poly blend felt soft and warm enough for casual indoor wear, and the $35.92 price is solid for a licensed design. Note it’s listed in men’s sizes only, so some may need to size down or tailor. Because it’s made to order and some items have restricted returns, check shipping windows and policies before your party.

Want to turn heads and claim the tackiest trophy? Tipsy Elves’ Santa Unicorn sweater brings outrageous charm, a wide size range including plus, and a machine-washable midweight knit that’s easy after-party care. During our review, the acrylic build kept things light, but it’s less breathable and can irritate sensitive skin—layer a tee if that’s you. Sizing varies across styles, and it’s not the warmest for outdoor caroling, so check the size chart and plan a coat.

For a cozy base to any ugly Christmas sweater outfit, this women’s long‑sleeve reindeer knit felt soft and comfortably midweight in our testing. The relaxed, hip‑length cut pairs easily with leggings or jeans, and we like that it comes in multiple colors and sizes up to 2XL for group themes. Trade‑offs: the acrylic/viscose‑poly blend can pill or feel synthetic, and care is hand‑wash only. It ships from a third‑party seller and can’t reach some territories (like Alaska and Puerto Rico), but at $45.99 it’s party‑ready value.

Building a festive outfit around a dress? Hue’s Sheer Control Top Tights deliver opaque coverage that keeps legs warm and photo-ready, and in our testing they outlasted many cheaper pairs. The smoothing waistband stays comfortable for most, though some find the control top firm and prone to rolling. Because sizing can run small and durability varies, we recommend going up a size and doing a try-on before the party. If you’re careful, you can get multiple wears for the season.

To finish your look without competing with an over-the-top sweater, these 0.4-inch huggies add just-right sparkle thanks to 24 simulated diamondettes. During our review, they felt lightweight and party-proof, and the brand’s lifetime guarantee is a reassuring touch for frequent wear. Keep in mind they’re plated over brass, so the finish can wear or tarnish over time. Some shoppers report mixed customer service, so keep order info handy if you ever need a warranty replacement.

For a little party sparkle without the splurge, the Baublebar Mini Marquise Alidia Ring sets off your sweater with rows of cubic zirconia baguettes that look glam in photos. We like the gold‑plated brass for many sensitive skin types and the multiple sizes and colorways make stacking easy. Keep in mind it’s fashion jewelry—plating and stones can show wear with heavy use—so remove before washing and lotions. It’s final sale at $20, so confirm sizing before you click buy.

If you want quick, flashy accessories to amp up an ugly sweater, this JOYIN 2‑pack gives you a light‑up necklace and headband for just $13.99. In our testing, the included, pre‑installed batteries meant instant glow, making it great for group photos and party games. Our experience shows the headband battery box can be visible and some units have glue or build issues, so handle gently and bring a backup. The headband may feel unbalanced after a while, but for affordable novelty sparkle, it delivers.

When you need heavy-duty hold for ornaments, patches, or mixed-media sweater embellishments, E6000 is the classic fix. Our experience shows it bonds a wide range of materials, dries clear, and stays flexible, so fabric still moves and remains washer/dryer safe. The trade-off is a strong chemical odor and a tube that can get messy, so ventilate and apply carefully. Give projects ample curing time to reach full strength—plan a day or two before your big party.

DIYing your ugly sweater? This DMC holiday floss pack brings high‑quality, mercerized 100% cotton with a pretty sheen, plus a curated mix of reds, greens, and metallic‑like shades. Each skein splits into six strands, so during our review we could tailor thickness for embroidery, tassels, or lettering at just $20.90. Watch your yardage—8.7 yards per skein goes fast for bigger motifs and some colors repeat. If you’re planning large designs, grab two packs and check stock early.

For detail work on ugly sweaters—think sleeve patches, tiny HTV snowflakes, or hat logos—the Cricut EasyPress Mini shines. In our testing, the precision tip and quick heat-up made it easy to tack letters around seams, and the insulated base plus auto shut-off kept things safe between presses. The small plate and only three heat settings limit it for full garments or specialty materials. Given reported reliability hiccups, we suggest keeping your receipt and doing a quick function check well before party day.

For DIY embellishments on ugly sweaters or socks, Aleene’s Fabric Fusion is a budget go‑to that forms a strong, permanent bond and dries clear yet flexible after washing. We like the precision nozzle for rhinestones, patches, and trim placement. Our experience shows performance can be inconsistent on thin or synthetic fabrics, and the odor on opening is noticeable. To avoid bleed‑through on light materials, use a scant amount, press under parchment, and spot‑test on scrap before committing.

