Long Shorts And T-Shirts: A Perfect Summer Style Guide

If you have a long neck, you may want to consider ways to dress to flatter it. While some people may see a long neck as an asset, others may want to make their neck appear shorter. If you are looking to elongate your neck, try wearing lower necklines, like a v-neck, off-the-shoulder, or cowl neck. You can also draw attention to your face with round earrings or long necklaces to create the illusion of a longer neck. On the other hand, if you want to make your neck appear shorter, opt for taller collars, turtlenecks, or hoodies. You can also try wearing scarves or statement necklaces to draw attention to your face and away from your neck. Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in what you wear.

Turtleneck T-shirts

Tips for Styling Turtleneck T-shirts:

• Watch your proportions: Pay attention to the proportions of your outfit to create a balanced look. Avoid pairing a tight turtleneck with skinny jeans or an oversized turtleneck with baggy pants.
• Decide on a style: Turtlenecks can have a vintage, 90s supermodel, or chic modern vibe. Stick to one style direction for your outfit to avoid looking too busy.
• Mix oversized and fitted pieces: Experiment with pairing oversized turtlenecks with mini skirts or fitted turtlenecks with wide-leg pants or trousers.
• Layer with other pieces: Turtlenecks are perfect for layering under dresses, blazers, shirts, or t-shirts. This can help transition summer pieces into fall or add extra warmth for winter.

Outfit Ideas with Turtleneck T-shirts:

• Turtleneck under a shirt: Layer a turtleneck under a button-down shirt for a business casual look, or leave the shirt unbuttoned or knotted for a more casual, daytime vibe.
• Turtleneck under a mini dress: Add a turtleneck under a mini dress to create a sophisticated look, perfect for fall or winter. For chillier days, add black tights for extra warmth.
• Turtleneck with a blazer: Pair a fitted turtleneck with an oversized blazer and straight-leg jeans, or try a chunky knit turtleneck with a loose blazer and fitted pants.
• Monochromatic turtleneck outfit: Go for a classic all-black look or experiment with unique colours like amber or red.
• Oversized turtleneck with a slinky skirt: Combine a soft knit turtleneck with a silk skirt for a stylish fall evening outfit.
• Turtleneck with a mini skirt: This look is perfect for channelling 90s and 2000s fashion trends. Try a plaid wool mini skirt for a cute and casual turtleneck option.
• Turtleneck with jeans: Keep it casual and effortless by pairing a turtleneck with jeans. Opt for contrasting textures and dramatic jean silhouettes to add trendy touches.
• Business casual turtleneck outfit: For a polished look, pair a fitted turtleneck with wide-leg trousers or layer it under a relaxed suit. Add a few accessories to elevate the outfit.
• Under a shirtdress: Layer a turtleneck under a long-sleeved shirtdress to transition it into a cosy fall or winter outfit.
• Turtlenecks with athleisure: Add a turtleneck to your athleisure look for a touch of sophistication. Pair it with leggings and an oversized crewneck sweatshirt for a comfortable and chic outfit.

Collared shirts

When it comes to collar types, there are a few options to choose from. The point collar is the most common, but it doesn't suit most faces or body types. The spread collar is similar and is best suited to those with wider or broader shoulders. The button-down collar is a more casual option that works well with a suit or blazer. It's a good choice if you want to dress up or down.

The semi-spread collar is often considered the most flattering option and suits both casual and formal looks. It works well with or without a tie, and the sleeves can be rolled up for a more relaxed vibe. This collar looks good on everyone, so it's a safe choice if you're unsure.

When choosing a collared shirt, it's also important to consider the fit. The collar should lightly hug your neck when buttoned, and you should be able to comfortably fit one finger between the neck and collar. The shoulder seam should align with the start of your slope down to your arm, and the armholes should be comfortable without being too tight or loose. The sleeves should not be too tight or too loose, and the cuffs should end at the bend of your wrist.

Crewnecks

Dressing Up Crewnecks:

• Layer your crewneck over a button-down shirt, with the collar sticking out.
• Pair it with dark wash jeans, khaki pants, or slacks.
• Add a blazer on top for a business casual look.
• Wear it under a suit for a chic and casual look.
• Knot a tie underneath for a more formal, three-piece suit vibe.
• Complete the look with loafers, boots, or wedges.
• Accessorise with simple earrings or a necklace.

Keeping Crewnecks Casual:

For a more relaxed style, crewnecks can be paired with:

• Jeans for a classic, casual outfit.
• A t-shirt underneath for layering on warmer days.
• A flowery dress to add definition to your outfit.
• A coloured t-shirt underneath to create dimension.
• A patterned or brightly coloured crewneck for a pop of colour.
• A puffy jacket in winter to stay warm.
• Sneakers for a sporty, casual look.

