love, serenissima

Two Turtlenecks and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

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Audrey Hepburn

I've never been a fan of turtlenecks. They always seemed itchy and woolly and hot, bringing back memories of elementary school radiators turned all the way up (and one particularly nasty classmate who peed on the bathroom radiator one winter and had the entire first floor smelling like a urinal). But as I grow older, I'm learning to appreciate more and more the inherent chicness of a turtleneck.

Wearing turtlenecks, and especially utilizing them for layering, is huge this season. Many designers sent layered looks down the runways for their Fall/Winter 2010/2011 collections, and in a number of different ways, from casual elegance to practical daywear. There were thick knits over skirts and leather pants, slouchy jersey shirts with sundresses, and even paper-thin cotton sweaters under evening gowns.

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Preen, Cynthia Steffe, Temperley London

To get the most out of this look, try wearing it with an open neckline and a statement making necklace. This makes it especially easy to move your Spring and Summer dresses into Winter by layering turtlenecks under them. The more adventurous can also try another trend popular on the runways: cutouts. Labels Preen and Temperley London both sent turtlenecks down the runway that barely hit their models collarbones, showing off strapless dresses and bustier tops underneath.

This is probably the easiest trend out there to find and implement yourself. Pick up a black turtleneck anywhere- ANYWHERE- and layer it under dresses or over pants and skirts. It's a basic staple that isn't about the turtleneck itself, but what you choose to wear with it. For more glammed out versions, trusty Forever 21 has a $28 dress that features beaded sleeves and a turtleneck neckline (is that the proper way to say it?), and Urban Outfitters' BDG Sweater Dress, $58, is available in three colors and would be perfect for that family holiday party.

1 comment:

  1. Yay! I'm finally on trend! I've been wearing turtlenecks for YEARS and people finally get it...hurray! For the best turtlenecks, that don't stretch out at the neck or get holes from constant washing, go the The Gap...

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