Last week a reader sent me a link to a great piece of writing that pops up now and then. GQ published a piece called My Father's Fashion Tips in the December, 1996 issue. Written by Tom Junod, it was nominated for a National Magazine Award, and if you haven't read it you'll be glad you followed the link.
One of the fashion tips in the article is a paen to the turtleneck, a sweater that, if it isn't the most flattering thing a man can wear, is certainly among them. I don't find much occasion to wear them where I live - it's rarely cool enough - but I own a couple of cashmere versions that get brought out two or three days each year.
And when it's cool enough to warrant having cloth up to your chin, the turtleneck is a finished look that attracts the eye in much the same way that a necktie does. I wear an oatmeal version with country suits and odd jackets, and a gray with city suits in business casual situations.
The sweater in the photo is from Jonathan, the friendly cashmere specialist at Four in Hand.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
"The Turtleneck is the Most Flattering Thing a Man Can Wear"
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13 comments:
Will, nice look. I'll even let the exposed leg pass.
I have been asked out by a woman only twice in my life (I've been married a while, so I'm using that as the excuse.) The first time the young lady told me at dinner she asked me out in main part to my turtleneck sweater. I wear them every chance I get.
The linked story is a must-read... all the way to the last period!
Turling, look again. Those are over the calf socks.
Will,
Turling wasn't the only one to be surprised by an unexpectedly-exposed leg. The problem is that if you don't click the photo and enlarge it, the yellow diamond on the argyle socks definitely looks like a patch of bare leg.
Just the thing for brisk days with the top down.
Junod's article is wonderful. Quite a compliment.
Very nicely put together. Need more side view pictures of your "Barrymore Profile".
The turtleneck looks great, but I love the rest of your outfit as well. The hat, jacket, trousers, and socks all go together well. Excellent post!
I second Richard's comment. Your entire ensemble is well turned out. I recently bought a purple turtleneck at Paul Stuart to wear with my navy blazer. Some girls at work liked it with some wondering if it was an 'ascot'
before they were able to get a closer look.
Great GQ article.
Will, thanks for posting that link. Yes, I'm the reader who passed it along, and after having not seen the original article for about 10 years, I still remembered it fondly when I recommended it to fellow commenter John.
Whether or not you agree with all of Junod Sr.'s fashion tips, he really had a point about the turtleneck. A well-complemented turtleneck can really make a difference in casual attire.
Will you're very inspiring, as always. I love how the tweed jacket and cap, although different pattern and colour, somehow match. Same thing with the pocket square. Masterful.
I wear turtlenecks when it is particularly chilly outside, which luckily is not very often here in Southern California. I wore them frequently when I was younger. I have on a few recent occasions worn a black cashmere turtleneck with a two-button, single-breasted Southwick suit in a navy chalk stripe. I adopted this look after seeing a very well-executed version on The Sartorialist blog on September 25, 2007. I have received compliments on it.
A thousand apologies. Had I enlarged the photo as oldworldgent suggested, I would have noticed it were a yellow diamond. I should have known you never would have let such a sin be posted. Again, my apologies.z
Ha! I was in the Ralph Lauren store on Rodeo Drive over Thanksgiving, and overheard a fellow shopper--Arnold Schwarzenegger--giving the salespeople hell because there were too many turtlenecks in stock. "Nobody wears these any more!" he exclaimed.
Well, what does he know. He probably can't find one that fits his neck.
I have a perpetual problem with turtlenecks as well as scarves, being as they both cover the neck. No matter what method I use to shave, my stubble grows sufficiently in the course of the day as to catch the fabric and also irritate my neck. Sigh...
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