getting dressed

Can we talk about turtlenecks?

No Comments

I think my husband and my bedroom floor would both agree that I have a lot of clothes. Many of them are random pieces from Topshop or H&M that I bought for a tenner and wore once but can’t bring myself to throw away.

(Note: I wouldn’t say I’m a hoarder, but I’m definitely miles away from adopting the Marie Kondo method that everyone’s freaking out about. Is it against the rules to say that the sequin mini skirt that I wore in Las Vegas in 2012 does, in fact, bring me joy? And no matter how much I streamline my wardrobe, I doubt I will ever find tidying to be magical.)

But, even though I’m not lacking for choice in my wardrobe, I go through phases where I become fixated on a particular item or style and need to resist the urge to wear it every day. For awhile I was obsessing over culottes, but for the past few weeks I’ve been feeling majorly amorous for turtlenecks. (Or polo necks, if you’re British!)

I guess I have Diane Keaton to thank – the ultimate turtleneck style icon. Also, my mom, who has always appreciated the garment in full. And more recently, Leandra Medine over at Man Repeller, who rocks the t-neck with more frequency and ferocity than anyone else I know. (No, I don’t actually know Leandra. But I wish I did.)

Diane Keaton turtleneck 1980s

So, why are they so amazing? Let me count the ways…

  1. They’re warm and cosy. I have a few coats that have a single low button and if I’m wearing a turtleneck underneath I don’t have to worry about constantly wrapping up with a scarf to brave the winter winds.
  2. They’re classy and timeless. See Diane Keaton above. And my mom.
  3. They’re the perfect layering piece. Seriously, a tissue-thin t-neck will go under everything you own and inspire you to create endless wardrobe combos. I wear mine under sweatshirts, button-up shirts, jumpsuits, silk camis, sleeveless dresses, vests… pretty much everything.
  4. They can dress down fancier items. For example – last night I wore my new Zara t-neck with a pair of high-waisted sequin shorts, which I felt tamed them down a tiny bit.
  5. They’re uber-flattering. Especially a thin, tight black one. It’s the perfect ‘post-Christmas-feeling-fat-how-many-chins-do-I-have?’ disguise.

To be honest, I’m probably at my turtleneck limit at the moment. But in case you need to improve your game, here are a few of my faves you can purchase.

     

You may also like