It’s that time of the year when Americans puff up their chests in proud display of their favorite holiday sweaters.  A silly sense of humor and a healthy dose of bravado accompanies some of the wildest sweater looks you’ll ever see.  Recently this once-shunned “end of year” icon is getting a new lease on life (a retro-Pop renaissance) by leagues of Millennials who are bridging campy Americana tradition with their love for individual expression and, dare we say it, their need for chic style.  In the case of the holiday sweater, some are redefining the concept of “making a statement” by replacing silly with sophisticated.  Here’s some options to help you “up” your sweater game big-time.

Celebs embracing the holiday sweater

Après-Ski sweaters redux

Après-Ski sweaters by Viktor & Rolf

Ski Sweaters redux

While some designers give the classic holiday themes a redux in sweater designs that are modern and even a bit edgy, many find these looks to be too daffy nonetheless.  For them we suggest that the best way to upgrade any holiday sweater or outerwear is to add a touch of fur. Adding an eye-catching fur collar is a perfect “remodeling 101” trick for adding drama and instant glamour. We’ve trolled the net and found a few quick inspiration pieces to help get you started on possibly revamping your holiday wardrobe.

Even rapper Rick Ross got the memo.

For a more versatile, and less permanent solution, the current fur scarf revolution is the perfect –and easiest­– way to update the holiday sweater look. Drape it on, drop it low or double it up; the fur scarf is as versatile as it is functional. Hit the right combo and it even looks like a seamless addition to what would have been a ho-hum look.

Navy dyed fox collar as scarf

ETRO magenta Finn raccoon scarf

Fur stole vintage scarf

Georgine Fall/Winter 2014-15

Dries Van Noten – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Street Style – cozy fox scarf

Lanvin – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

But, if you really want to go for the full overhaul of the Holiday sweater and sport something that will put some jingle in  the ball, designers have come out with some extremely luxe fur pull-overs that will keep you warm and extremely chic. Ladies get your list ready! We predict that one of these beauties will be on that list – but make sure you’ve been nice!

Rebecca Minkoff Fall/Winter 2014-15

Gucci Fall/Winter 2014-15

Ermanno Scervino Fall/Winter 2014-15

Missoni Fall/Winter 2014-15

Costello Tagliapietra Fall/Winter 2014-15

Carolina Herrera Fall/Winter 2014-15

For those of you still yearning for the silly and whimsical, we couldn’t help but bring you some “interesting” and interactive new takes on the Holiday sweater that will light up any conversations.

New Spin on a classic – holiday sweater with an edge

New Spin on a classic – holiday sweater and cellphone combo (Fireplace)

New spin on a classic – trompe l’œil holiday sweater on sweatshirt