Okay. Sometimes on Fashion Fridays we clean out closets. Sometimes we do makeovers. Sometimes we talk about emerging fashion trends.
Today, I’m offering a random turtleneck fashion commentary.
It’s cold.
Heck, it’s likely a lot colder where you are than where I am. But in Houston, it has been very cold (on and off) for weeks. When it drops into the 30s down here, everyone pulls out their turtlenecks.
Unfortunately, a lot of folks are pulling out their turtlenecks from 15 years ago.
What happens when you rarely wear an item (think evening gowns and shimmery sweaters): you keep it forever. It doesn’t get stained or ripped and it resides in your closet for most of your adult life.
Except most things shouldn’t.
Most items of clothing have an expiration date or fade or stretch – you get the idea.
I know, I know, turtlenecks are timeless.
I actually agree.
SOME turtlenecks are pretty timeless.
You know what turtlenecks aren’t timeless?
Thickly ribbed turtlenecks.
Not oversized ribbed turtleneck sweaters that look like you’re about to go skiing in Colorado.
No, actual ribbed turtlenecks you wear as your underneath layer piece.
However, they’re not entirely underneath.
They are being worn under jackets, vests, or worse yet big, chunky cardigans.
This isn’t a finely delicately ribbed item; this is circa 1990s heavy thick ribbing on an under-layer piece.
They pill more than your typical turtleneck. They stretch more than your typical turtleneck. And worst of all, they make you look heavier than you are.
So I’m on a mission to declutter closets by starting with dated, worn, ribbed turtlenecks.
And maybe no turtlenecks at all if you have a very short neck. It can make you look like, well, a turtle.
HOWEVER, do not despair if you love turtlenecks. There are still plenty out there.
Take a gander at these three.
The first two photos show a dark un-ribbed turtleneck from Banana Republic (I love Banana Republic turtlenecks – my favorite is my cashmere button cuff dove gray one).
But the next two do have texture. The sherbet turtleneck is from Nordstrom and is fine ribbing. But you can’t tell from looking at it far away. That’s the key. The final one has pointelle detailing in it, which isn’t my favorite, but can be a fun detail if you want an alternative to heavy ribbing.
Now, go forth and turtleneck well my friends.
I’ve got to say as a friend from the North and a woman who lives in COLD for months….I haven’t owned a turtleneck for at least 10 years. I thought they were out completely. 🙂 Maybe we have a heartier neck in the North, haha!! I do wear a long sleeved crew neck top under most of my shells for warmth, but there isn’t a turtleneck or mock neck to be found in my closet!
Athleta makes some great layering turtlenecks! They are very lightweight & can be worn dressy under a jacket. They are from the “thread light” series of tops! I love the mock sleeveless turtleneck! Enjoy!