Get into the holiday spirit in style with a moderately jolly jumper.

You might think it hilarious to wear an ironically horrendous Christmas sweater over the festive period, but there is no better way to signpost that you have no personality, or worse: a terrible one, than trying to replace it with a really, really bad (but so bad it’s funny, right?!) piece of knitwear. Leave that to the uncle who stands ever so slightly too close to everyone at family parties.

That’s not to say we can’t get into the holiday spirit. We’re not so cynical as to suggest you shouldn’t introduce a bit of seasonal cheer into your outfit. But there is a right way, and a wrong way, to do it. The wrong way: a big Rudolph the reindeer sweater in the same vein as Mr Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’s Diary. The right way: a Fair Isle knit woven in a subtle festive palette. But what to wear with it? Below, we show you how to introduce a bit of fun into your outfit this winter (without standing out like a Christmas pudding).

It’s playful, it’s preppy – it’s a sweater from Thom Browne, so we’d expect nothing less. If you are going to buy one piece of knitwear in the coming weeks, we think it should be this one. What’s not to like? It’s thick and rugged (we particularly like the heavy collar and cuffs). It’s incredibly cosy – made with a wool and mohair mix. And the Fair Isle design and red stripes make it feel rather festive, but not too much. If you dressed it up with some smart wool trousers, you could wear this to any Christmas party during the holidays.

Continuing our season-appropriate, yet smart, theme, we arrive at these boots by Want Les Essentiels. Don’t be fooled by their smart, shiny exterior – these things are made of stern stuff. Come rain or snow, those thick rubber lug soles have got your back. And they’re waterproof, to boot. All you need to do is ensure you have the correct socks to line them with: thick – not thin – like this ribbed pair from Corgi, made from a soft cotton and cashmere blend.

Now, that sweater is nice and thick, but we would suggest that you’re going to need a little more help in the insulation department if you’re planning on facing the elements. Holiday cheer and sherry will warm you for a limited time only. So shield yourself with this rather elegant peacoat by Paul Smith, which is slightly longer than most, and cut neatly for a slim, figure-hugging fit. And if it’s especially cold, throw on a cashmere scarf – this grey one from Mulberry will go with just about anything – and you’re good to go.