Rules of the Saturday Sweater
The chill befalls the ground as we await the notice from the individual employed in safest job in the world, the Weatherman (or woman), as they tell us to secure our crops and our windows as the frost is about to appear, and we can sense our sweaters literally itching to get out of the seasonal storage, break light from the closet and show their face once again to a world soon to be covered in white and danced upon by funny people bundled to the beanie caps with warm winter clothing.
You must understand, however, that we can not simply throw this on and walk about the city scape like wardrobe anarchists aimlessly roaming the streets as if they were named after us, while not necessarily a bad idea, like Mom always said, we have rules for a reason. Trust me, they are in place for your protection.
Rule #1. This season, pick your Saturday sweater like you would select your steak - thick, chunky, and well-marbled with color, and for this season you'll want to keep an eye out for the highlight brights and burnt oranges, pinks, purples, jewel and industrial colors. The thickness will provide a layer of warmth from the morning and evening chill allowing you to easily throw on a white tee underneath and finish the weekend look with your favorite pair of denim.
Rule #2. Make sure it fits. Just because it's Saturday does not permit you to wear clothes with an improper fit - not too tight and not too baggy. You certainly do not want your sweater to be so tight that it is no longer comfortable neither do you want the top to be so baggy your arms are swimming, or perhaps drowning in the sleeves. You can always roll the sleeves, but if your sleeves are like dust in the wind, you are in the wrong decade and it is time to update. The colors will come and go with the season, but a well-fitting chunky sweater is more "wing-tip classic" than "bald-head trendy" and will treat you right for years to come.
Rule #3. Spend more on your sweater than you did on your jeans. Think long-term. Search for a brand that puts the colors together in the fashion you prefer and with which you are comfortable not just in your own home, but also in public. Sometimes, you can find a steal at the local thrift shops. Keep your mind open to the possibilities and your pocket book will retain more green. I have found brands ranging from "Saks 5th Avenue" to "Burberry New York" to "Tommy Hilfiger". It all depends on when you shop and how diligent your search.
When you can't pry your sweater from your wife's clutches, and your kids are already asking you if they can "borrow" your brand new Saturday sweater...you know that you have chosen wisely, but then again...that's just my humble opinion.