Outfit Lab - the white ribbed turtleneck - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfit Lab - the white ribbed turtleneck

Helena

Veteran

Hi friends, so inspired by notsaf's thread yesterday, specifically the article itself, as well as Sal's comments about how remixing a new piece with old favourites can net some great outfits.

That in mind, I decided to try an outfit lab with my new winter-white ribbed turtleneck. I like this piece but haven't reached for it, I think because it really is a piece meant to be layered, and I'm not much of a layer-er. Until the temps drop to -16c in November; then layering sounds like a great idea

My goal was to pair this top with as many different types of things in my closet as I could. Some of these look good to me, some not so much, but sharing the lot. Honest feedback is most welcome as this is a learning exercise for me! (and excuse the hair; going to the gym next so no styling it yet!)

1-2 - layered under a button up. The flannel is comfy and feels like a nice 90s throw-back and cozy for a cold day. I thought it was okay tucked with the blue, but this vibe feels like spring to me, so maybe I'll revisit when it's early spring.
4-6 - layered under a cardigan. The burgundy v-neck feels the most modern to me, but is it a bit too chopped up? The gray cardi is a lounge-on-the-couch look. I like the tonal layering with the white and black striped cardi (which I thought was only good for spring but this gives it a chance in fall/winter)
7-11 - layered under a crewneck. The stripe is another cozy-day-at-home option. I think the pink and navy crew options might be too 80s? I like it under the cableknit.
12-13 - now I was really getting creative (for me, ha!) I theoretically like these tonal looks, but the wide crops are linen and too summery, and the corduroy skinnies are too low-waisted and sausage-casey to feel right in 2019. Those are going in the donation bin.
14 - with navy blazer. Looks good to me.
15 - with scarf. Love the scarf, but scarves need to go under jackets imo. Meh.
17-19 - layered under a dress. This is as crazy as I get! I never wear dresses, but as Roxanna said about trying something different - why the hell not! My Zara LBD is SO difficult to get on, but once I manage to vaccuum-pack myself into it, it's actually quite comfy and I liked this look a lot more than I thought I would! The leopard belt seemed like a potential accessory to add. The BR wrap dress outfit just felt too fussy.

Thoughts? Ideas? Happy Hump Day friends! xx

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36 replies

Latest reply was from Cee

Christina F.

Veteran

Funny! I am wearing a black rib knit turtleneck too, but on its own.

1-3 are great but springy, as you say. Definitely keep in mind.

I like 4 a lot!

I like 9 (I like contrast) and 10-11, 14 and 16.

If you wanted to dress up the grey cardigan from 5 a bit, maybe add the scarf from 15?

EffortlessChic

I think you really captured the essence of the piece. It feels perfectly layered and not bulky or does not intrude upon the rest of the outfit. Too many layering pieces compete with the rest out the outfit and this one does not do that.

My least favorite look is with the button down shirts but that may well be because I dislike button downs as they do not fit in with my current style aesthetic.

You should definitely wear dresses more - you look smoking in #16. My other favorite was #6. Honestly they all look good on you, and if it were me, I’d pick the mix and match combos that feel authentic to you, are comfortable and weather appropriate.

Well done, this is a fab find

Helena

Veteran

Thank you Christina, that is great feedback!

I was sort of regretting not getting this piece in black or navy actually ... I feel like then I would wear it as a stand-alone piece ... but for some reason the white feels like it needs layers. I feel like a dark navy one I'd never want to get out of! *mind starts churning*

Helena

Veteran

Thank you EC!

It's funny, the button down ones remind me so much of my high school uniform, as we were allowed to wear our school turtleneck under our blouse in winter ... and that was my favourite way to wear my uniform haha ... it must have resonated with the style on the early 90s!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

You have the perfect figure for this kind of piece, and I particularly like the versions with the open cardigans. I’m less fond of styling it with a contrasting high crew neck (maybe a little too close to the preppy look I wore as a young teen). Definitely a keeper.

Christina F.

Veteran

I actually don't layer long sleeves a lot - I think that my upper arms are a little large for my relative size, and that makes it difficult. My black turtleneck is definitely a standalone piece, for that reason.

Oh, and we have unseasonably cold weather now too. BRR.

Tilly Roll Neck Sweater

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Top Pick

1

nemosmom

Veteran

I applaud you for taking initiative to play with your pieces, especially when it's cold out!! You are an inspiration, for sure!

I agree with you on 1-2 feeling spring-like; it's a good idea to refer back to and try later, along with the linen pants in 12...

It's a slam-dunk with the cardigans, and the navy blazer - the long cardis make your legs look a mile long, and I especially love the stripes!

