Written by Rakelle Maurici in Tips & Advice on the 24th February 2016

In recent observations of men’s fashion week it was clear that men are still adopting the layered tailoring look, however in a more relaxed manner. In this sense they are dropping the shirt and tie for a roll neck jumper instead. This is not only a way to keep yourself warm but also a smart-casual way for work wear and weekend wear. The traditional roll neck was a huge fad of the 70s when men would match them with their flares and round glasses, but you can now drop that image because they are currently seen as a modern contemporary garment - making them versatile and very easy to wear.

This isn’t a style for every man though – it’s a person-to-person case as to whether they’ll suit you and your style. We’ve broken down the different ways in which this winter staple can be worn.

If the weather is not too frosty you can just wear a roll neck on its own with a pair of smart jeans or brush cotton trousers for a smarter look completed with brogues or Chelsea boots. Opt for a rich merino wool which is soft; light yet warm and of a high quality when it comes to any kind of knitwear. You can dress this down by layering with a casual bomber or leather jacket for a relaxed style. Alternatively, layer with a Pea coat and knitted scarf for extra texture.

The lightweight sweater especially looks great with layered tailoring – simply add a blazer with smart jeans or formal trousers and finish with slick shoes. When choosing a colour palette; if you choose a dark colour roll neck maintain this throughout your outfit and match with a dark coloured suit, since generally dark roll neck sweaters work well with a suit as opposed to a dark shirt.

Secondly, you could choose all black, all navy or different shades of grey - or alternatively choose colours which complement each other e.g. a deep red or khaki looks great with camel, navy, grey or black. If you decide you want to wear a shirt as well as a roll neck you can basically pop the collar underneath and you’re set for a real continental look. Finish this off with a simple pocket square for on duty attire.

If the weather is looking bleaker, colder and frostier than you’re comfortable with, choose a chunky roll neck with a cable knitted pattern to be worn solo under an overcoat. This is an off duty style - a casual look which works well with lace up boots or high top sneakers. A key attribute of the roll neck is it makes easy simplicity without having the need of a scarf, keep colours neutral for a clean and smart style.

We discuss roll neck style in 2016 and how to wear chunky roll neck sweaters in this guide on How to Wear the Roll Neck Jumper.