Ugly Christmas Sweaters for Women

Who says you have to stop at the sweater? You can Rock an Entire Ugly Christmas Costume!

Crafter Anne Marie Blackman has made a cottage industry in Vermont refurbishing, embellishing and reselling ugly sweaters (order your own from her website myuglychristmassweater.com.) Blackman says all of her wares are "pre-worn, which makes them uglier." She adds, "Best are the sweaters from the 70s or 80s that have padded shoulders or bat arms or a wide waist band."

Blackman tells us that, this year, sweater dresses and pieces that she adds real working lights to are already proving popular. Anyone who puts on her big bow creation (pictured) won't get lost in the holiday shuffle.

Blackman makes custom-orders, as well as a range of designs from more traditional to more outlandish. She says those headed to office parties tend to prefer more conservative sweaters, while those who are anticipating a lively bar crawl tend to ask for the works. Some families also ask for "cuter" sweaters for holiday photos. There's something for all ages.

Make your own memories in ugly Christmas sweaters.

"I look at yard sales with a new eye," says Blackman. "I look at old holiday decorations that no one wants, and wonder how they would look as an accessory on a sweater." Now that some groups offer prizes for the "ugliest Christmas sweater," Blackman is often asked to push the limits of taste.

Blackman says she got into ugly sweaters after seeing some for sale a few years ago, and thinking she could do a better job. "I’ve always loved creating costumes for event parties," she adds.

Who says you have to spend money to have a great time with friends and family over the holidays? Everyone looks fun and festive in an ugly sweater.

Ugly sweaters make great conversation pieces. You never know what your friends are going to dig up and put on.

Almost everyone can get on the ugly sweater bandwagon, whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas or Solstice. Rock your individuality, be "ironic" or just go with the spirit of the season. Bring a smile to your grandma's face by getting out that knit she made for you years ago.

If you get an ugly sweater as a gift, consider yourself lucky. If you need something for the folks on your list, you know what to do.

Ugly sweater dresses are warm, comfortable and festive. Hardly any two are alike!

Spice up your annual holiday gathering by giving it an ugly sweater theme. Hey, even if you're the only one who rocks one, you'll still bring a smile to everyone's face.

"I look at yard sales with a new eye," says Blackman. "I look at old holiday decorations that no one wants, and wonder how they would look as an accessory on a sweater." Now that some groups offer prizes for the "ugliest Christmas sweater," Blackman is often asked to push the limits of taste.

Blackman says she got into ugly sweaters after seeing some for sale a few years ago, and thinking she could do a better job. "I've always loved creating costumes for event parties," she adds.

Few things are as sweet and festive as candy canes, so why not wear a giant glowing one on your chest? Candy canes have been symbols of the holidays for generations, although no one is really sure why.

Who needs a Christmas tree when you can wear one?

Raise a glass to ugly ingenuity.

Make a lasting impression on your clients and associates by getting a company portrait in ugly Christmas sweaters. That's what the New York-based team for Dom & Tom did this year. The start-up crew does web design and app work; here's hoping for a tacky sweater app!

Now, you can own all the inspiration you'll ever need, with the new book Rock Your Ugly Christmas Sweater, by The Daily Green alum Brian Clark Howard and Anne Marie Blackman of MyUglyChristmasSweater.com.