'No one ever got laid in a roll neck,' said The Observer's fashion pages yesterday, well excuse me... I thought we'd decided knicker-flashing porno chic was dead? Who needs to get their cleavage out to get lucky? Actually, don't answer that, we'll be here all night. Let's focus instead on the classy qualities of the simple roll neck. OK it may not be the sexiest sweater in the drawer but, in cashmere it's a sensual proposition, a chic wardrobe staple and the best way to hide a saggy neck, just ask Diane Keaton.
Think about Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face, Yves Saint Laurent's Beat Collection, which upset the couture clients and saw him sacked from Dior, and the other first lady...
Marilyn Monroe looked just as sexy in a sweater and Capri pants, as a show-stopping, knicker-flashing frock:
Chloe and Céline showed roll necks for autumn/winter 2010 - blimey even Victoria Beckham's in on the act (seen below in Céline)- and W editor, Stefano Tonchi certainly knows a thing or two about style.
Yep, the roll neck works or men too. I give you the fabulous Steve McQueen, and Mr Michael Caine:
So, what do you think - is the roll neck 'contraception in fashion form,' or a super-chic cover-up?
Personally, I haven't worn one since I was about ten years old, but they do look chic on the right body, just not mine!
ReplyDeleteI can't wear them (I always feel like I'm being strangled) but think they can look really stylish when done right!
ReplyDeleteLove them ..my 2 cents "a super-chic cover-up" ... perhaps the The Observer's fashion pages writers meant .. these wonderful autumn, cool weather wardrobe staples especially in cashmere~ are treated with such care that they are removed before would takes to getting laid... ;) HHL
ReplyDeleteI wear them even though I don't think I look that good in them!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't quite realized how controversial they might be. I wear them.
ReplyDeleteI wish they suited me. I'm so long and I have a long neck they don't really work. Love the Chloe look, it's completely based on my friend Phoebe Arnold's wardrobe who was consulting for them.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for Steve McQueen, I'd fancy him in anything! Hope you're good xx
I love them, they do suit me having a square jaw.. i cannot wear a black on though too harsh.. softer shades better.xx Steve Mc Queen looks drop dead gorgeous in that photo
ReplyDeleteOh fiddle-dee-dee. Roll necks are usually quite figure hugging, so even though the neck is covered they are very sexy. I wouldn't trust the Observer with fashion advice *snorts*
ReplyDeleteI read that comment in The Observer and wistfully remembered a gorgeous three quarter sleeved black polo which I loved and loved, in fact I think I bought it for a date. I haven't found one since that was as perfect - but I'm still looking
ReplyDeleteI love polo necks, they accentuate bosoms on us less well-blessed birds and trim blokes look hot in them. I'm a bit disappointed there's no Jarvis in your picture gallery, surely the God of the Roll Neck? xxx
ReplyDeleteWearing one now. In fact I think I may have worn a roll-neck for most of the last few weeks...
ReplyDeleteI like to think they have a certain tasteful chic.
I hadn't even considered they were such a controversial garment. I have several and find them cosy and - if called for - smart. But a necklace or scarf over the top is necessary to stop bolster bosom.
ReplyDeleteUndoubtedly super chic cover up!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan personally, but slim fitting ones look gorgeous on the right figure. In the movie Somthings Gotta Give, Jack Nicholson questions Diane Keatons wearing of the rollneck in summer! I think he ends up tearing it off her in a passionate moment!
ReplyDeleteThey're warm!
ReplyDeleteI love the look. Super sexy.
ReplyDeleteLove the look, and I LOVE the comfort!
ReplyDeleteoxoxo
Denalee
They do look ver smart, although I never wear them because they feel unconfortable to me.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo guapa.
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I love, love, love roll neck sweaters. These are great illustrations of how to wear them. Never stopped me getting laid......;-)
ReplyDeleteXxxx
I like the idea it is contraception in fashion form. Looking at Marilyns photo I agree with the fashion article. Still she looks lovely. But not that sexy like she used to. Maybe men get a bit shy. To me women with rollnecks look powerfull!! and when they add a chain around their neck even more!
ReplyDeleteSuper chic cover up - and for women who must work in an office turtlenecks (as we call them across the Atlantic) are both sporty and modern, minimalist and at the same time softer than a collared shirt. I understand the issue about feeling a bit strangled - I prefer mine to be shorter in the neck rather than the full on roll.
ReplyDeleteI love them, but mostly on other people as I have a slightly short (rather than swan-like) neck and I think they're unflattering on me. I used to wear them a lot when younger ...
ReplyDeleteI like them... and on Mr SE too.. And what about Mr Bond as in James or the Milk Tray man in the ads (or am I really showing my age???)x
ReplyDeleteI love turtlenecks and they are my go to sweaters for fall and winter. I think you do have to have at least an average to long neck to wear them.
ReplyDeleteRoll neck sweater? Love 'em. Always have. They suit me, cover my neck and keep me warm. Long may they reign.
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