I rather hate talking about sweaters and fall clothes at this time of year because it's not autumn yet, but long sleeves are all that's available in stores. I live in West Virginia and it's not unusual for it to be 90 degrees well into September and maybe even the first week of October. However, I do like to be prepared, so a few sweaters will probably find their way into my house before Labor Day. 

Critter sweaters have long been a preppy wardrobe staple, adding a bit of whimsy into the outfits of those cold, gray days. They went out of vogue for some time as I recall them being rather difficult to find past the mid 90s. It's been interesting to watch critter sweaters resurge due in part to the hipster fashion movement, as spurred on by Urban Outfitters. It was a story of "out of sight, out of mind," until we reviewed the photo albums of those who prepped before us. Wait, why is my dear Grandpap wearing the same sweater as that weird kid from Art History whose hair resembled a Jackson Pollock painting? 

The good news is that critter sweaters are now starting to pop up in the plus size area, as offered by Old Navy at the highly reasonable price of $35:


A note about Old Navy's sizing: it runs rather large as everything stretches out. I usually wear a size 24/3X and I can easily fit into most XXL in ON's misses sizes in stores. I mention this because there's an adorable French Bulldog critter sweater that isn't available in the plus sizing.

Critter sweaters are perfect for running around campus, or running errands if you're beyond those days. While they pair perfectly easily with jeans, dress them up a bit with some burgundy pants, 8" Bean boots, and some pearls. I'd roll the sleeves up to my elbows to show off the bracelet and watch.


I'm really liking the canvas tote in this outfit. I'm looking to replace a Longchamp that was lost to a certain basset/beagle (also known as a bagel!) puppy. I should just go out and buy an identical replacement bag, but I've been looking at everything from the classic Boat & Tote to this Lilly tote to this newcomer I pictured from Abercrombie (really). 

The fox sweater is calling my name, but the long-legged bird is also sweet. Which one would you choose?