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January is a time for renewal, which is why fashion’s rediscovery of the V-neck jumper comes at the perfect moment.
For years now, the crew-neck knit has dominated, most recently with a hint of a white T-shirt poking out from underneath. The V-neck, traditionally a pillar of corporate office uniform, is 2026’s fresh alternative – elegantly preppy, and very easy to wear. It comes in many different iterations, plunging (perfect for cooler nights on holiday, but less useful at home), demurely high and in-between. Scroll on for our favourite styles.
At the most recent press preview for fashion favourite knitwear brand Navygrey, THE BUZZ WAS AROUND V-NECKS. Whether oversized or fine, they’re historically designed as a layering piece so when they’re worn solo, they have a QUIET SENSUALITY – a clavicle-baring elegant sexiness, especially those on the baggy side. If warmth is a priority (and honestly it is for me this time of year), then style over a white T-shirt, or even a thin roll-neck. If you’re still in need of convincing, look to Miuccia Prada, who wears hers as a layering piece over tees; Nicole Kidman in Babygirl in her pale pink, Mohair style; or a 90s Gwyneth Paltrow in a SLOUCHY BLACK DESIGN worn with straight-leg jeans and Converse.
Lightweight versions of the V-neck look best tucked into waistbands (and great with denim), and chunkier knits combine well with midi skirts and a little kitten heel. For a more subversive take, layer over a black bralette for a low-key louche look that feels very Parisian in attitude.
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Lead image: Rise and Fall
Ella Alexander is Citizen Femme’s fashion features editor. She started her career at the Evening Standard, and has since held senior editorial roles at Vogue, The Independent and Harper’s Bazaar, where she remains a contributing editor. She also writes for The Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, Service95 and CNN. She is an author, having co-written Dame Zandra Rhodes’ memoir, Iconic: My Life In Fashion In 50 Objects, published by Transworld in July 2024. Her favourite travel destination is Catania, Sicily’s second city.
