My secret weapon: the turtleneck

The title of one of the late, great Nora Ephron’s books was _I Feel Bad About My Neck and Other Thoughts About Being a Woman_. I can relate. I don’t let a lot of age-related physical changes

get me down. I’m pretty OK with the extra weight around my middle. I have learned to dress accordingly. And that tummy bulge came with the unexpected bonus of bigger boobs. Having been

flat-chested for most of my life, I’m happy that my curvy hips suddenly have a “friend” — allowing me to identify as an hourglass figure instead of a pear-shaped one. The laugh lines around

my eyes are just a reminder that I had a blast throughout my youth — and continue to do so with my life-long girlfriends. But my neck is a different story. It was once long and swanlike. Now

it’s kind of loose. Too many teenage days spent at the Jersey shore, tanning my face with baby oil and an album cover wrapped in tin foil. Apparently, the skin on your neck is thinner and

less resilient than the skin on your face. If only I knew then what I know now! That’s the number one reason why I have come to love turtlenecks. _Thank goodness_ it’s turtleneck season once

again! It’s worth springing for one in cashmere, the softest, lightest and warmest of wools if you can. Look for a version that fits close to the neck (no droopy cowls!) and that is

somewhat fitted through the body, as opposed to oversized. Another reason I love them is that you can wear a turtleneck for almost any occasion. You can dress it up or dress it down. A black

cashmere turtleneck worn with a black skirt or pants becomes the perfect base of almost any outfit, for day or night. That’s why I always pack one when I travel at this time of year. I have

created four outfits based on the same black cashmere turtleneck to demonstrate the versatility of this wardrobe essential. Here you go: FOR THE OFFICE, A LUNCHEON OR AN IMPORTANT MEETING

Pair the turtleneck with a pencil skirt in this season’s hot color, fire-engine red, and a kitten-heel slingback. Top it off with a classic khaki trench coat and a houndstooth structured bag

for added texture. Clockwise from bottom left: Sam Edelman Fitzgerald Slingback Pointed Toe Pump in Black ($140, nordstrom.com); J.Crew Factory Small Houndstooth Structured Tote Bag in

Camel Multi Houndstooth ($45, factory.jcrew.com); By Anthropologie Bombshell Pencil Skirt in Bright Red ($83, anthropologie.com); Zara Water Repellent Trench Coat ($90, zara.com/us)

Nordstrom; J.Crew Factory; Anthropologie; Zara FOR A COCKTAIL PARTY, GALA OR SPECIAL EVENT Pair the matte turtleneck with a full skirt in a shiny contrasting texture. Add a glamorous but

comfortable flat shoe with a sparkly strap, and a stack of stretchy crystal bangles. An inexpensive faux-fur vest contributes to the luxe vibe. Clockwise from bottom left: Jewel Badgely

Mischka Women’s Vana Pointed Toe Evening Flat in Black Satin ($76, macys.com); Aqua Crystal Stretch Bracelets, Set of 5 ($29, bloomingdales.com); White House Black Market Fit-and Flare Midi

Skirt in Black ($130, whitehouseblackmarket.com); Youhan Women’s Faux Fur Vest Coat Sleeveless Jacket in Black ($30, amazon.com) Macy's; Bloomingdale's; White House Black Market;

Amazon FOR A DAY OF SHOPPING, VISITING FRIENDS OR SIGHTSEEING Pair the sweater with a classic black blazer, wide-leg pants and a chunky, lug-heeled leather loafer. The leopard tote upgrades

the whole look. You’re welcome. Clockwise from bottom left: Rothy's The Lightweight Tote in Desert Cat ($179, rothys.com); Madewell The Bradley Lug Sole Loafer in Leather in True Black

($158, madewell.com); NYDJ Classic Blazer Jacket in Black ($139, nydj.com); J.Crew Sydney Wide-Leg Pant in Bi-Stretch Cotton Blend in Ivory ($98, jcrew.com) Rothy's; Madewell; NYDJ;

J.Crew FOR A WALK IN THE COUNTRY, A COLD DAY IN THE CITY OR AN OUTDOOR EVENT Pair the knit top with a cozy textured topper (love this one!) black jeans, comfortable waterproof boots, and a

cute, colorful beanie. Clockwise from left: Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Loose Black Jeans for Women in Black Jack ($35, oldnavy.gap.com); Gap Factory Sherpa Coat in Holiday Brown ($69,

gapfactory.com); & Other Stories Fuzzy Knit Beanie in Orange ($49, stories.com/en_usd); Sorel Women’s Kinetic Impact Conquest Sneaker Boot in Tawny Buff/Ceramic ($175, sorel.com) Old

Navy; Gap Factory; & Other Stories; Sorel LAST WORD If you live where the weather is warm year-round (_lucky you!_), turtlenecks may not be the be-all and end-all solution to the

challenge of an aging neck — but there’s always the light-weight scarf ... or a good serum. And let’s look on the bright side! There are many worse things than a saggy neck.