Flatter your neck with (from left to right) a scarf sweater from Mango, Phoebe Philo’s cashmere funnel neck and Róhe’s draped wool blouse.
By Janet Kelly
ASK ANY VAMPIRE—the neck is an erogenous zone. But those mythical creatures are not the only ones who think that. This season, designers from Phoebe Philo and Proenza Schouler to mid-price retailers, such as Mango and Massimo Dutti, are showing their love of necks, too.
Soft, drapey blouses with asymmetric folds are having a moment. A long fringe of silvery strands is the quintessential neck adornment/armor.
Speaking of protective clothing, as we lean into chillier temps, just thinking of coats and sweaters that come with their own scarves, funnel-neck knits to duck into and hide from the world in and wraparound collars on jackets makes me feel warm and cozy.
Massimo Dutti’s satiny, funnel-neck shirt is a handy top to dress up a pair of slim-cut jeans or to add shine to tapered black wool pants. It sells for $120.
Oversized Double Faced Scarf Coat
If you forget your scarf, no problem. It’s attached to this coat (also available in four other colors) by one button in the front under the collar and one in the back. You can wear the extra fabric as a cape or a scarf, tossed insouciantly over one shoulder.
What makes the draping even cooler on this zip-up-the-back, cowl-neck top is that it’s sculpted in wool.
I’d take the sweetness out of this chiffon-like plaid top by pairing it with one of those long leather skirts that are everywhere this season. For coverage, it comes with a camisole underneath.
Besides the exaggerated pointed collar—flattering for rounder faces—this shirt with long cuffs and fitted waist is just a good tweak on the classic white button-down.
Phoebe Philo’s newest (January-June 2025) collection won’t be available for a few months, but I can dreaming of owning this neck adornment with a fringe of streaming sterling silver threads.
Kalila Cashmere Knit Ruffle Collar Cardigan
The color, formerly known as burgundy and now referred to, for example, as sienna, claret and dark syrah (really), is one of the season’s favorites. Whatever it’s called, I’m happy to see its return for fall on knits like this pilgrim-collar cashmere cardigan. Elongate your figure by pairing the cropped silhouette with a high-waist pant in a like hue.
Depending on your point of view, you’re either simplifying your wardrobe by replacing two pieces of clothing with one making the one you have overly fussy. Anyway, I’m game to try the combo from Mango.
Tie-neck silk blouses are nothing new. Just ask Kamala Harris, who has worn hers on repeat during her presidential campaign. For cooler temps on the way, Frame takes the style and makes it in cashmere. A neck warmer for sure.
What I like love about Phoebe Philo’s sweater is the funnel neck that stands up straight and looks as if you won’t have to fiddle with it to keep it that way.
In addition to a shiny fabric and wool, Batsheva’s draped-neck blouse comes in crushed velvet in silver, slated for the holiday season for just because.
Short Coat with Wraparound Collar
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The Phoebe Philbo sweater is fabulous!! But go H&M! Great low cost option.
So agree. Phoebe has great clothes but so does H&M—for sooooo much less.