It is with a sense of urgency that I must inform you of a troubling trend in today’s fashion landscape. Despite the lingering warmth of July, summer attire has vanished, and the cowl neck is making a disconcerting resurgence. This neckline, once dismissed, seems to be creeping back into our wardrobes, and I find myself, along with many others, disheartened at its return. A few years ago, the cowl neck appeared briefly but was quickly overshadowed by more flattering alternatives. However, it appears that this neckline is staging a comeback—a cowl conspiracy, if you will.
Admittedly, not all cowl necks are created equal, and it would be unfair to categorize them all together. Fashion designers and retailers would have us believe there is a cowl suitable for every woman. The voluminous cowl of chunky knits differs significantly from the more delicate and draped versions of finer fabrics. Yet, I must confess, I have yet to encounter a cowl neck that I find appealing.
As women who appreciate fashion, we need to advocate against the cowl neck and eradicate this style from our collective consciousness. One must ask: who decided that women of all shapes, sizes, and ages would benefit from this design? Was there a meeting among fashion elites where it was declared that if cowls work for monks, they could work for everyone?
My aversion to cowl necks began in my teenage years—an era filled with self-discovery and experimentation. During this time, I sought to define my identity, and I swiftly concluded that the cowl neck was not a part of my narrative. When friends sought my opinion on their outfits, I would often resort to distractions, such as pretending to eat cookies, to avoid endorsing this neckline.
You see, during my high school years, I was not well-endowed, and the cowl neck was omnipresent. In 1983, every store I visited showcased cowl necks—shirts, dresses, and an overwhelming number of sweaters. My attempts to wear these garments often ended in disappointment; the fabric never draped correctly, and I was left feeling like I was suffocating. Moreover, I wanted to see my toes, a simple request when trying on clothing.
The constraints of fashion at the time felt like a conspiracy, forcing me into cowl necks. Although the idea of going without a top was tempting, societal pressures kept me from embracing such freedom. Unfortunately, online shopping was not an option back then, leaving me to navigate a limited selection of cowl necks.
Even my mother, a known proponent of the cowl neck, encouraged my participation in this trend. She assumed that because she looked good in cowls, I would as well. I vividly recall her insistence on me wearing one for family outings, despite my strong objections.
While I can appreciate that some women look fantastic in cowl necks—like my mother or celebrities such as Loni Anderson and Valerie Bertinelli—I can’t help but feel that such styles are better suited for those with certain body types.
In moments of self-reflection, I ponder whether I am being too harsh on the cowl neck. Perhaps it is my inability to navigate its complexities rather than the neckline itself that is at fault. However, I refuse to accept this as a personal flaw.
Today, I recognize that there are myriad necklines that suit me well—halter tops, strapless designs, and more. The options available now are far broader than they were thirty years ago. Yet the resurgence of the cowl neck in local stores leads me to suspect something amiss within the fashion industry. Just recently, I noticed that not a single sweater at a store was without a cowl neck. Is this a localized issue, or is there a widespread cowl epidemic?
Ladies, we do not have to accept this. We must stand together against the cowl neck resurgence. I cannot bear the thought of returning to the days when the cowl neck dominated wardrobes. Soon, colleagues and students alike may adopt this trend, and even my mother might rummage through her attic to retrieve her old cowl necks.
This is a fashion crisis we can address together.
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In summary, the cowl neck may not be the fashion choice for all women, and it is essential to advocate for styles that make us feel confident and comfortable.