Three Trends to Rock Right Now
Even in sunny LA, the weather is beginning to turn. No matter where you live, there are a few seasonal trends to keep cozy and warm looking fashionable. My current gender neutral faves:
The Turtleneck – An annual classic for style and warmth reasons, though many eschew them as uncomfortable or constricting. (Fun fact: I have always heard that the degree to which you like wearing a turtleneck reflects the ease of your birth experience. Interesting, no?) I am here to tell you there are enough iterations on the classic for any level of comfort you prefer. Here’s how:
Take into account fabrics you prefer; cottons, silk knits, cashmere and wool are my preferences (ie. Wool may not work for those who get itchy but cashmere might.) If you prefer other blends, go for it. Note that certain knits are tighter than others and retain their shape better between cleanings.
Consider the degree to which you like to have your neck ‘hugged’. For me the purpose of the turtleneck is to keep my neck warm, so I prefer a close fit. If you don’t like the whole tight sitch, consider a mock turtle or cowl neck as variations on a theme. Always feel free to layer a thin top beneath for extra warmth!
The Neckerchief – This is a small, usually square and always thin scarf that can be folded on the diagonal to make a plucky fashion statement. They do double duty to keep your neck warm(er) without the full coverage of a heavy duty scarf or the ol’ turtleneck. Iterations include bandanas, silks, cottons and of course blends. (I’ve been known to use an unfinished scrap of fabric I like – it works!) They can be fashioned from longer scarves of this kind as well (they may be folded lengthwise and circle the neck more than once), but stay away from wintery, heavier knit-type scarves.
Neckerchiefs make a great compliment to a crew neck or boat neck, and look chic popping out of a button down or overcoat collar.
Employ as a pop of color and legitimate accessory.
Feel free to showcase the knot at the front, angled slightly to the side or tuck it at the back of your neck / under hair to disguise.
Consider in complimentary or similar tonal colors to the rest of your outfit.
Introduce pattern to a look (or ‘Power Clash’, aka mixing differing patterns that are complimentary to one another in color family).
The Beret – Forever chic, and can be worn in multiple ways. Again, the fabric choice is key. If allergic, traditional wool may cause itchiness across the forehead, cashmere may be looser, a blend may be just what you like. Choose away, Goldilocks! Go crazy with your color choices, just bear in mind primarily coordinating (or power clashing!) with your outerwear. If you choose to wear it with an outfit sans coat, let Faye Dunaway in Bonnie & Clyde be your guide (or, call me.) She also rocks the bandana! Ways to wear:
Above the ears, tilted to one side for extra jauntiness (just make sure it’s not looking like a super flat crepe on your head).
Over the ears and fully on your melon for a rounder, warmer experience.
Evenly across the forehead and set back for an extra gamine vibe.
I recommend camel, black or cream for starter beret wearers out there!
No matter how cold your version of winter gets, these three pieces will work to pump up your wardrobe and ironically keep you looking both classic AND on trend. When sourcing pieces, before buying new, all can be found secondhand or vintage. Often asking an older person if they have any sitting around; I dare say you might just find a unique, beautiful version gratis!
Happy wearing!
- Stephanie Gisondi-Little
