Inspiration comes in the strangest places… well, I mean Steve McQueen… and strange, because…he’s a man… and of course, I covet his style. Luckily I spotted this shawl neck cardigan at the market, and when I brought it home Rocky started yelling Steve McQueen! Steve McQueen! Well, Mr. McQueen, king of cool, made the shawl collar cardigan go from a Mr. Rogers to hello… And lately I’ve been noticing more shawl collar sweaters in the menswear department, designers like Opening Ceremony, Julian Red, and b.son all have their versions but it’s not a style that’s really transgressed the gender divide. Since I like to experiment with ultra-femme and menswear, I knew it was something to try.
This has been my default outfit for the past few weeks… I just love cozying up in knits, and the American Apparel turtleneck dress is great for this time of year, I wouldn’t wear it by itself, but it’s the best when it comes to layering. And the vintage fur hat, yes, I’ve seriously been wearing this alot too, my hair is in a strange between cuts phase, and it’s cold, and I’m sick, so it’s very helpful. The scarf, also from a menswear shop, Burro in Covent Garden is the perfect cozying mechanism.
The Shawl Collar
In case you’re interested… these are the sweaters I saw by Opening Ceremony, Julian Red, and b.son all on Oak NYC… what a cool shop (for women too).
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree, plenty of male style icons to be had! And you’ve got some mad layering skillz, lady! x
Looks very Russian!
lady coveted, that coat is amazing
I like the b.son one the best!
I just realized I have a cropped shawl nect cardigan at home.
Hmmmmm… I need to pull that out.
Luv
Poochie
random factoid:
one of the guys who owns oak in nyc was my fashion marketing instructor at parsons. super nice guy!
oak *is* a great shop!
I force my husband to wear show collar sweaters. I even created a collection of vintage zip front sweaters with leather down the center, he has about 6 now hehe. LOVE this look for men or women!!!
i loooove the cardigan! it is exactly what i like to wear right now. it looks also very nice togehter with your fur hat &hearts
I am constantly inspired my mends fashion, they have some great transferable elements. Love your big scarf too, super cozy.
oh my goodness… it’s been a crazy day… thanks for all your lovely comments!
@george…thanks… sometimes we forget the stylish fellows!
@mia, it’s the hat
@mer.. thanks!
@poochie… we could be blog twins! sweet.
@tricia…so nice to see you back, i miss your blog, but i’m sure youre’ having a blast with the littun… that’s so awesome to have nice college teacher and to see them do well
@nicole.. oh that’s a good plan, i’m goign to get rocky in one asap!
@fenke.. aww that’s so n ice!
@hailey… ah cool, i’m glad other women also look to men for inspiration.
I love your cosy look – you’re obviously making the most of our chilly European Octobers.
I should stop complaining really and start dressing in fabulous knits instead!
really great find. i like that its double breasted.
Your cardigan is awesome, I love the double breasted aspect too and those boots!!!
I just recently thrifted a vintage gray shawl neck cardigan myself with a really cool pattern on it and I’m loving it too. I never even thought about the Steve McQueen aspect.
Interestingly, my husband has been told on several occasions by different people that he resembles a young Steve McQueen, perhaps that’s why I was drawn to the cardi
I love the scarf! Dont everyone can pull off that hat, but you certainly did it!
seriously the shawl-collar cardigan (or even sweater) is so darn chic. rich boys at my school wear them in envy-inducing lush wool colors like baby blue and lemon yellow.
that looks insanely comfy!
I would be quite thrilled to try that look when it gets cooler in about 6 months.
Like the colours. Great combo.
@pretty face… haha… i love it! yesterday was the first real coooold day, it was awesome. (cuddling indoors that is)
@missa…you are so lucky to have peeps say ’steve mcqueen’ most people say male model when they look at rocky, he hates it…
@hoyan… rich boys, mmmm….
little miss.. it is!
@songy… it always trips me out the opposites of the southern hem. it’s just so cool.
I’m into getting cosier as well…the cold chill just came and I’ve just turned on central heating!
Ooh I love that Julian Red one.
What a great idea. I have been needing something warm and cosy for layering on those chilly SF nights.
I’m loving the vintage fur hat. It really adds an adorable flair to your outfit! Love the blog too.
mcqueen is so effortless hot. im a big dirty harry lover though. hotties, hotties.
wish more hot boys would wear those sweaters u recommend. im sending some subliminal emails soon LOL
I love interesting collars, shawl, fold-over and otherwise. And I don’t think it’s strange at all to be inspired by Steve McQueen! He was the man back in the day.
And you exude Natalie Wood oh my god!!! http://drx.typepad.com/psychotherapyblog/images/2007/06/03/natalie_wood_and_steve_mcqueen_love.jpg
You look great in those mens’ stovepipe jeans tucked into boots, ala, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Cisco Kid, Zooro, Hop-a-Long Cassidy and The Lone Ranger,aka, Clayton Moore style, very ” macho ” ; cowboy up !
Why on earth did this site use the only picture Known (to me,at least) of Steve McQueen with his “Johnson” out?
Guess it’s a mistake?
This photo was taken by William Claxton on a trip to Carmel (with both their wives),and a lot of joint smoking was involved.
…I suppose that’s one of the reasons why this picture was taken!
Boss chair you have. You did notice he’s holding his bird in the cardigan pic no?
Have you seen the Steve McQueen photo up this page? In the hand…..