What can you do with a crew neck?

Style definition not withstanding, I really enjoy the look and feel of a bit of polish (simple clothes with simple lines that fit lovely and are in great shape) mixed with very rugged, masculine elements. My own curvy shape and feminine features tends to add enough of that to my look.

I have had a horrible time in recent years finding scoop and v-neck tops that don't shift around or gape and leave the bra on display. I do wear button downs, but I've mostly switched to crew neck shirts and sweaters. I love the way they look on me by themselves.

However, I find the crew necks very hard to layer, to my eye they often look awkwardly high. Also, necklaces (especially my chunky pendants or pendants on a beaded strand) seem to compete with the neckline.

What am I doing wrong here?

I recently bought several new crew necks and new jeans. However, I just can't figure out what works with them. I can't wear most accessories due to work, and even my jacket options are limited because of the job.

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Watching this for inspiration - I'm no help sorry. I don't have any for the reasons you mention & my large bust which looks better with a lower neckline.

catgirl

I have serious issues with crew necks, like the j. crew Tippi sweater style, which sit high and make me look short-necked and busty (grrr). This is why so many of my cardis were a struggle and have left my closet. Wish I could help. Scarves? Jewelry? Offset with other necklines of jacket or topper?

Elly

I guess my frustration is that I feel I look good in the crewnecks until I layer over them-- hmmmm . . . .

Astrid

How about layering a button down under? Just show a bit of collar, if that works. Have you tried it with a scarf? I often wear my infinity scarves with a crew neck, close to my neck.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Scarves! They look best on crew necks.

Suz

I was just about to say what Angie said! I am wearing a crew neck with scarf right now!

Kim

Me too! Crew neck and scarf. Crew neck is my *least* favorite neckline but it looks the best with scarves, which I love, so I have a few crew necks. They can be layered with thin tops underneath (button downs) and jewelry can then be added. It's a fairly feminine look though. Here's an blogger's pic with a top underneath then a blazer on top. For some reason the structured collar on the button down makes it all work for me. (Giraffe neck).

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rachylou

Pop the collar up?

cciele

I don't usually wear crew necks, but when I do I don't layer crew necks. If I do it's with a moto-style jacket or some jacket with that diagonal neckline thing going on. For a necklace, I wear a long chain with large pendant.

Thanks ladies-- I had forgotten about scarves. I do like the look of a scarf with a crew neck, I just don't have many scarves.

I occasionally like the look of a button down under a crew neck, but it isn't something I have ever worn myself.

I have a bunch of l/s layering tees that are crewnecks which I love, but don't know how to wear when it is too cold to wear them just under a coat or with a scarf. When it is cold enough to layer I often get very cold if my chest is exposed (I have a heart condition and this can trigger chest pain) which is also another reason I preffer a crew neck over scoops or v-necks, at least during layering season. However, I am just not happy with my attempts at layering over cuddle duds, silk long johns, and l/s tees, or the thin sweaters I enjoy.

I do like turtle necks and sometimes have similar issues with them, although they are easier than the crews-- however, I can wear the crews 9 months of the year here, where turtles are more of a 5 month thing.

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