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A simple way for men to be trendy without being over the top in all seasons is to add V-necks to their wardrobe. The V-neck, found in a sweater or T-shirt, is a favorite for all seasons, and seems very right now.
A cotton V-neck sweater is a great addition to a wardrobe because it is functional and versatile. It can be dressed up with khakis and an Oxford shirt, creating a pulled-together look sure to impress. Sweaters can also be dressed down, thrown over a T-shirt with jeans. The best part about this look is that when you’re still blindly grabbing jeans and a tee from your closet, instead of that sloppy sweatshirt, you look a little more refined, yet not too formal. All sweaters may have this effect, but what is so great about the V-neck is that it keeps you from looking stuffy, and instead you look trendy. The V-neck sweater works great in wool as well.
V-neck T-shirts are another great option. Hanes perfected this look a long time ago and will always remain a favorite, but think one step up. Right now V-necks are being sold in an array of colors, perfect for all occasions. They can be worn in the day time, either on their own, or under an open button-down shirt. Like the cotton sweater, this is a more pulled-together, fashion-forward look that is low maintenance and easy. Think about it — you’re still just wearing jeans and a tee.
My favorite way to wear a V-neck is to turn your T-shirt into going-out attire. Combined with dark denim, V-neck tees in dark colors like black, gray, navy and dark blues look fresh and clean. Always layer your tee with another one underneath it, taking the look beyond just a T-shirt. When layering, make sure the color of your shirts contrast, so it is apparent you have multiple shirts on. Both black and gray pair nicely with white. When you feel daring you could pair a dark blue, preferably a royal shade, with a black underneath it, therefore creating a mature outfit with color. Black and blue are an unexpected pair, but appear perfect together and the combination keeps you from looking like everyone else. It is wise to buy the layering shirts from the same store, so the necks aren’t different shapes, which looks sloppy.
The great thing about the V-neck trend is that it works for all styles. Preppy men can wear V-neck sweaters with their khakis, or V-neck T-shirts under an unbuttoned oxford. Men who wear hipster-mod styles, such as Rob Pattinson or Kanye West, can wear their V-neck tees alone or under plaid and flannel shirts, creating the perfect mix of grungy and trendy. Men who consider their styles a little “outdoorsy” can always throw a V-neck on under some Patagonia outdoor gear.
V-necks can be worn oversized and baggy, however they have one rule accompanying them: The “V” cut should not be too deep, exposing man cleavage. The depth of the cut must be reasonable.
Maybe the best thing about the V-neck trend is that everyone can afford it because it is just a plain T-shirt. American Apparel built an empire on the basic tee, and makes the unparalleled best in my opinion. They offer crazy colors, with lots of neon, but their basic colors fit nicely and are durable. Chances are that any store will be selling T-shirts, so the accessibility of this trend is high. Target, Old Navy, J. Crew factory stores and Wal-Mart all carry tees at a low price. Sweaters can also be found at most stores, but the wool variety areisves stores will be less likely to carry them. Cotton blends are typically available all seasons in men’s stores. As the tomboy trend for women gains steam, keep an eye on your V-necks or you might find your girlfriend casually stealing your new fashion-forward clothes.
