Easy and Elegant Life

The Search for Everyday Elegance and the Art of Living Well.

Smart Casual Experiment #4: The Roll(Turtle)Neck

Probably the easiest alternative to a shirt and tie, the rollneck (or turtleneck) is a staple of my cold weather wardrobe. Cold weather because I have yet to find a fabric more suited to warmer weather that looks as good as cashmere or merino wool. Perhaps there is one in a silk/cotton mix that will not lose its shape after the third wearing?

Worn here with flat front Donegal tweed trousers and the ubiquitous black penny strap loafer for a casual evening out.

10 thoughts on “Smart Casual Experiment #4: The Roll(Turtle)Neck

  1. I too like a black rollneck. However, I love to wear it with jeans. What weight / style would you recommend for jeans?

    Thank you

  2. Hello Mr. Gilbert and thanks for the comment. I stick with the merino and cashmere. I like the thicker material that drapes well and retains its colour. A ribbed lightweight silk/cotton or silk/wool blend will work. I stay away from all cotton as it fades and stretches.

  3. Dude, I totally dig all the cool casual. I wish others would take your lead. But I gotta comment on the hair. What is going on up there? A little bushy?

  4. The black rollneck should be a staple in every man’s wardrobe. I like a cashmere sweater for office attire or dinner out with trousers, and a ribbed, bulkier version with jeans for casual weekends. The ribbed version should be complimented with a Paul Smith-style striped scarf.

    Your attire would outfit Cary Grant nicely in To Catch a Thief.

    Regarding Britt’s comment, your “bushy” hair is just fine. You can get away with a little muss and height if you the rest of your attire – and the way you carry yourself – is streamlined and polished, which it is.

  5. Love your style especially the turtleneck style. I think men in turtleneck is very sexy. How many turtlenecks do you have and what color are they??

  6. Wow. Thanks so much for your reply. To be honest, I didn’t expect your reply so I’m glad. 🙂
    I live in Tokyo, Japan actually.
    You should post your pix in the grey TN!

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