Crewnecks aren’t just for jocks anymore. Crewnecks are an absolute wardrobe essential, no matter what your style may be.
But if you still need some convincing, keep reading on for the ultimate guide on all things vintage crewnecks.
Why You Need a Crewneck in Your Life
You’re probably wondering: what makes crewnecks so essential anyway, right?
Crewneck sweatshirts or crewnecks for short are a staple because they are the perfect transitional piece to take an outfit from day to night when the temperature drops, or even help changeover an outfit in those weird weeks in between summer and fall or winter and spring.
They offer a chic yet casual way to keep warm without looking too out of place, and most importantly, they are a fun article of clothing to customize and accessorize to your liking. If they’re good enough for Princess Diana, they’re good enough for anyone.
How To Make a Crewneck Your Own
There are so many different ways to make a crewneck reflect your individual style, even if your style isn’t preppy or athletic. In fact, crewnecks are inherently a reflection of one’s personal preferences, whether they be fashion-based or media-based, because it’s super rare to find two vintage crewnecks that look the same.
Crewnecks are one of the most unique vintage pieces out there, so if you want to make a statement, then it’s high time to expand your wardrobe.
Logos, Graphics, and Bands, Oh My!
The easiest way to express yourself through a crewneck is to buy one that demonstrates your interests in life or in fashion. Next time your favorite recording artist releases some merch, don’t hesitate to check out their sweatshirt collection. Who knows, maybe you’ll make a friend while repping your favorite musician?
Or, if you consider yourself to be an old soul, try checking out our selection of vintage crewnecks here. You never know—your favorite artist’s vintage merch or alma mater could always make an appearance.
The same can be said about crewnecks from your favorite brands. There’s no harm in sussing out the latest drop, but if you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to save money, always make sure to check our selection of vintage crewnecks first.
Shopping vintage and secondhand is an extremely important practice in sustainability, and it’s a great way to do your part in reducing waste, lowering carbon emissions, and more.
Graphic and embroidered crewnecks can be just as exciting and stylish as any other top. Graphic crewnecks often come in colorful, playful patterns and designs, and they make for an awesome expansion opportunity for your wardrobe's color palette.
Embroidered crewnecks, on the other hand, tend to be a bit more subtle in design because the embroidery is meant to be the centerpiece of the sweatshirt. However, the craftsmanship and attention to detail are always present, so if that sounds like something you and your closet would appreciate, don’t go another day without adding a crewneck to your collection.
A Mini Skirt Moment
If your style is aligned with your feminine side, then you’ve probably got a stack of skirts that come with you wherever you go. It may not sound like it at first, but pairing a mini skirt with a vintage crewneck is actually a match made in fashion heaven.
When worn together, they successfully achieve that varsity cheerleader look from our favorite movies. For this reason, the best skirt to wear with a crewneck is either a plaid, solid pleated, or tennis mini.
The crewneck can either be tucked into the skirt for a more form-fitting look or worn pulled out and layered on top of the bottoms. This young school girl look is really popular with the teens on Tik Tok right now, so if you’ve been trying to stay on-trend, now you know the secret.
There’s Layers to This
It’s no secret that a crewneck makes for a great functional layering piece due to its warmth and easy removal. But why not fulfill its layering potential to the fullest, and incorporate your favorite sweatshirt into your outfit before you leave, instead of throwing it on when it gets chilly?
Pairing a collared button-down or flannel underneath a crewneck is a preppy yet practical way to make the most out of a hangout on a cool, crisp day.
Or, if you want something that will protect you from the elements, a vintage crewneck never fails to look good with a classic denim jacket or even a blazer on top. A denim jacket keeps the outfit casual yet comfortable, while a blazer will help you elevate your look to attain that “University college professor” aesthetic.
Lastly, if you’re battling random bouts of rain throughout the day, you can always layer a light zip-up windbreaker under a cozy sweatshirt to help keep you dry when you need it.
Nothing Better Than the Classics
When it comes to styling a vintage crewneck, there’s no need to overthink it. The best way to make a crewneck match your style is by treating it like it were any other item in your closet.
Translation: don’t be afraid to stick to the stuff you know. If you prefer jeans over everything, then make it a jean day. If you’ve got more pairs of corduroys than you can count, don’t be scared to say yes to a crewneck and corduroy combo.
And if you have an affinity for fun, printed pants, like plaid or gingham, then let your prints speak for themselves. Don’t let the crewneck change your style; make it adapt to yours.
Get Comfortable
If anything, crewnecks are essential to have for those days when you can barely drag yourself out of bed. You might not be able to leave the house with your bed, but you can take the comfort of your bed with you by opting for a crewneck.
On days like this, there’s no shame in pulling out your go-to yoga pants or leggings, breaking out a good old baseball cap, and embracing the comfortable look without compromising shape.
Or maybe you want something that looks put together but don’t want to put in the effort? In that case, it’s best to invest in a matching crewneck and sweatpants set, so you can still look stylish on the laziest of days.
Furthermore, it’s possible you won’t even have to invest in a set because you just so happen to have a matching pair of joggers or track pants already. A monochromatic look is always chic, no matter if you’re wearing sweatpants or not.
Not to mention, a sweatsuit set and a trendy pair of sneakers can take an outfit from running errands to strutting around town in an instant.
Take a Page From Ariana’s Book
If you’re a fan of Ariana Grande, you know just how much she loves her oversized sweatshirts. Even a world-famous pop star can’t be seen without her trusty crewneck. In true pop star fashion, however, she has found a way to transform the crewneck.
It went from a slouchy, relaxed “I couldn’t decide what to wear, so I threw this on” article of clothing to a fun and flirty dress alternative. Ariana is known to pair her classic crewnecks with a knee-high boot, giving her that sex appeal and height while also providing coverage from unwelcomed onlookers.
The crewneck dress has become a staple in Ariana’s wardrobe for good reason, so if you want to dress like a pop star, all it takes is a large crewneck and some sexy boots to do the trick.
The Princess Diana Effect
And last but not least, we can’t talk about crewnecks without mentioning the queen of crewnecks herself —or should we say, the princess —Princess Diana.
Some of Princess Diana’s most famous paparazzi shots are of her running errands in a vintage crewneck, bicycle shorts, and tennis shoes. It’s a very “mom who just left the gym” look, but it’s also so much more than that.
The crewneck and bike short combo is an iconically chic ensemble that has brought the style back to one of the most basic human tasks: running errands. Even more, it has become an incredibly accessible look for people of all sizes and means to pull off, and we have the People’s Princess to thank for that.
Part of the Crew
As you can see, the vintage crewneck is more than just a laundry day staple. Its versatility provides a number of stylistic possibilities while also supplying warmth, comfort, and functionality in the process.
It’s easy to associate a crewneck with your dad’s prized collegiate sweatshirt, but rest assured, a crewneck holds much more weight in the fashion world than you might think. So no matter how you categorize your style, a vintage crewneck will always fit right in.
Sources:
Learn About Sustainability | EPA
A Boom in Second Hand Clothing is Reducing Fashion’s Impact on the Planet | One Green Planet
Hailey Baldwin Dresses Up as Princess Diana for Photo Shoot | Harper's Bazaar