I’d like to issue a formal apology to my mom for my treatment of sweaters in their many forms, specifically from ages 6-12.
I do not know/remember if I thought they were uncool or uncomfortable or simply did not like the way that they looked on me, but my earliest memories of arguing with my mother all revolved around sweaters. Whether it was turtlenecks, chunky knits to be worn under winter coats before skiing, zip-up lined hoodies, or, yes–the infamous sweater dress–I would not have it, and I let her know that. I grew up in New Hampshire, a place where winter is a second language. Warm clothes were constant. Although I loved and still love other things about winter–skiing, crisp snow on a new morning, the smell of winter air and pine trees, warm clothes were my enemy.
Mornings where my mother demanded I wear something made out of wool to keep warm, usually with an undershirt or t-shirt underneath, often began with arguments lasting long into the day, where I would complain constantly. Now? Sweater dresses have been added to my regular rotation wardrobe, as well as one of the things I love about winter. They are warm, and they can be cute, casual or formal depending on what they are paired with or what kind of day it is. Ice skating? Job fair? Just really cold but you’re tired of jeans? The sweater dress is the answer!
