It’s Fall!

The signs are everywhere. The temperature has dropped to the 70s. It’s been in the 40s at night. The trees haven’t started turning yet- it will be a couple of weeks- but I wait eagerly. The kids are in school and soccer has started along with all the other activities. My white shoes are put away. Store shelves are lined with candy corn and vampire teeth. Season premiers and fewer reruns grace the TV. And sweater weather begins.

This must be the season of choice for knitters around the world. Sure, I have a couple of knit cotton tanks, but to be honest, I don’t wear them much. But being cold natured (between hot flashes) and more frugal than usual (our electric bill almost doubled last winter with a rate hike), this will be The Year of the Sweater. Of course, it’s been done.

1971  Vogue declares it Year of the Sweater. Time magazine states, “Sweater fever gripped the fashion world.” Sweaters are slim fitting, and women are braless. (I was 9- it didn’t matter.)
1972  Lee Abraham, merchandising chief of the May department stores says, "we are calling this the year of the sweater." The recession is over and sales are up. Vests and sweater sets are big, as are wine and cheese-making kits. Are these related trends? (photo on left: waistcoat by Kaffe Fassett)
1980  Fiber Arts jumps on the ban wagon with their own YOTS declaration, even though sweaters are out and power suits with the oh so flattering shoulder pads are in. Fuzzy angora sweaters, shaker knits, and argyle vests are acceptable. A pink sweater is essential. Mine is a pink cabled cardi.

1984  Ski Fashion fashion editor calls it the YOTS. I’m pretty sure she is talking about ski sweaters, but to be really cool, wear a thigh length sweater cinched with a plastic belt. Don’t forget the leggings, slouch socks and scrunchie.
1994  Declared “Year of the Sweater” even though sales are short and clothing designers and manufacturers phased out some lines. Acrylic shakers and jacquards were in style.
1998   B.J. Foreman from the Cinncinati Post says this YOTS sweater must be worn with  pearls. What else?
1999 Simply Family’s YOTS must haves include sweater sets and dressy sweaters with satin skirts.  Beads and bangles optional.
2002 Easy Living declares it the YOTS. “Oversized jerseys, offbeat styles and eccentric  necklines” are in.
2003 The Alpaca Hut probably always says it’s the YOTS, but that’s okay.
2005 The Year of the Sweater KAL begins and is still going strong.
2006 The tailored, modern look is in, hippie chic is out, but sweaters are oversized. (huh?) Wear with leggings. Get one in gray. Fashion United says so. I don’t think so.

Do I have my new sweater ready? No, but I'm working on it.

Comments

[Julia]

I love your wander down memory lane! The history of the year of the sweater - nice work!

[wool winder]

Are leggings back in? Not my favorite look. But then, I've never been accused of being a trend setter. Just give me a pair of jeans, casual shirt and a cardigan. That's my style.

[Carrie K]

I really want that skirt. Then I suppose you can find me twirling in the street, before they cart me off.

I am hearing that leggings are coming back. Why? Why?

[Nanc]

Ha! That was great. Your fashion touches made it ever so funny! And yeah, I think this may be the year of the sweater for me. And by this, I mean that I may actually knit me (and perhaps hubby) a sweater.

But don't go keeping me to those promises.