You might've noticed that shirts are looking a little differently lately. Less conventional collars and more architectural necklines; the funnel neck is changing the shape of one of our most familiar wardrobe staples. Since Saint Laurent's funnel neck jacket came on the scene last year, the shape has become as much of a talking point as it has a practical answer to cold-weather dressing (there's nothing like cosying up into a high neck). Then came Zara's take in pretty speedy succession, which ended up going viral and had everyone looking for a high street alternative to satiate their funnel neck craving.
Although, if you've just invested in a funnel neck jacket, I've got some bad news: the trend has moved on. This season we're beginning to see it crop up in our shirts. You might already have a couple of tried-and-tested shirts hanging up in your wardrobe, but whether you have one of each colour (I usually vouch for blue, pink and white) or a couple of each style (one oversized, two more fitted), there's always room for another shirt in your wardrobe. Plus, now even our work shirts are embracing a high funnel neckline, there's never been a better excuse to invest in a new work shirt.
As you can imagine, the selection of high street funnel neck shirts isn't a small pool. In fact, pretty much every brand has released its own take on the trend. My favourite, however, has to go to Damson Madder and its blue striped Marigold Funnel Shirt. Details are never lost at Damson Madder, and its funnel neck shirt is no different with its popper at the neck, ruching in the middle and, of course, its funnel neckline that I'm picturing styled underneath a V-neck jumper or a longline wool coat.
Shop: Damson Madder's Funnel Neck Shirt
It's clear the funnel neck shirt seems like the natural successor to the jacket, combining its structure with no added bulk. It fits between seasons too, when a T-shirt feels like you'll have goosebumps under office air conditioning and a proper jacket feels overzealous for an October that's still reaching 15 degrees Celsius. Plus, the high neckline lends even the simplest outfit a fashion-person twist, without so much as styling it with anything other than tailored trousers and suede loafers.
And, while the fashion cycle has a habit of elevating the most unlikely items to cult status, this is one trend that's grounded in something more enduring than a novelty. So, using my expertise (as well as the fact I spent two days in an office wearing shirts), below you'll find a list of the best funnel neck shirts for all budgets, starting from £23.
Shop: The Best Funnel Neck Shirts
Main image credit: Instagram/@evaroncon_
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram.