Revenge of the V-Neck

Welcome to 2025! The year the V-neck sweater takes it all back

I am declaring 2025 year of the V-Neck. I don’t have much data to back this up. Only a feeling deep in my bones. Well, that and Prada’s soon to be cult-ish “v-neck” sweater they showed for Spring 2025. The Row’s Isaora sweater that is already sold out in all colors. And the fact that even Gap has a v-neck sweatshirt in new arrivals. So it’s percolating.

I’ve shunned the V-neck for years. YEARS I tell you. Even doing my best to convince those who defended the V’s flattering and soft face framing that it couldn’t possibly flatter enough to get me to relinquish the more current, crisp crewneck. But lately, I’m enjoying the break at my collarbone. I like the additional white of the tee showing off, a canvas for necklaces. Or the little bit of skin declaring my look flirtatious, without showing even two square inches more of skin (we’re in a cold snap, didn’t you hear?) So today, a tiny tweak to many of my standard outfits that makes me feel oh so 2025. Couldn’t be easier.

Uniqlo men’s merino V-neck sweater (size medium, but doing it again I’d get a small. It’s also sold out as this happens with Uniqlo basics time and again. Don’t worry it will be back. And in the meantime, this men’s Banana Republic version looks great. As does this Quince cashmere one, though I prefer merino for layering) over a CDLP t-shirt, Kallmeyer pants (size 4 and yes I hemmed them about a foot!), old Prada pumps (though this Khaite pair is so good, I’d probably go for them if I didn’t already have ones on my feet), belt, bag.

Remember last January when I basically had a nervous breakdown living alongside my renovation and only wore these white Dickies for the entire month? Well, they’re still the best for all day schlepping. A little stained at this point, but that makes them better, right? The Uniqlo black V-neck (but BR if you need it urgently!) with a white tee, Dickies, and a Max Mara coat which gives these basics the little bit of Italian panache they need (this coat would also be fab here, there and everywhere, though why it’s final sale, I do not know) and a slew of fun accessories: my larger than life black leather tote, Gucci ballerinas, both of my gold chain necklaces, Hue thin socks and the same sunnies I’ve been going on about since July 2023.

Also fun with a turtleneck for more of a fashion statement. A Miu Miu shallow V-neck over a tissue weight turtle. I like this one in purple as an alt, even though it’s not the same. It gives the same wackiness.) The tissue turtle is Frances de Lourdes. I also have the Cos one which is excellent. I just prefer the FdL curved hemline with this particular outfit. A Wales Bonner skirt (here and here are ideal wooly, winter “fun” skirts), tights and last winter’s Khaite boots, still sprinkled around the internet on sale.

Something about the V seems to work better than a crew with a button down. The crew can make a button down feel bunchy and mannish if not properly feminized with jewelry and silk and all the things. But the V lets the shirt sit open and not hike too far up the neck. I ordered this gauzy floral shirt for an upcoming family trip but it works now in winter under my black V-neck, Holiday Things skirt and patent leather flats. These are Chanel, a holiday gift from my hubby, but I also love a classic patent cap toe ballerina, always. Throw a big black coat over this and it’s easily winterized.

I tend to dress more simply for dinner than during the day lately. It’s counter intuitive to my love of getting dressed, but I tend to get overwhelmed when the babysitter has arrived and I need to get the eff out the door. This ends up being what I feel prettiest in, in a panic. I’ve been enjoying the little bit of detail the V gives me in these moments. A Linnea Lund navy cashmere V-neck with tailored Auralee jeans (these and these look excellent) and Toteme boots (size up). The bag is an old Row sample sale find, but I will always recommend a Savette pochette if you don’t have a dinner bag yet!

A variation on the outfit I’ve been wearing since I could dress myself, just with a V instead of a crew. Right mom? Linnea Lund navy V-neck, CDLP t-shirt, Aritzia skirt, Anderson’s men’s belt (this is basically the same thing), Hue socks and Tory Burch flats.

Five Vs off the beaten path: Jacques (mens) grey merino V-neck, Casasola navy cashmere V-neck, Guest in Residence chunky red cashmere V-neck, Banana Republic (mens) black merino V-neck, Linnea Lund extra thin khaki cashmere V-neck

Also good in chunky! Proving that this silhouette is a great way to show off your favorite jewelry with an otherwise banal, everyday outfit. In 2025 can we make our resolution to wear our jewelry?! I unfortunately don’t own this Bvlgari collar but got to borrow it when I was shooting our Bvlgari tubogas newsletter in December and you better believe I wore it every day for the whole week. I am still mourning. But my point in showing you this outfit is that, I’m basically wearing men’s style chinos, chunky loafers and an oversized sweater. It’s the V-neck, allowing you to see that sparkle on my neck, that makes this outfit feel…sophisticated? Maybe that is a stretch but it does have a teensy little something extra. Frances de Lourdes slit neck sweater. I also like this one from Guest in Residence and this &Daughter option if you are looking for a slouchy and thick “traditional” V-neck. I’ve since swapped back to my Mikimoto Bat Mitzvah pearls (see below) but Bvlgari, you know where to find me.

And last but not least, the Fran Leobwitz. :) Kidding, kind of. But, how I want to layer this sweater with jeans. On their own the white tee + black V + 501s work. But it didn’t really feel complete. So adding an oversized blazer, pearls (how cool are these, on super sale) and western boots to give this very basic concept a little boost while still looking very much like a uniform. If this feels a little too masculine for you, you could swap the blazer for a daintier jacket like a tweed or silk.

That’s all for today folks. Happy layering.

Yours TRULY,

Becky