INSPIRATION AND ADVICE

FIVE STYLISH GUYS IN ROLL-NECKS

By Steven Potter, 19 December 2018

Protect Ya Neck, Wu-Tang Clan’s 1993 classic, feels pretty relevant in 2018, particularly from a style perspective. The roll-neck jumper has been slotting nicely into wardrobes since 1970, when your dad's favourite actors got into them in a big way, but this season has seen a real boom in cosy, neck-nuzzling knitwear – with everyone from elite sartorialists to streetwear aficionados getting onboard. Here’s how the stylish set are wearing roll-necks this winter.

A picture of a streetstyler wearing a camel roll neck, a check suit and matching wool overcoat

Picture: IMAXTree

Golden brown

Brown is back and, while it may not be to everyone’s colour palette, there’s no denying its influence this season. Take a tip from this Londoner’s lookbook and team different shades for a masterclass in tonal dressing. Layer a tan roll-neck jumper with a heavyweight, wool coat to keep that chill out and, if you’re smartening up for the occasion, combine with a check blazer and trousers. Pair the whole getup with classic black sunnies for that rare winter sunshine, grab yourself a steaming coffee and you’ve got AW18 locked down.

A picture of a streetstyler wearing a black roll neck jumper with an oversized denim shirt, black trousers and shoes

Picture: IMAXTree

Denim daze

We’re not sure you can get a more ‘London’ backdrop for your best ‘fit than this but, as it’s our beloved home city, we’re all for it. Sporting a plain black roll-neck knit, this fella has left room to up the ante with an oversized denim shirt updated with strapping and metal hardware. Maybe he's taken inspiration from the city's punk roots while also tapping into the utilitarian trend marching its way through the season. Teaming with wide-cut trousers and matching black shoes (with just a touch of dadcore styling) ties the whole thing together.

A picture of two streetstylers wearing puffer jackets, a roll neck and Dickies work pants

Picture: IMAXTree

Work(wear) it out

Snapped with a mate for double steez points, the guy on the right has gone and combined two big trends for AW18. He’s opted for a padded corduroy jacket up top – t he standout fabric for the season – and added a roll-neck knit for maximum layering ability. Also channelling workwear vibes, he’s picked some trusty Dickies workpants in slate grey to keep things low key. That white-on-white colourway he’s got going on below is brave for the winter months but matching your Air Force 1s to your socks? Super fresh.

A picture of a streetstyler wearing a white roll neck underneath a layered jacket and coat.

Picture: IMAXTree

Layers on layers

Brown may be the new black for AW18 but that doesn’t mean you should throw out all your monochrome garms. Just look at this Milanese guy pulling off the layered look – another trend making headway this season – with a seriously strong black and white aesthetic. Pairing a white roll-neck sweater with relaxed trackies, he’s experimented with his accessories to add different pops of colour, which break up the look. Bold tones are key but if you'd rather not go full day-glo, try an emergency orange beanie with optic-white converse to keep things fresh. Looking for a statement piece? Well, just take a look at that metallic tote.

A streetstyler wearing a neon overcoat, a plain black roll neck, check suit and Chelsea boots

Picture: IMAXTree

Go bold or go home

Big props to this guy in New York for going this hard on the neon trend and pulling it off so flawlessly. The black roll-neck perfectly matches the accents in his skinny check suit, as well as that cheeky flash of lining he’s displaying via a well timed gust of wind. That's nature coming through to help him nail the look. The dude's accessory game is on-point, too, with leather gloves upping the smart stakes, alongside winter-ready Chelsea boots. For an AW18/19 take on the classic Chelsea, tap into contrast, hiker-style sole units and, when it comes to size, it's the chunkier, the better.