Can v-neck sweaters ever be stylish? - YouLookFab Forum

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Can v-neck sweaters ever be stylish?

Maya

Veteran

I have 3 pre-YLF vneck sweaters that I continue to hang onto only because they are short enough for skirts. I got one of them at ATL on sale and the other 2 from Zara. I never wear them though, because I know they just aren't stylish in the least and they don't do a whole lot for my shape. But finding skirt tops for my petite, shortwaisted, big-busted self is so hard these days...in fact, it's impossible! Even petite tops are too long and I don't belt so there are really no options for me I have to make the most of what I have...even if it isn't exactly fabulous.

Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Of course! Add a scarf.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I popped my new white button down under a v-neck sweater and was quite pleasantly surprised at the result-- try that if you have one.

can you post a few pics?

MNsara

Veteran

I LOVE v-necks and certainly hope they are stylish! In addition to Angie's scarf suggestion, try a jacket over them (if lightweight enough), try a thin crewnneck layer under them.

I think now, because of YLF, I feel a little naked if I wear JUST a v-neck, so I throw on a boyfriend cardigan, jacket, or something else on top to elevate the style. But V-necks are a great classic.

(queenie - another white button-down score for you

Queen Mum

Veteran

oh yes, a jacket adds instant style too! (I happen to be wearing a purple v-neck sweater today and to go out I threw on my cream moto jacket and felt very appropriately casual fab) you're right sara- a finer knit is easier to layer over.

Maya

Veteran

I like vnecks and wear them all the time (you have to when you are busty), but I don't like vneck sweaters. They are shapeless and boring.

I have worn buttondowns underneath. The sweaters are like this (I realize the outfit doesn't work at all--it's an old picture). I just bought a sleeveless buttondown from Old Navy that actually fits over my bust and will work for layering, though I still need a full sleeve version. I guess I'm just looking for other ways to wear them. A scarf sounds good. I really wish I could belt. would make my life so much easier

MNsara

Veteran

Oops? No picture, Maya.

Maya

Veteran

Oh, oops.

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_1496.jpg

This probably is a sign that I need to sleep...

MNsara

Veteran

That looks like a good versatile v-neck.

If that v-neck is thin enough, put a 'cheeky' moto over it and a statement necklace or scarf on too.

Or does your new button down have a curved hem (shirt tail?) because that might make the bottom edge more interesting.

I think it looks like it has plenty of styling potential, let's hear it from the pros. . .

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I love v-necks on anything, so I'm watching this thread with interest. I never believed v-neck sweaters were boring or an ylf no-no... Can someone set me straight once and for all? For my part, I never wore a v-neck sweater without a necklace, and now that I've discovered scarves I make use of them too.

Maya

Veteran

I just don't feel fab in them. My torso is very shapeless, so I either need volume to disguise it, or structure to create shape where there is none. These sweaters are not voluminous but don't really have any structure (like seams) either. They look fine on someone with a waist, but that is not me. I think this is also the reason I have gradually lost interest in my knit tops

I also remember reading that they can look masculine? Although I don't know too many men who embrace vnecks...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have a few of these types of V-neck pullovers in bold argyle designs (black and white, grey and red, yellow and grey). I only ever wear them over a button down or silky pussy cat bow blouse – and always with jeans or cigarette pants and a feminine shoe (flat or heeled). I never belt them. I drape pearls all over them too. I also wear them with my docs, but I layer a Chanel jacket over that for an extra girly touch.

I like the look over the b/down that you have. It’s cute and casual. I’d also throw over a scarf and biker jacket. Or that sweet little new grey blazer – pinstriped? Can’t remember the brand.

Ele

(website)

Good grief- I certainly hope V-necks can be stylish, as I have umpteen of them! Club Monaco do simple merino wool ones every year, and at last count I had: 2 black, 1 dark brown, 1 tobacco brown, 1 light grey, 1 sage green and 1 grey/white stripe. I agree that they aren't the most exciting items around (more in the flat/grocery shopping/blogging wear for me), but my Mum keeps sending me more every year. For some reason, she's always worried about me freezing to death here in England, so I'm often the recipient of random packages of knitwear!

Angie, great tips for keeping them stylish! I'll have to try to re-create some of those looks.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I think Maya hit on the problem with sweaters for many of us. It's not in the v-neck, but in the body (of the sweater that is...). I have finally learned after many years of buying non flattering sweaters that I have to go with a fine gauge lightweight knit. The minute I go with anything with any bulk I've turned into a puff ball-- it's still hard to find a fine knit that has any waist definition, but that can be camoflauged per Angies suggestions.

I think the reason we sometimes think "masculine" is because of the lack of curve.

