Recently I received a question from a reader about turtlenecks and cowl necks. The stores are full of them, but are they still a good look? First let me start off by saying that in the past I have been a lover of turtlenecks. They were warm and cozy. I owned them in a myriad of colors. I wore them to keep warm at my sons’ ballgames. One of my favorite looks was a black turtleneck with jeans. My sister and I were always comparing notes to find the best quality fabric that would hold up, wouldn’t pill or worst of all– shrink!
I retired all my turtlenecks except a favorite in cashmere and a casual one I wear under a hooded vest. I live in a part of the country where it rains most of the winter. 40 degrees may seem warm to those in the midwest, but our damp weather can feel ten degrees colder than the thermometer reads. Why would I give these up?
A few years ago I began seeing the beauty and versatility of a V-neck sweater or tee. This style really flattered my body type. When I went through stylist training, this fact was confirmed with a body type analysis. I’m 5’4. My torso is average in length. I carry most of my weight from the waist up. My neck is also average in length. Turtlenecks were doing nothing to elongate my body to help me look taller/thinner. They were having the opposite effect by coming up high on my neck instead of a V-neck that drops down. My top half appeared heavier. If you are tall, relatively slim, with a long torso and neck, turtlenecks can be a sleek look!
There has been a lot written about body types. You may have been named a piece of fruit, or even a geometric shape. Pictures are one thing; measurements tell the real story. Take a minute, click here and find where you fit. No matter where you carry your weight, and even if you are the perfect hourglass, the key is to balance your shoulders and hips and bring in the waist with the outfits you wear.
What about a Cowl Neck? If designed correctly, these can actually have an opposite effect from a turtleneck because they automatically elongate the torso. If you carry your weight below the waist, a cowl neck and other styles with more fabric on top help balance your bottom half.
If you carry your weight on the top half of your body, have a larger chest and broad shoulders, watch the cowl necks (and patterns) because they can throw things off balance and make you look heavier than you are. Excess fabric adds volume and pounds. Only certain body types can pull off the styles below!
Love turtlenecks? Choose styles and fabrics carefully. Long necklaces which are all the rage will go a long way to dress up a turtleneck and elongate your torso.
Check out this video.You’ll see a polished look with turtleneck/pencil skirt/belt for a woman of 50. The tips in this clip are the best!
How do I keep warm when the wind picks up and I have on a V-neck sweater/jacket? Scarves– a topic for another post. Keep the questions coming.
