knit du jour

I was vacationing the last few days with some friends, one of whom is the most committed turtleneck wearer that I know. He lives in LA, yet somehow manages to work the cold weather staple into his wardrobe with incredible frequency (even in an 80's-everyday "winter" like the one we are having). His execution of this getup is always warm, but decidedly not stylish (think English professor / blazing hot beach / scratchy wool neck piece) which happens to be his goal. Needless to say, it drives his wife a wee-bit crazy, and has turned her against the turtleneck in any form and for any person, man, woman or child. Well, not so fast I say, for (as illustrated above and below by NYFW fashionistas) the turtleneck is not by definition an item to be avoided. Done right, it can make you toasty and stylish when you really need to check both boxes. It makes sense, after all: a turtleneck adds a welcome layer of warmth and yet almost disappears underneath more interesting, statement-y pieces. It also extends the wearability of spring and summer (or lightweight) clothes--and gives them a cool new look, to boot. Plus, the turtleneck, especially the clingier, form-fitting styles, dovetails nicely with the current '70s fashion movement. They're also ubiquitous on the Fall 2015 runways, courtesy of designers like Derek Lam, The Row and Tome. Here are some great iterations of the knit du jour from Equipment (forever good cashmere at 40% off), Vince (perfect for layering), Acne Studios (statement-making, on sale and about to sell out), Stella McCartney (very '70s and 75% off), and  J Brand (excellently chunky).

Photos: Grazia, Harper's Bazaar, Style, Refinery 29