October 7, 2019
Planning for autumn makes me so happy!
Even if you’re not crazy about these, it’s worth getting maybe 1 or 2 if you have a fondness for big chunky sweaters that make you itch! These are like cotton “itch-proofing…”
If you have a sweater that’s a bit… bold… the turtleneck can be a simple base. In this outfit, it gives you a nice solid core upon which you could wear all kinds of sweaters, cardigans, or a flannel shirt!
rust ember scarf – Nordstrom; navy cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; plaid sweater – Madewell; rust boots – Børn; navy corduroy pants – L.L.Bean
A cotton turtleneck can keep you nice and snug outdoors…
fleece headband – Turtlefur; moose print Sherpa pullover – L.L.Bean; teal cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; waterproof hiking shoes – Keen; taupe rip-stop nylon pants – L.L.Bean
A cardigan and pants that don’t match can feel awkward. Add in a cotton turtleneck that doesn’t match either and you’ve got a nicely blended outfit. Notice that the scarf and the cardigan are from the same brand; if you’re trying to find additional pieces in a certain color, it’s wise to start with the brand of your “orphan” garment to see if they’ve done anything else in that color! It’s rare that a manufacturer/retailer will make just 1 item in any color…
plaid scarf – Madewell; pecan sweater blazer – Madewell; dark caramel cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; loafers – Børn; dune brown corduroy pants – L.L.Bean
You can itch-proof yourself from your fabulous sweater and create a nice monochromatic base for the world’s most amazing scarf…
scarf – Faliero Sarti; charcoal heather cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; charcoal cabled sweater – unknown; pewter boots – Franco Sarto; corduroy pants – L.L.Bean
A black turtleneck and pants is the base of half of my winter outfits! Here, you have a nice calm base upon which you can mix prints with abandon!
hooded striped sweater – Volcom; windowpane cape – Gap; black turtleneck – Lands’ End; loafers – Fipflop; black corduroy pants – L.L.Bean
Is the vee in your v-neck sweater too deep? Plunging necklines don’t always appeal…
camel scarf – Rag & Bone; brown mélange sweater – Splendid; dark caramel cotton turtleneck – Lands’ End; boots – Børn; toasted coconut jeans – L.L.Bean
2 weeks into the winter wardrobe, I’ve now switched the first 2 tee shirts for their cousins in cotton turtlenecks. (notice how our little guide-wheel in the bottom left gradually shifts to reflect the balance of the wardrobe…)
white & black turtlenecks – Lands’ End; red & blue tees – Lands’ End; black cardigan – Banana Republic; white shirt – Lands’ End; black cabled sweater – L.L.Bean; striped sweater – Madewell; flowered cardigan – Lands’ End; black jeans – Lands’ End; black pants – Lands’ End; tweed skirt – J.Crew; black dress – Lands’ End
As I work on this, I’m also getting ready for a trip to England and Ireland, where the temperatures are quite a bit cooler; looking at sweaters is SO getting me in the mood….
love,
Janice
p.s. 3 years ago I updated a simple Common Wardrobe with shades of purple and grey…
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So true about cotton “itch-proofing” a hairy sweater, and cotton seems to be the only thing that works. I have several viscose high neck tops, and they don’t do the job. Certainly in the UK, there seems to be a lot less cotton around, possibly because of the environmental impact? I have a couple of alpaca sweaters that require full body armour underneath, why didn’t I notice before I bought? I’m going to find a couple of cotton tops, today if possible, so that I can wear them.
I am really enjoying this series, Janice. While you’ve been in Ireland, I’ve been in Chicago — our first non-fly-through visit. We are staying at the Westin River North and have walked so much I’ve worn out a pair of Clarks that are only a few years old. It’s been a lovely, lovely time. I’m loving your little guide-wheel, except for me it goes backward. I accidentally found out a few years ago that I have spatial-sequence synesthesia, a neural condition that causes me to see numbers and dates/seasons as visual patterns. (Until then, I thought EVERYONE saw them this way.) For me, a one year period with its seasons looks like a huge ovoid bicycle wheel laid on its side. I stand in the center and I am the thing that turns as months go by. Summer and winter are on the long “sides” of the oval, and summer feels like the “front,” with winter at the “back”. I turn clockwise as I go through the seasons: summer, autumn, winter, then spring and back to summer. Anyway, it took me a bit to figure out the guide-wheel, probably because it was the opposite of my mental imagery. I think it’s brilliant, though, because it accurately reflects how seasons work — they gradually fade from one to another.
I’m sorry that I’ve missed you in Chicago – I would LOVE to go to the Art Institute with you to talk to you about how some of the modern art looks to you. And thanks so much for taking the time to explain your spatial-sequence synesthesia! Fascinating…
I see numbers with color auras; it makes math easier for me! Nobody can explain that on either. It’s glorious to be different, isn’t it?
hugs,
Janice
I want to see numbers with color auras!!! How fun would that be? (Nerdy accountant here…)
I also have mild synesthesia. I sense numbers and words in color and I also have an internal 3 dimensional shape for the year, week, and number line (although I’m not good at math). I was 40 before I realized other people didn’t experience this and found out it had a name. I used to work for a financial advisor and I created a cheat sheet based on the color I “see” based on the company name. It’s hard to explain without sounding insane, but I like my color world.
Turtlenecks don’t work for me, so I usually itch-proof (new favorite verb!) with a long-sleeved t-shirt + (since I’ve discovered them) a fake collar. It doesn’t work with all necklines, though – a turtleneck would probably be much more versatile, if only I were able to stand it…
Maybe a moc turtleneck? I used to hate the way they looked, but they’re growing on me; one thing you can count on is that silhouettes will shift, and what looked awkward 20 years ago (a skirt that shows your legs above your boots used to be SO wrong….) can look better now!
hugs,
Janice
I use mock turtlenecks necks quite a bit under my thick turtleneck sweaters. I can’t stand the feel of wool next to my skin, so I use mocks when a full turtle would add too much bulk. In the coldest weather, I also use mocks and turtlenecks under my thick cotton sweaters (from Lands End, of course). By the way, I have Lands End sweaters that are 20 years old, and I still love them. They stand the test of time.
Dear Lori and Janice,
Your descriptions of synesthesia are fascinating! I’d love to hear more about this very interesting perceptual gift!
And on to the topic of turtlenecks….I wore and loved them almost every day for years during the colder seasons for all the reasons you mentioned. As I’ve gotten older and a little jowlier, I’ve started to avoid the kind that are snug to my neck in favour of cowl necks and other looser but still snuggly necklines. I live in Canada so warm layers are a good idea for a substantial portion of the (beautiful ovoid wheel of the) year. ?
Janice,
I live in cotton turtlenecks pretty much all Winter long as an under layer to cardigans , vests, and 1/4 zip pullovers in both neutrals and accent colors . I have tried wearing a woolen blend turtleneck — can’t do it— itch factor. I also have tried wearing jewel neck or v-neck pullovers in cotton and fabric blends — can’t stand them without an underlayer , which somewhat limits the total possible number of outfits, but as I have plenty of clothes, that is really not an issue . Still — I like the most bang for the buck when it comes to a variety of options !
While you are in England have a look at the base layers in Marks and Spencer. They are in the underwear department. I buy a few every year and wear one everyday from October till April. Most are basic colours but there are always some more interesting ones too. There are different neck lines and different weights ( hello extra warm ones). When I’m looking at them I can’t help but talk to the other ladies who are looking at them. They are often fellow “collectors”. We should make a Facebook group.
I LOVE M&S! When we lived in Dublin, their store on Grafton Street was a go-to for basics. Good quality, good value…
hugs,
Janice