We are now well into the festive season and novelty Christmas jumpers are abounding. How can we avoid the dreaded Mark Darcy moment in Bridget Jones’ Diary? Is there any way to turn a frumpy horror into a tongue-in-cheek fashion moment? Varsity fashion says there is, and here’s how…

Contrast your fluffy Christmas jumper with a biker jacket and distressed jeans, perfect for pre-Christmas lunch or a daytime event where festivity is compulsory. Biker Jacket £39.99 by Zara; Patchwork High Waist Regular fit jeans £39.99 by H&M; Pointy Velvet Flats £29.99 by Zara; Maple Jumper £69.99 by Somedays Lovin’ (available at Zalando.com)

Amp up the glam with this season’s number-one item by pairing a slim-fit Christmas jumper with a satin micro-pleat midi skirt, and finish the look with trainers for the day or transition into evening with translucent glittery ankle socks and metallic chunky heels – when it comes to your feet at Christmas, simply assume that glitz is good. Midi Skirt in Purple Pleated Satin £32 by ASOS; Sparkly ankle socks £5 by Monki (available at ASOS.com); Glittery slingbacks £24.99 by H&M; Grey Mistletoe Intarsia Jumper Now £20 by Collection WEEKEND by John Lewis

Tired of the ubiquitous mini-dress for a Christmas party? Try your favourite novelty jumper tucked into wide-leg palazzo pants, spiky stilettos and switch up the overdone red lip for a punky smoky eye. A very grown-up take on the festive theme. Black Palazzo pants £24.99 by New Look; Spiky heels - MAGGIE Court Shoes £25 by Topshop; Navy Sequin Star Sweater £32 by Next; I Divine Eye Shadow in Oh So Special £8.99 by Sleek (available at Superdrug)

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Channel your inner Regina George by combining a Christmas jumper with an uber-mini tartan kilt and thigh-high boots (fishnet tights optional). Naughty Santa has never looked so nice. Contrast check skort £29.99 by Zara; Knee-high boots £49.99 by H&M; Cropped Jacquard Sweater £29.99 by Zara