And Maya, I think your sweater is great- I like it over that buttondown.

Dawn

(website)

I also have major issues with v-necks. I own two v-necks from Zara in green and blue. They just seem so boring despite the beautiful colours and don't fit in with my style at all... but I might try an outfit with one of them using Angie's suggestions.

Maya, I quite like your sweater with a button down under it. It just needs something to make it pop!

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm I just realized I have several v-necks that I keep passing over as opitons, mainly because they give me flashbacks to my old boring black pants and sweater combos I used to wear. Like Maya, I just don't feel fan when I wear them. But I really like Angie's suggestions so I am going to challenge myself to incorporating them into my outfits next week!

bitsofpieces

(website)

I pretty much wear v-necks exclusively! I have a very round face, and the v-neck is the most flattering for my face. I never thought they were more or less stylish than any other type of sweater...

Jean Gray

I was wondering about this too. Great suggestions!

Maya

Veteran

Maybe I shouldn't have included the v-neck modifier--actually, I am not sure why I did. I LOVE vnecks. I *have* to wear them. I don't like sweaters, whether vneck or crewneck or whatever else. The only sweaters I like are cardigans and vests.

Angie, that buttondown does not fit anymore. It's too bad because I really liked it and it's one of those rare things I bought it full price from Banana Republic. It was white-on-white paisley with cuffed elbow sleeves. I can't believe there was a time only 1.5 years ago when I could fit into a BR XS That blazer is in hibernation now because the sleeves are too long but I'm taking it to the tailor today.

I just got a cheap ON sleeveless buttondown, but I look like a box in it so it is just for layering. I'll have to take pictures of everything soon. I just feel so huge through the torso and then I have skinny little arms and legs...like a tomato with toothpicks sticking out from it. It made me so frustrated the other day I actually cried!

A pussycat bow blouse makes me happy though I don't know if I can wear it...but just the name makes me smile.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(Ladies!!! It's not the V-neckline itself that's challenging. V-necklines look amazing on most women. It's the basic V-neck wool pullover that one has to be careful with - a la Lands End and not in a good way. You have to watch the shape. Not quite shaped and not voluminous either. Just blah. Crew-necks are no better if they have the same shape. If you own them, you need to doll them up).

Of all people Maya, you need to own a pussycat bow blouse.

Kari

Veteran

I can really relate because pre-YLF, it seemed like all I wore were colorful but plain/basic V-neck or scoop-neck sweaters with dressy trousers or jeans. They fit well and are fine-knit, but It's kind of a struggle to try them out again because I feel like I'm going back to my plain roots.

I guess I have to learn to think of these sweaters as layering pieces, not stand-alone, but something that be a good, basic layer with a statement necklace/scarf and jacket. My mom recently gave me a teal scoop-neck Loft sweater for my birthday - very pretty, with little buttons at the wrists - and both times I've worn it under a jacket with a bright scarf.

I haven't tried wearing my button-downs under my old V-neck sweaters yet - somehow when I wear a knit over a woven I always feel like the woven top gets all twisted and bunched up while I'm getting dressed. I'll try to give it a shot later this week, though.

Maya

Veteran

Might you show me an example of an appropriate pussycat bow blouse, Angie? I am intrigued.

I'm going to try and wear at least two of my vneck sweaters this week and see how it goes.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Maya, they're just blouses with huge neck-ties. It's a 60's thing. You've seen millions of them. They don't call them pussy cat bows in the US though. Scroll down till you see the pink blouse:

http://images.google.com/imgre.....n%26sa%3DG

Maya

Veteran

Oh, I have been looking for one of those! They were all over the place just a few seasons ago but I haven't been able to find any I want the one in your link! Is the high neck necessary?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The high neck is not a must at all. Just the pussy bow.

Kristine

Veteran

I saw a few tie blouses at Target yesterday. $15-20 and pretty patterns!

I have the same problem with v-necks now that you mention it. Before I found this board I would wear them with a tank underneath, maybe a necklace. On their own they do seem kind of boring and as a rectangle they don't do much for me. I'm going to try the v-neck challenge this week.

shiny

Veteran

I am just seeing this thread. Maya, I completely understand what you mean! I have this same problem with these pullovers. If too loose, I just look like a box. If I find one that carves out a waist, it's too clingy over my belly bulges. A cardigan can be buttoned at the waist, and left unbuttoned to skim over the bulges.

With that said, I have one miracle sweater that works: It's fine gauge merino. Bought it years and years ago at BR. The miracle is that it has angled ribbing that forms V's all down the front. The sweater is not super clingy. But the angled ribbing gives the allusion of shape, and somehow also makes me look slimmer overall. Unfortunately this sweater is black, which is kind of a snooze....