Don’t Mock the Mock Turtleneck!

Men should fall for turtlenecks in the fall. Turtlenecks get a bad rap over for their too ‘PTA-dad’ or dowdy professor look, but don’t be fooled. Turtlenecks, in a matte color and a simple weave, are flattering and can appear downright sexy.

There is one exception. Unless you want to be mocked, stay away from super thick, cable knit turtlenecks with reindeer faces and bright shiny noses knitted on them this Christmas time. Colin Firth with his movie star good looks can barely get away with it. You are only allowed to wear that garment to an ugly christmas sweater party or if you are officially a grandparent.

Colin's reindeer turtleneck

Pair a black turtleneck with a tweed or a glen plaid blazer and you’re in good company. Take a look at this dashing dude….Steve McQueen.

Steve McQueen rocks a turtleneck

Mock Turtlenecks look modern and classic. The recent passing of a technology genius, Steve Jobs, who’s contribution to our world is immeasurable may not be who you think of when it comes to fashion, but his designs were sexy.  His commitment to the iconic uniform of a black St. Croix mock turtleneck and Levis jeans he wore to every public appearance for many years will make a lasting mark in fashion history.

Steve Jobs with his invention wearing the mock

Design is the fundamental soul of a human-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service. ~ Steve Jobs

Read more about him and his turtleneck obsession in his sister’s touching eulogy in the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/30/opinion/mona-simpsons-eulogy-for-steve-jobs.html?scp=1&sq=a%20sister’s%20eulogy%20for%20steve%20jobs&st=cse

Try  something on the lighter side, a cream colored turtleneck sweater with a complimentary colored blazer or trench coat, like this dapper fellow, Sean Connery otherwise known as 007.

Sean Connery's turtleneck fit for a spy

Which ever way you go, look for vintage sweaters that have wool or cashmere blends and the best part…your neck will be warm. You can’t mock that frock!