I love the top image of actress Maud Adams, photographed by Arthur Elgort, from the Seventies, because it’s an example of the allure of simplicity–a ponytail, a button-down shirt and a crewneck sweater. Somehow, I find it’s these easy combinations that often end up taking a back seat because I am looking for new ways to wear and tweak what I have. But the other day, I saw a young man, actually, wearing a white shirt, black crewneck sweater, black pants and white Stan Smiths; the black and white contrast of the outfit looked sharp and pulled together. Of course, there are other ways to make something this basic work, I still love pairing a white shirt, navy pullover and black pants or jeans. And blue on blue always wins. Also, I am definitely a “collar out” person. I am a big fan of the Uniqlo cashmere crewneck and just re-ordered a black one in a bigger size so it’s less fitted (I have black and navy). The HommeGirls sweater is on my wish list when the size Small is back in stock and I have an Allude crewneck I bought a few years back that is a constant.








I brought a navy cashmere crewneck sweater to a chilly evening of outdoor dining last week, “just in case”. When I put it on over the striped shirt I was already wearing, I worried that it looked too “preppy” to be stylish. What was I thinking?! This is a wonderful, simple look that never dates. Thank you for the reminder – I’m moving my crewnecks to the front of my closet.
This season I splurged on the Loro Piana Parkerville navy crew neck. Just the right amount of slouch. Would love to own the red one too, but I’ll have to really think hard about whether i will actually wear it often.
Loro Piana Parksville, not Parkerville.
Must check them out! Thanks for the rec.
Love these simple classics! But why, oh why, does HommeGirls feel the need to stick a logo on the middle of their garments? Very disruptive to the look, IMO.
Totally agree!
I can’t tell you why, since I’m not much of a logo person, but I like the HG monogram….I guess because it has roots in men’s tailoring.
I agree I don’t like logos on anything. Your post is on my favorite combination, a sweater and button up. Like others have said I thought it translated as preppy, but really it’s just classic. I’d stopped wearing this combination, but after this post I’m reinstating it back into my wardrobe. I’ve never tried Uniqlo’s sweaters, so per your suggestion I may. I find Naadam and Quince cashmere sweaters to be well priced, wash well, pill little and hold up better than more expensive ones.
Classic can be cool! Thanks for the recs!
Love the look of the young man you mention. Do you have a recommendation for a classic woman’s trouser in black or navy? – preferably without a pleat? as they are difficult to wear if one has a butt. I have The Row from years ago but it doesn’t fit. I would like to spend under $500. Thanks!
Hi Betsy. I do have a rec! These flat front trousers from Another Tomorrow which are $490 but also 15% off with code TFI15…I tried them on and they are super flattering. I didn’t buy them because I already have a pair I’ve had for a few years that fit that need.
https://anothertomorrow.co/products/slight-flare-trouser/?color=black