Lapels Are Officially Out - Our Tips For Rocking The Collarless Trend
Lapels are kind of like that ex you're missing; you don't really appreciate them when they're there, but take them away and everything feels wrong. Luckily though, unlike the One Who Got Away, lapels aren't something you need to try and get back into your life. Collar-free is the flavor of 2024, as established by lines like the Tove Spring Ready-to-Wear Collection showcased at London Fashion Week, and there are endless tips you can employ to rock the heck out of this trend.
Granted, if you like your officewear staples, classic blazers, and button-down shirts, going without the collar might feel like something's missing at first. But that doesn't mean you should rush for the safety of your more traditional outerwear. Experiment with the collarless trend and you'll soon discover that less is more. And until then, there are a few sneaky tricks you can use to feel more comfortable as you go through life without lapels, from layering with accessories to choosing understated colors.
Layer with a turtleneck
A collarless blazer can make for a revealing look if you want it to, but it's also possible to rock this style and be totally covered — just layer it on top of a turtleneck. Stick with light, breathable material to keep this 'fit comfy, and if you want to take it from casual to chic, consider going monochrome.
Match with accessories
Does your lack of lapels make you feel like something's missing? If you're a maximalist at heart, or just feel a little bare going collarless, fill up that space with a scarf or another accessory. A statement necklace could also work wonders to become the focus of the outfit. You won't even know the lapels are gone!
Pair collar-free with a collar
It's okay if you just can't wrap your head around the idea of collar-free outerwear. Dip your toes into this trend while remaining in your comfort zone by matching a collarless blazer with a shirt that has an obvious collar. This creates the perfect officewear aesthetic, and people will be none the wiser.
Stick to neutrals and muted tones
A blazer without lapels isn't exactly revolutionary, but it does go against the grain. If your outerwear is missing a staple collar, it's likely to become the statement garment of your outfit, so muted tones and neutral palettes will always do it justice. For those who don't like to rock the boat too much, sticking with understated colors will help you strike the right balance with this edgier silhouette.
Break up the monochrome
There's room for monochrome in every season. But if you want to break up the rest of your outfit, opt for a collar-free blazer in a different color. Try going for a starkly different tone to emphasize the contrast within your 'fit and let your collarless piece shine like it's supposed to. This is a great opportunity to embrace colorblocking in your wardrobe!
Channel Chanel
A more unexpected take on the collarless trend is the classic open-front round-neck tweed blazer, in the style of Chanel. Now, you can splurge on a real Chanel jacket if you really want to demand the attention of the room, but there are plenty of more affordable alternatives available these days, too.
Crop it
Another way to make the collarless craze your own is with some good old fashioned cropping. Collarless blazers are typically (though not always) oversized and baggy, so defy expectations by opting for a shortened blazer. Though you might have fewer styling options, a cropped collar-free piece also presents the opportunity to get seriously creative, whether you want to pair it with a matching mini or a high-waisted pair of jeans.