As for the crewnecks, I like it best with the lower contrast pullovers (stripes, and the cable knit)

I love the Zara dress outfit - your leopard perfectly accents your waist. What about the BR wrap dress felt fussy? Was it the sleeves?? It *looks* fantastic, but you have to go with how you feel. It's a really great dress and you look SMASHING in it.

Helena

Veteran

Janet, I agree - it reminds me too much of (even though not white) this 80s TG classic

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Joy

Veteran

I like all of these, 2/3 more for spring, but my favorite is #10, white under white. Stay warm.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks Nm and Joy!

Nm, thanks on the cardigans! I haven't worn them in so long, so it will be fun to play with them this year. The BR dress - I think it's the layers + the texture of the t-neck + the pattern on the dress. I feel like the pattern is enough on it's own ... that's my minimal tendency reminding me not to forget about it, I guess

Helena

Veteran

Joy, I think #10 will be my outfit today

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sorry to be brief - client waiting!

My faves:

#1, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

LOVING the '70s vibe coming through.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

That roll neck and you are made for each other and look at you in a dress!That is a killer look,you really should wear dresses more often.l know they seem like a faff,lm as guilty as anyone of chucking on a pair of jeans as it’s so easy but when you look like you do in one it seems a shame not to wear them more frequently

slim cat

Veteran

What a fun and thorough fit exercise! I have soft spot for cardigans so - love #5,6. Outfit #7 feels like nice casual outfit for me ( love stripes ). Of course jacket in #14 looks great and same goes to #15 for the nice scarf play. Like #16-18 however it all depends on how you feel in those outfits. Great job!

notsaf

Veteran

Glad I helped inspire some sartorial creativity! I really like 1-10, 14, 15 and agree with your assessments overall. Fwiw, the throw-back 80's crew neck thing feels really modern to me. The 80-90's are in, like it or not!

What you said about white without layers resonates with me too. Sometimes it feels just a little *exposed* on its own.

Sal

Veteran

You have some great combinations here. I love it with the cardigans and the dresses especially - and of course in the first look. The black fitted dress is a great look and maybe the perfect occasion will arise ( winter school event comes to mind eg concerts)

I agree a layering piece rather than stand alone - but a great one.

The Cat

Veteran

With your slim figure and great colouring a white turtleneck looks perfect on you, and as shown here you can wear it in a multitude of ways. My favourites are #5, 6, 10 and 16-18.

The Cat

Veteran

Re #15: How about replacing the thick scarf with a thinner one plus wearing shoes that pick up one of the (non-neutral?) scarf colours?

Or your "third piece" could be a necklace, perhaps a layered one.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

The Cat, a layered necklace is next on my list to try ... I think that will also pick up the 70s vibe Angie mentioned.

Sara L.

Veteran

What a great basic layering piece! Those can be so difficult to find. The outfits with the long cardigans, the blazer, and the dresses are my favorite. I also quite like the silhouette/colors of #12 - the pants just need to be a different fabrication.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wear the dress. Wear the dress. Wear the DRESS!! It is so perfectly Kate.

Both dresses, actually. but I especially like 17/18.

rachylou

Veteran

It’s easier for me to say what I’m not feeling - #1-3. It’s the middlin’ hemlines. I love all the others.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks everyone! Rachy, that's a great observation - it does seem to be either long or short, but not in the middle - or is that the rule always and I never knew?

Except for midi skirts, but that's a different issue!

Anonymous

I don't wear turtlenecks or layer sweaters, so I have nothing useful to contribute other than you look good in everything, and that we have the same bedding/pillowcases .

Mainelady

Veteran

IMO a ribbed white turtleneck is a piece you can rarely go wrong with. Your outfit lab was a success. You have quite a few options for different temps and seasons.
FWIW, I think the tneck with the cardigans are great (probably because I like to wear them...). Add your scarf, or a necklace and you are ready to get off the couch and head out the door. My faves are 14, 15, 16 and 18. 100% fab!

Helena

Veteran

Lisa, is your bedding from the Superstore? I have the same layering issue as you ... will comment more on my other thread. Thanks for the compliment

Mainelady, thank you!

Anonymous

No......from Home Outfitters/Bay . Maybe not the same ?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I sort of skimmed the comments - but enough to see your 80s picture ! Anyway, isn't cold weather and layering like peanut butter and chocolate? Ok, what do I know! Ilove the button up jeans and wide legs on 12 on you. Maybe you "need" a winter weight version of the latter. Love the turtleneck under the dresses, under the blazer and under the v-neck especially. I also like the white layers. Lots of potential here!

Liesbeth

Veteran

2, 4, 7, 14, 15, 16 are my faves! Funny, I've been thinking of getting just such a rollneck for making two-piece outfits more interesting - but haven't bitten the bullet because I can't stop thinking about that character from the big bang theory :-D. You styled it wonderfully though.

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