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- From the '60s to 2021 - there's a trendy poloneck-clad star for almost every era.
- Not only is the poloneck a great substitute for a scarf, but it really has a way of giving your face more definition.
- And as it turns out, 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.
Ah, the good ol' turtleneck (poloneck if you prefer)- the most quintessential second layer of skin you simply can't do without.
Much like the plain white tee, the poloneck is one of the most versatile items of clothing you could possibly invest in.
READ MORE: Trends are irrelevant, but why not treat yourself to an investment coat this payday weekend?
This item of clothing - especially in black - is an integral part of my winter 'uniform' actually - turtleneck under a dress, under dungarees, with skirts, and with slacks.
Not only is the poloneck 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.
A 2015 Refinerey29 article musing on the impact of the turtleneck as an urbane cultural signifier, adds to this point of a more defined face, saying; "It makes you realise how beautiful your face is, because it’s so out there, floating atop your shoulders for the world to appraise."
More importantly, it's ideal for layering during the nippy seasons - just think of Fran Fine's vibrant outfits.
READ MORE: If you loved 90s sitcom, The Nanny, you'll enjoy this throwback - The 10 best Fran Fine outfits
And as it turns out, 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:
All images: Getty
The 'Mama Panther' black turtleneck
Before Steve Jobs and Silicone Valley CEOs nabbed the signature look, it was part of a defining uniform of black solidarity worn by 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 activist and professor, Angela Davis.
Wear yours for a slick all-black outfit or add a pop of colour to break the solid look.
Play with different textures.
You can also never go wrong with a black-and-white combo.
Shop:
Turtleneck (organic cotton t-shirt), R299 at Mango
Adidas turtleneck bodysuit, R799 at adidas online
The Erica Barry white turtleneck
Diane Keaton's character (Erica Barry) gave this off-white neck cover-up is imprinted in our minds from 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 with suits - boiler and two-piece. Or by pairing it with some classic denims.
Shop:
Rib Lettuce Edge Long Sleeve, R249 at Factorie
Y&G lace-look poloneck jersey, R299 at Foschini
Do grey like Christy Turlington
Think of one of Karl Lagerfeld's early muses, Christy Turlington, who was styled in a pinstripe Giorgio Armani suit for her Vogue 1993 cover shoot.
Layered with a grey knit and crisp white shirt, this is an ensemble worth giving a go today.
Grey is always a safe style go-to, but that doesn't mean your outfit has to be boring. Style your grey neck extender with outerwear that has more personality, such as faux fur or oversized blazers.
Play with colour like today's fashion industry bigwigs
Want a look that's less classic and more right-now?
Take a page out of the bright books of fashion director Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and Instagram's head of fashion partnerships, Eva Chen.
Gabriella Karefa-Johnson attends the Prada Resort 2020 fashion show at Prada Headquarters on May 02, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Getty Images for Prada)
Eva Chen wears a red fluffy coat, a red wool turtleneck pull over, red shoes , during Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2018/2019, on February 28, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Shop:
Desigual x Miranda Makaroff high-neck montpellier mesh top, R1949 at Desigual
Cable roll neck knit, R1799 at Country Road
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