Choosing and Caring for Your Crewneck:

When selecting a crewneck, consider the following:

• Find a sweater that hits at your waist to avoid looking long or baggy.
• Avoid crewnecks that bunch under the arms, as they may be too small and uncomfortable.
• Opt for a wide neck if you plan to layer your sweater over button-down shirts.
• Choose solid colours for a classier look, and patterns or bright colours for a statement piece.
• Wash your sweater in cold water and dry on low to avoid shrinking.

V-necks

Choosing the Right V-Neck

When selecting a V-neck T-shirt, opt for one made from high-quality, breathable fabric that feels comfortable against your skin. Cotton blends are the most popular choice, but you can also choose materials like modal, linen, or spandex for a softer, more luxurious feel. Stretch in the fabric is important to ensure a comfortable fit. The ideal V-neck T-shirt should be slightly form-fitting, hugging your shoulders and waistline, to create a toned and masculine silhouette.

Styling V-Necks for Different Occasions

For a casual look, pair your V-neck with jeans or chinos. Layer it under a denim or bomber jacket for cooler weather. When heading out, opt for a lightweight, breathable V-neck, and style it with casual linen pants or shorts. For a relaxed weekend or lounging, team it with joggers or sweatpants. At the beach or resort, a breezy V-neck paired with swim trunks or linen shorts is a perfect choice.

Footwear and Accessories

Complete the casual or everyday look with sneakers or slip-ons. For a more adventurous touch, sneakers can also be paired with a suit and V-neck combination. Loafers that match the colour of your pants or offer a wooden accent are another great choice. Alternatively, a pair of brown Oxfords can add a timeless touch to a light-coloured suit and V-neck ensemble. When it comes to accessories, less is more. Avoid adding too many pieces and let your high-quality V-neck take centre stage.

Suit and V-Neck Combinations

When pairing a V-neck with a suit, opt for a white or light grey T-shirt for a daytime look. For a nighttime casual-sophisticated style, black or navy blue can be a good option with darker suits. An all-black outfit can give off a hitman vibe, so consider a stark white T-shirt and shoes with a black suit for a statement. The quality of the T-shirt is crucial—ensure it has a sheen and is well-fitted to avoid looking like it came straight out of the hamper.

Colour Coordination and Context

Subtle colour contrast is essential when pairing a V-neck with a suit. Avoid bright colours that stand out from your outfit unless they fit your personality and the occasion. For example, brown shoes with a black or white outfit can work well, but bright orange with brown is likely a fashion disaster. The context is also important—colourful socks can be a fun addition at a cocktail party but might not be suitable for a formal office event.

A suit and V-neck combination is a great way to stand out and showcase your sense of style. It's comfortable, especially in warmer months, and eliminates the discomfort of wearing a tie. It's also a conversation starter and a way to showcase your support for sustainable fashion, as you can discuss the ethical and sustainable practices of the T-shirt brand you're wearing.

What Not to Do

Avoid horrible colour coordination, such as pairing a bright orange V-neck with a brown suit. Invest in high-quality T-shirts from brands that specialise in them to ensure the fabric and colour remain vibrant and don't look dull or worn out. Steer clear of flip-flops with a suit and V-neck—they are a fashion no-go. Instead, opt for form-fitting T-shirts and suits to accentuate your body structure and exude confidence.

Scarves

• Colour Matching: Pick a scarf colour that complements your T-shirt. You can use a colour wheel to find complementary shades or pair your shirt with neutral colours such as white, black, grey, or certain shades of brown and tan. Alternatively, choose a patterned scarf that incorporates your shirt colour.
• Pattern Mixing: Balance simple and complex patterns. Pair a T-shirt with an intricate pattern or graphic with a scarf in a solid colour. If your T-shirt is a plain colour, opt for a patterned scarf that uses the same or complementary colours.
• Texture Contrast: Experiment with different textures. Pair your cotton T-shirt with a scarf made from a contrasting fabric, like thick wool or silk. For winter, go for knitted scarves, and for summer, choose lighter fabrics like silk.
• Tying Techniques: The way you tie your scarf can direct attention either towards your face or elsewhere. For example, loosely draping your scarf can draw attention downward, while tighter ties that sit closer to the neck highlight your face. Try out different knots like the basic loop, the coil, the wrap, or the infinity scarf for a necklace-like look.
• Avoid Monotony: Don't match the colour or texture of your scarf to your T-shirt. Add contrast to your outfit to avoid a monotonous look.

In addition to wearing scarves around your neck, you can also get creative and use them as waist wraps, hair accessories, bag embellishments, or even as a top or skirt. Experiment with different scarf styles and tying techniques to find what suits you best!

Frequently asked questions