In Winter Wonderland – The Polo-necks

I am certain we all grew up watching our mothers take to knitting back in the day and we have witnessed knitwear grace centuries of fashion. While most of us may favour the ever comfortable, fashionable and affordable crewneck and V-neck sweater in the cooler months and in formal or informal settings; some of the people in my age group have parents who relished the fifties and brought style into the decade to the streets in the sixties with the Polo-neck that has been made iconic by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and they will beg to differ in the sophistication this knitwear offers. One thing I like about polo-necks is that they are unisex, classless and not body-shape specific (although men only wore these in the beginning) but now everyone can rock that style with their own flair. It’s certainly a warmer substitute to the long-sleeved shirt and it certainly took that stance when it was used as a substitute to the usual shirt and tie and was still considered smart. This amazing style cannot be pin pointed per say on when it took over most closets but research has shown that it was originally for seamen and menial workers who used it as a form of warm clothing from about the 1920’s although the French certainly umped them up while wearing them with the herringbone and different tweed styles as did the Beatles adaption of the sophisticated look in the sixties.

A polo-neck is quite versatile as you can wear it throughout the cooler months of the year and pair it well according to the gauge of chunky, medium to thin textures. It can be worn in a suit, with denim (pants/skirt), with khakis, tweeds etc. The polo-neck I say is worn to keep us warm of course although more uses than hiding those hickies or curling iron burns have been shown. I was never too fond of this knitwear as I was discussing it with Nonhanhla of Campus Lounge who had similar discomforting experiences on the chocking feel of the polo neck at an earlier age; but I adapted to it years later after living in cold cites such as Maryland (Tri-State-Washington/DC area) on its functionality of being a sweater/jersey and scarf combo an alternative and the perfect antidote to keeping you warm in freezing weather if you really think about it. It’s one of those items of clothing that you hate or love or rather love to hate. It’s certainly grown in popularity over the years as we’ve seen it come in and out of fashion in various wool blends such as the cowl neck, or mock turtleneck. It’s a piece that has become a staple in most closets and is guaranteed a worthwhile investment so definitely get the best wool there is out there as you can wear it for years to come – so don’t feel guilty on spending a pretty penny on this knitwear. You can certainly go with the basic black, navy, grey, but just remember that these versatile warmers can also add a punch of that necessary colour in the winter months so go for the red, green, brown and any colour that you feel works well for you. White and cream polo-necks look so amazing and chic in winter especially when it snows and are suitable on men and women but in Africa the less of those two colours in polo necks one uses the better, then you can maximise the wear in the other lovely colours. I always recommend one of those cable knit warm fluffy chunky sweaters instead in white or cream to pair with a polo neck or any other thermal wear depending on the style. Something I absolutely love about the polo neck and it being great in winter is the fact that you can accessorise it in more ways than one, with a belt, a brooch, a flower pin, a jacket, waist coat, a lovely necklace that just stands out and takes center stage, or even a beautiful scarf to wrap yourself with. I love classic pieces like these, ones you can use in more ways than one. It’s all about maximizing the little you have and transforming it.

All in all this item of clothing I feel looks better fitted than baggy although it works in either setting as the more fitted the better it sculpts your body and the looser it is the better to hide those extra pounds added during winter. Although if one is busty it’s better to have a thinner wool gauge, and that hint of colour definitely brings life to one’s face with definition and framing. I am actually glad that someone took the look a little bit further and introduced the knit dresses in a turtleneck, I absolutely love these for winter, and I suggest a few of the readers try them too. You can never go wrong with choosing a polo neck that can keep you warm, they say fashion knows no weather, this item of clothing simply helps to make those winter months bearable. As always hope you enjoyed this polo neck tip on how to keep warm in the winter months to come. I plan to use more of the options I have shared here, and hopefully we’ll meet on the streets of jozi where we will once again share in the secrets of making use of what you have when the winter wonderland is upon us…