How to know it's sweater season:

We’re nearing the end of September and the bright blue sky has been traded for cloudy grey. But how do we know that it’s actually sweater season?

Well, I’ve compiled a list of sweater season signs to help you realise when it’s finally time to ditch the shorts and tank tops in exchange for jumpers and fluffy socks.

Here's the 12 Signs of Sweater Season:

Pumpkin Spiced Lattes:

You know it’s no longer summer when coffee shops bring out their pumpkin spiced lattes. Spooky season drinks and festive flavours are a highlight of autumn that many love, and are definite signs that summer is over. If you spot pumpkin spiced lattes on your local coffee shop’s menu, sweater season is here to stay.

Waking up cold:

In the summer, when it’s really hot and your room’s a bit stuffy, you can often wake up a bit sweaty with a slight fever from being buried under your duvet all night, despite you kicking it off at points. But in sweater season, you know that it’s no longer summer when you wake up cold and want to stay in bed under the covers because it’s nice and warm.

Wanting to stay in the shower:

Showers are great for cooling you down in summer and are even better for warming you up in the winter. The only downside is that sometimes the water can be so warm that you don’t want to leave the bathroom because you know that the rest of your house will be cold. Desiring to stay in the steam and hot water is a clear sign it’s sweater season.

Feeling cosy in the rain:

Rainy weather with grey clouds and dark skies replaces the sunny blues when it’s sweater season. But the real sign that summer is over is when you look outside at the rain hitting the windows, and feel cosy. Wanting to stay inside, reading a good book or watching a movie, is a definite sweater season sign for me!

Hallmark movie nights:

The Hallmark Channel, or Movies 24 in the UK, have a plethora of autumn/festive films that are sure to bring you a sweater season feel, especially when you would rather watch these (or any movie to be honest) than dress yourself up and head out to a club or restaurant.

Supermarket Christmas Stock:

Mince pies. Christmas pudding. Turkey. Tubs of chocolate. These all come out on supermarket shelves when it’s sweater season and they don’t leave until it’s spring. Delicious festive foods, and drinks like mulled wine, signal the start of the build up to Christmas, meaning no more summer!

Say hello to sweatshirts:

And when it’s no longer summer, jumpers and sweatshirts come out to play. These cosy clothes are a highlight of sweater season, and are much more comfortable than strappy little crop tops of summer. Having my wardrobe full of sweaters makes me happy because I know my favourite season is here!

Retail riddance of summer clothes:

At some point, clothes shops transition their stock from shorts and swimwear to jumpers and thick winter coats. This change between the seasons signals the start of sweater weather and the time for woolly hats and scarves to become a constant accessory instead of sunglasses and sunscreen.

One hot chocolate with marshmallows…yes please!

Hot chocolate is sold year round, but if you’re like me, you don’t really fancy hot chocolate when the sun is shining and it’s twenty-something degrees outside. When you do crave some warm chocolatey goodness though, that is the moment that sweater season begins for you.

The beach? Erm, no thanks

The beach is another sweater season sign; not in the sense that you go in sweater season because that’s absurd, unless you live in a really hot country where it’s acceptable to go to the beach at any time. No, the beach is a sign when you feel like you don’t want to go there anymore. When the ocean and the sand don’t sound as appealing as when it was summer. That’s when it’s sweater season.

Go back in time

This year, October 31st is the date that our clocks go back. The mornings are darker and the nights are longer. Autumn and winter are here and it’s time to accept that in a months’ time, advent calendars will become a daily necessity, and you crave to decorate your house with tinsel and baubles and stockings.

Ant & Dec and Anton Du Beke:

An iconic duo and an infamous ballroom dancer – what more could you want? It’s officially sweater season when these three grace our televisions with their presence. The return of bush tucker trials and sparkled outfits means that the countdown to Christmas is on and sweater season is here.

These 12 signs might not be for everyone, but in case you were wondering when it’s “socially” acceptable to start wearing your jumpers and winter coats, they might help – I know they do for me.

If you’re like me, then sweater season has officially begun! So, enjoy your hot chocolates, Saturday night Strictly, cosy clothes and Christmas food lists.

Until next time…

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