What You Can Learn From The Ugly Christmas Sweater Obsession

I'm sure you've caught on to the fact that "ugly" christmas sweaters have been all the rave the past couple of years, and that they actually aren't that ugly anymore. Folks young and old are rocking them to themed Christmas parties at school, work, and friend gatherings.  

I'm curious to know who made them cool again, because that certain someone certainly had their own sense of style and knew that wearing what others probably laughed at him for wearing, was making a statement. Exactly what that statement was...who knows.

I bring this up because the other day Beyonce was seen wearing her ugly Christmas sweater which appeared to have been homemade (no shade). The sweater truly was one to behold, for many reasons, which you can see for yourself below. 

I would say she nailed the objective. What do you think? One thing's for sure, you've certainly made a statement when ELLE magazine writes about it when there wouldn't have been any fashion worthy news alert whatsoever had anyone else worn it.

Back to the ugly sweaters I initially mentioned that are no longer "ugly". Creatives out there (2 Chainz) have merged the clothing trend with current other trends. The example I'm specifically referring to is the trending dance move known as "dabbing", and the creation of the "Dabbing Santa" ugly sweater.

I've also seen a timely Star Wars ugly sweater, and a Drake "Hotline Bling" ugly sweater to name a few. I'm sure you've also noticed that people are buying these sweaters, and yes...making money. 

So what's the lesson here?

1. Fashion + trend = Money. If you catch wind of an emerging trend in fashion, add your own creativity (preferably another trend) and jump on it ASAP. Those that caught on putting trendy phrases on Tees early on, made a pretty penny. 
2. Don't let anyone else define your sense of style. I know you can argue that Beyonce's ugly sweater is only "cool" because she's the one wearing it. But remember that question I asked? About who kicked off this trend to begin with? Although TIME magazine has somewhat of an answer, it doesn't credit anyone particular responsible for the "uptick in ugly sweater parties around 2001." That certain someone, or someones, defined what they believed to be a cool style.

For all my fashionistas out there, don't sleep on what 2016 has in store, you could very well cash in on it's new trends :)

Be blessed!