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Ah, the good ol' turtlneck - the most quintessential second layer of skin you simply can't do without.
Much like the plain white tee, the polo neck is one of the most versatile items of clothing you could possibly invest in because it's ideal for layering during the nippy seasons.
This is a thought that dawns on me often when I put on one of my turtleneck ensembles with today's getup featuring a polka dot summer dress and the black turtleneck (now) made notorious by Elizabeth Holmes.
Read more: 5 easy ways to wear summer dresses in winter
This item of clothing - especially in black - is an integral part of my 'uniform' actually - turtleneck under a dress, under dungarees, with skirts, and with slacks.
Not only is the polo neck a great substitute for a scarf sometimes, but it really has a way of giving your visage more definition, while creating the illusion of a longer neck.
And there's a celebrated woman (both fictional and real life) from almost every decade who made this item her wardrobe staple, wearing it in her own unique ways.
Here's a look at a few of these women who we've since taken style notes from:
The 'Mama Panther' black turtleneck
Before Steve Jobs nabbed the signature look, it belonged to Angela Davis and the Black panther movement of the 1960s.
"A Black Panther's wardrobe isn't complete without [a black polo neck]" is a quote that has been attributed to Angela, so who better to take fashion advice from than this activist and professor.
Wear yours with a slick all-black outfit or add a pop of colour to break the black.
And play with different textures.
You can also never go wrong with a black-and-white combo.
READ MORE: 3 essential knitwear items to cosy up with this winter
The Erica Barry white turtlenckneck
Diane Keaton's character (Erica Barry) gave this off-white neck cover-up its iconic status in the 2003 film Something's Gotta Give, which also happens to be the movie Diane won an Oscar for.
Earn your street style Oscar by wearing your off-white turtleneck under suits and boiler suits, or by pairing it with some classic denims.
Shop:
Oversize sweater at MANGO for R699
READ MORE: A tribute to fashion king Karl Lagerfeld and how his Little Black Dress liberated us
Do grey like Christy Turlington
Think of one of Karl Lagerfeld's early muses Christy Turlington, whose Vogue 1993 cover shoot where she paired a pinstripe Giorgio Armani suit with a grey knit and crisp white shirt is still relevant today.
Grey is always a safe and effortless style go-to, but that doesn't mean your outfit has to be boring. Style your grey neck "extender" with daring outerwear such as faux fur, oversized blazers and coats.
Play with colour like today's It girls
Want a look that's less classic and more right-now? Take a page out of these stars' books and go for brights because once again, H.E.R and T.E.R got the same memo.
Style your bright turtleneck in the following ways:
Shop your favourite hues at the following outlets:
Soft-feel sweater, R459 at ZARA
Turtleneck jersey, R249 at Edgars
Images: Getty
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