The ugly sweater is back in a big way, and while some might scratch their heads in wonder over the questionable taste of those who wear them, the super-cool hipster can prance about in a granny sweater with a wink and a nod. Sure it’s ugly, but it’s a joke. Get it?

Welcome to the age of irony, when to seem to wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve is to mock any form of sincerity.

This was not the case as recently as 2001, when Colin Firth appeared in a hideous reindeer jumper in "Bridget Jones’s Diary." He was rightfully embarrassed, and his friends were empathetic to the plight of having to wear it for the sake of not hurting the feelings of an elder gifter.

Today the ugly sweater is cool because it’s so uncool, though not everyone knows that, and that just multiplies the cool and fun quotient.

If you’ve got an ugly sweater hidden away in your closet, now’s the time to dig it out. Art & Flea is presenting its third annual Ugly Sweater Party from 5 to 10 p.m. today at Fresh Cafe, 831 Queen St.

There’ll be a photo booth, pictures with Santa, food by Kakaako Kool, music and shopping. Art & Flea and Collins & 8th are also hosting a used-coat drive to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Admission is $3, or $2 if you wear a "wacky, tacky holiday sweater."

Visit artandflea.com.