As the cool October weather sets in, I rummage through the attic, tear out the bins of warm clothes and happily stash the tee shirts and linen pants for another year. I like all kinds of weather, but fall is my favorite time, and aside from tights, turtlenecks are my wardrobe staple. Easy to accessorize with a necklace, scarf or cardigan, I like turtlenecks in cotton and wool blends. Not itchy ones, though, so no cashmere or angora wool.

You would think that the common turtleneck would be easy to procure and sometimes you would be right. But there have been years when I was unable to locate and purchase the turtleneck I needed at that particular time - and don't go looking for them in stores after December, because they will be gone. Replaced by cruise wear, or Easter dresses.

I thought I'd do a little round up of these handy uniform pieces for you so you can find them now, when you need them. And remember, they look great with skirts, adorable with jeans, and keep you toasty under a sweater. I buy black ones but you should venture into some accent colors. Most of these are available in a range of hues.

The Gap has a few styles available this fall, from Whisper Thin to what they call a Sweater. I like each of them but the sweater version is 100% cotton and available in petite or tall sizes as well as regular. It features a ribbed neck and cuffs which lends it a slightly casual air and can be had in six muted colors.
It's $34.00.

For $48.00, Talbots has a cotton nylon ribbed turtleneck in four elegant jewel tones. (Yes, I've decided that black IS a jewel tone.) Talbots is known for quality and they've added a touch of lycra to their turtle thereby ensuring its fit for many seasons. It's available in a wide range of sizes on line.

J. Crew seems to have about 20 versions of the turtleneck this year, but the one I'm going with is the Dream Turtleneck. I know I said I don't wear wool blends but the Crew description of their wool blend sounds so luscious that I think I have to try one on. It's marino wool, cashmere, and nylon and comes in heavenly rich colors. The $78 price tag slides it into a higher category of standard turtle, it will need to be hand washed instead of thrown in the machine, but it does sound like a dream. (Please note, this item is catalogue/internet only.)

If you like the idea of a simple turtleneck but want something a little edgier, something with some character, I'd send you to Nordstrom for this one.
It may be difficult to see in this photo, but this version has a small area of ruching at the neck which lends it a dressier feeling. It's cashmere, cut longer and comes in limited sizes and only three colors, but I'll bet it's a stunner. At $188, I've taken you as far up the price ladder as I'm willing to go though there are certainly sweaters priced higher.

Finally, I'd like to pay tribute to THE turtleneck: the turtleneck that withstands the test of time, thousands of washes and tumbles in the dryer, the turtleneck that has been depended on for generations of women - the LL Bean turtleneck. Offered in 13 colors and a good range of sizes, this workhorse can be ordered for children, men and you. LL Bean garments are guaranteed forever, wear like iron,  are impeccably made, and  this turtle starts at $15. I may not live in a cabin in Maine or venture out to go sledding, but you can bet I've had a bunch of these in my dresser over the years.  I can't speak highly enough for them.

So, there you go. A full range of turtles in various fits, sizes, colors and prices. Pull on a skirt and cute little blazer, tie a scarf around your neck and you are set for fall.