A trick to flatter the neck

Screen Shot 2015-06-02 at 16.22.29

 

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-02 at 16.45.06

 

 

I recently discovered the series “Grace and Frankie” on Netflix. A little over the top but quite fun to watch on an evening when there is nothing inspiring on terrestrial TV.

Jane Fonda who plays the character of Grace portrays a chic and elegant style in my opinion. At times a little too classic for my taste but overall I like her look, especially the knitwear.

One aspect that particularly got my attention was how she continually wore her shirt collars up. I began to realise that this “trick” gave a flattering frame to the face. You would need to have a reasonable long neck for this to work for you. I do, so it seems to suit me.  I have even started using it for some of my jackets.

 

SHOP A SELECTION OF COLLARED SHIRTS

 

 

 

 

 

16 Comments

  1. Swan
    9th June 2015 / 14:10

    Yes I often turn my collar up and also find that ballet or boat necked neckline to be flattering for a longer neck. The folded down colar does nothing for me. Love your posts and read them every time they come into me through Bloglovin.
    Thank you,
    Swan

    • 9th June 2015 / 19:21

      Swan

      Thanks for your comment. I agree I love boat neck it is also excellent if you have narrow shoulders in relation to wider hips as it evens things out a bit.

  2. Nancy
    9th June 2015 / 16:04

    Collars in general are flattering …wish there was more variety…shirts or polls seem to be the only options.

  3. Wendy B
    9th June 2015 / 17:12

    Sadly, among my many other less than splendid features (fat ankles, flyaway hair, double chin, saddlebag thighs and knees like an elephant), I also have a short neck!

    • 9th June 2015 / 19:26

      Wendy B
      I have quite a few of the above but I do have a great waist and smile. I am sure you have lots of great features.

  4. our French Oasis
    9th June 2015 / 17:20

    It seems I have to watch Grace and Frankie, our 15 year old daughter is hooked and just told me I had to watch it! the trouble with the collar up, it reminds me of sloane ranger days in London, in the late 80’s, I was 20, always wore my collar up with pearls!!!

    • 9th June 2015 / 19:20

      Grace and Frankie is a bit of fun. I would have thought more aimed at our age than a 15 yr. but one never knows. I remember the Sloane ranger thing. If you wore it with a V neck sweater, tweed skirt and barber it probably would be a bit deja vu.

  5. Allegra
    9th June 2015 / 17:22

    I discovered this trick aged fourteen at my girls’ school when wearing a shirtwaist ear checked summer dress Elvis of course was the inspiration. However,I was hauled up in front of our headmistress and asked kindly to refrain. At school I did but ever after this has been one of my trademarks which my daughter declines to follow!

    • 9th June 2015 / 19:18

      Hi Allegra
      It sounds as though you went to a strict school reminds me of mine.

  6. Libby Wilkie
    9th June 2015 / 19:49

    I’ve always been a fan of this look; in general, I do not like low necklines of any kind (on myself!) Another solution, of course, is to wear scarves. Hmmm: how many scarves do I own? And do I continually look for new ones? You bet!
    Re. Grace and Frankie: yes, I just started watching last week: think I’m on Episode 4. Well, I like it, or rather, am amused by it. But it’s so over the top and cliche that I’m not sure I will watch all episodes. I would rather turn back to Monty Don!! I have them both on the iPad at the moment…

  7. Annette
    10th June 2015 / 09:43

    I agree, it elongates the neckline and I love this style.
    Although I remember it from the 80s, I still wear it from time to time which I also tend do do with trenchcoats (not only because of windy weather conditions!).

    Annette | Lady of Style

  8. Cara
    20th July 2015 / 22:38

    I don’t like the collar up look – for me at least. I have a beautiful neck, but it’s too uptight of a look in my opinion.

  9. Dee Dee
    14th May 2016 / 20:03

    The turned up collar is a classic look. Jane Fonda looks amazing in it and I love it. As far as Grace & Frankie; it’s a show about strange issues of retired parents, but also how their grown kids get drawn in. The show can appeal to all.

  10. Barbara Osborne
    12th July 2017 / 16:40

    Lauren Bacall is absolutely stunning in her stand up collar blouse. She had the ultimate look for this style blouse!

  11. Leslie J Frederick
    18th July 2018 / 04:13

    I love the turned up collar, especially with multi – strand pearls (and enjoy a modified sloane ranger look) but I can’t figure out how to get the collar to stay up. Any ideas/tips/tricks?

    • 18th July 2018 / 14:20

      Hi Leslie
      Thank you for your comment. I think getting a collar to stay up very much depends on the fabric. A thick and stiff fabric will work better than a thin cotton or silk. It will help if you spray the collar with starch when you iron it.

I love to hear from you please leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sign up for new posts

And don’t worry, you can unsubscribe at anytime.

Disclaimer: Products featured on Chicatanyage sometimes (but not always) include affiliate links. This means that a small referral commission may be paid to the retailer (at no extra cost to you). This contributes to the cost of maintaining this blog including Hosting fees etc. Chicatanyage could not exist without these small payments so thank you for your contribution.