Turtleneck Galore

Turtlenecks are the essence of my fall and winter wardrobe. From a dramatic and mysterious turtleneck to a comfy T-shirt style turtleneck; I️ love them all. I tend to thrown a turtleneck under almost anything; sweaters, dresses, button downs, even T-shirts. They make any outfit stylish, while being warm.

Turtlenecks have a interesting way of jumping from generation to generation.

In the medieval times they were considered chafed necks designed to guard the knights neck area in battle, but were incredibly uncomfortable and caused limited head mobility. As time moved on turtle necks followed.

In the mid-sixteen hundreds high necks were a fashion statement. These ruffled turtlenecks were the statement of the high-class wealth.

This trend of a ruffled neck is making a huge come back. I️ noticed a rise in ruffled high necks a lot in 2018 Spring trends I️ discussed in my blog post, "Appreciating the trends 2018/2019" and the prairie girl look. Ruffles galore and high necks are becoming the center piece of spring collections, creating an innocent but sophisticate ora when worn.

English polo players also were a big influence on the male wardrobe when incorporating turtlenecks. The high button polo tee was a trend defined by this sport which led to another uprise in turtlenecks.

As I️ skip ahead a few eras, 1940's and 50 are when turtlenecks took a spin on fashion. Turtlenecks went from classy to sexy when transforming them into a tight and fitted style. Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn really helped sell this look.

Why are turtlenecks so compelling and striking?

Well by 1970, this look was the statement piece of The Woman's Equality Movement and took feminism to a whole other level. Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman-Hughes made turtlenecks "the uniform" of feminism, inspired by masculine military clothing; stating "women, too, can wear clothing with utility at its core."(Rosie Dalton, Well Made).

Over time, we have seen the turtleneck become the essence of a statement piece. From protective armor, high class distinction, mens sport wear, from classy to sexy, and to The Woman Rights Movement, this style has been around to stay around.

Here are some ideas the next time you want to pull that striking turtleneck out for this upcoming winter..

With endless love and from yours truly,

HB

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Dalton, R. (n.d.). How Turtlenecks Help Me Channel My Favourite 70s Feminists. Retrieved from https://wellmadeclothes.com/articles/TurtlenecksHelpMeChannel70sFeminists/

Fashion Archives: A Look at the History of the Turtlenck. (2015, December 27). Retrieved from https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-the-turtleneck/