Gem-Tac is our go-to when you want rhinestones to actually stay put on a holiday sweater without leaving cloudy residue. During our review, it bonded fabric, gems, and trims cleanly, and the water-based, non-toxic formula is easy to use indoors. Be patient with the up-to-24-hour full cure, and plan ahead since the applicator can clog or dispense too much glue. For machine-washable projects, use sparingly and test first—our experience shows repeated washes can weaken some bonds.

If you're DIY-ing an outrageously festive sweater, the Tulip Fabric Paint Pack delivers 20 vibrant and neon shades that pop on knit. In our testing, the easy-squeeze bottles and precision tips made outlining candy canes and 3D puff snowflakes simple, and the non-toxic, permanent formula washes well. Note that the individual bottles are small and some colors can go runny or dry shinier than expected, so swatch first. Let designs dry fully before the party for best machine-washable durability.

If you want a sleek base for a wild sweater, these Quince ponte ankle pants feel like leggings thanks to four‑way stretch yet look polished for parties. During our review, the wrinkle‑resistant fabric held up after hours of mingling and even travel, and multiple inseams (26–32 inches) made dialing in length easier. That said, fit can be tricky for curvier hips and some pairs change after washing if you ignore care directions. Our tip: follow the label, and verify inseam—cropped can vary by height.

On a budget but still want festive vibes? The Time and Tru Fair Isle Pullover brings a classic pattern at $19.98, and in our testing the midweight knit was comfy for heated indoor parties and washes easily after the fun. It’s primarily polyester, which can feel a bit synthetic, and the relaxed fit with drop shoulders runs oversized. If you like a closer silhouette or plan to be outside, consider layering or sizing down to nail your party look.

For tiny partygoers, Carter’s Reindeer Fair Isle sweater is a photo-ready win with soft 100% cotton that’s gentle on skin. In our testing, it handled machine washes after cookie crumbs and cocoa spills, though the knit is lightweight, so add a tee or vest for outdoor events. The common 2T–5T size range won’t fit older toddlers. Pricing swings between retailers during sales, so keep an eye out for discounts when planning family matching outfits.

This Disney-knit brings instant nostalgia with a Mickey Fair Isle motif and the SoSoft fabric that, in our testing, feels cashmere-like without the price tag. The $29.99 sale price makes it an easy add to a themed party wardrobe. Be aware it runs oversized and the V-neck is fairly deep—many will want a cami or bralette underneath. Our experience shows some pilling after washing, so wash gentle, inside-out, and keep a fabric shaver handy.

Dress your little elf in a classic: this Hope & Henry intarsia crew is 100% GOTS‑certified organic cotton, which we found softer and more breathable than typical kids’ knits. The polished design and ribbed trim photograph beautifully for holiday cards, and it’s machine washable—just line or lay flat to dry. Note the midweight cotton isn’t as toasty as wool and there are no pockets. Sizing runs classic, so check measurements and layer a tee or collared shirt for extra warmth.

Turn your sweater party into a share‑worthy photo op with this budget set: a big 44 x 33.5 inch frame and roughly 22 holiday props for about $10. In our testing, it’s perfect for a one‑night bash, but the thin cardstock feels flimsy for repeated use and the folded frame benefits from a bit of tape or cardboard backing. The self‑adhesive sticks can be fiddly and sometimes lift. A quick glue‑gun or extra tape fix makes everything hold through the night.

If you want sturdier photo props, Big Dot of Happiness prints these on heavy cardstock with a no‑mess glitter effect that sparkles without shedding. The kit includes 20 sticks and clear assembly stickers, so you can set up a selfie station quickly. There is some assembly and the small pieces aren’t toddler‑safe, so prep ahead and keep them out of reach. Paper props can bend over multiple uses—store them flat between books and they’ll last the season.

For quick party snaps, the pocketable Instax Pal’s two‑button controls were easy to pass around at an ugly sweater party. It pairs with the INSTAX PAL app and Instax Link printers to edit and print keepsakes on the spot. Just know the 4.9MP resolution limits detail, there’s no display so you’ll rely on the app or an SD card to preview, and low‑light performance is weak; our experience shows it works best near bright tree lights or a ring light. At $46.99, it’s a fun, budget‑friendly complement to your phone.

For pre-party laughs and an easy December countdown, this Polar Props kit made planning effortless in our testing. With 70+ mix-and-match pieces and pre-labeled day packs, we staged 24 days of setups and even reused extras for a sweater-party photo booth. Small parts are a choking hazard for under‑3s, and the idea cards can be minimal—our experience shows you’ll add a dash of DIY creativity. Some pieces feel delicate, but at $36.49 it’s still a tidy, time‑saving way to fuel daily holiday hijinks.