The unbeatable chicness of a plain black turtleneck

Letter of Recommendation #089.

Dressed in a black, long-sleeve jersey turtleneck and knee-cap leggings some 3 months ago, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror of a fitness studio. It occurred to me that I was wearing what could become a versatile winter uniform, made only more true given the context of where I was —

Assume the knee-cap leggings are a stand-in for virtually any black bottom, which pants like this, this, this as the Michelin; Photo by Marieva Malo, the only pilates teacher in the world.

On a Pilates reformer.

I continue to question whether my own style impulses reflect how fashion culture is moving, or if in fact I’m keyed into uniquely personal tendencies. Either way, the instinct remains pure as filtered tap water that the simpler the outfit, the better.

But not because I want to look simple per se. I think I just want to use the time I spend on clothes differently. The black turtleneck is straightforward, fool proof, glamorous and austere. Worn on its own, it wreaks of elegant maturity. Baked into a more elaborate look, it elevates the surroundings.

Surroundings like…

• Coats that are part of the outfit

  

  Nothing but the Pilates look under this one, with The Row’s Canal loafer (does come in suede too) and a Rodebjer cape coat (this is prob more practical). The brooch is from Old Stone Trade. This one comes close but I’m newly inclined towards this)

  

  Frances de Lourdes ‘Lucie’ turtleneck with a Bode fringe coat (lest you want to go even bigger) (don’t count that as a rec, MD has you covered), Jujuvera necklace (this one too is worth consideration)

  

  Splendid 1x1 turtleneck styled with a Dries van Noten jacket (she on sale! Right along with her more demure older sibling), Aflalo pants and Polo RL sneakers

• Personality hats (see: here for reference, but to set the tone for a toned-down season, this luxurious bucket fit for a queen named Diane [Keaton] is the vibe)

• This feather brooch (…or this one)

• Great jewelry (turtleneck’s the canvas, jewelry’s the paint)

  

  Flore Flore’s ‘Dinah’ t-neck with a Dries van Noten scarf necklace and rings from Retrouvai, Arielle Ratner and Jenna Blake. Dropping in this cool dude one more time

  leandramcohen

  

  A post shared by @leandramcohen

• Tried and true crew neck knits (or coats), which earn a little somethin somethin when the base layer shows.

  

  A multi-whammy because it also hits the coat-as-part-of-outfit and jewelry notes. (That ear cuff is from Eliou)

• …But per the above lack of collar, I should reiterate that a turtleneck does something great (could pare it back, tone it down, elevate it) for a jacket or shirt collar too. And not just when you’re creating a shirt sammie!

• Lastly, though, given its sheen of maturity, the turtleneck may well stand in as a mask to conceal or protect, elevate, nurture, or add new dimension to your inner …or outer kid.

  

The picks

I rotate on a wheel of three styles. They are —