Can one ever avoid opening a shopping newsletter without a pretend-anecdote about items one “simply” “cannot” “live” “without”?  And yet, as Highsnobiety’s shopping editor, I’ve found myself considering what really is the one dear product in my closet that I wouldn't want to miss as we move through this peak shopping season. This time of year and otherwise, my answer is and will always be my navy blue V-neck sweater. This knit in question, a thrifted cashmere-merino blend from Italy, is a daily grab of mine — whether slouchily layered, crossbody-tied, over-the-shoulder, or balled up in my work tote, gym bag and carry-on.

As a firm believer in navy's general superiority over (and, by the way, its compatibility with) black, this could easily become a whole tangent on deep, dark blue's objective rule over all other textile pigments. That's a future Shopper Fixation of the Week for another day, however. Today’s brief is dedicated to the actual V-neck sweater of it all, as a concept and my admiration for it, whichever shade that comes in.

Colloquially held in lower regard than its crew neck sibling, I've always thought of the V-neck as being far more versatile in its application. Be it over a shirt or tee, the V-cut allows for an easier glimpse at what's underneath. Anyone who's seen my Hinge profile’s “weird attraction” prompt can attest to how I'm terminally obsessed with peeking collars; there’s just something about the obvious layering — not to mention the way the neckline becomes an arrow — that feels…seductive. It’s practically burlesque! 

If taking my word for the V-neck's dependability won't suffice, look to any of your ride-or-die brands: From COS to The Row, Our Legacy to Lemaire, and as far back as Prada's Autumn/Winter 2017 show, the evidence for just how potent a style tool this unassuming staple can be is quietly omnipresent. I promise that once you've eliminated some of those perverse Y2K-era images of chest-bearing, belly-button-reaching V-cuts from your brain, you'll be able to appreciate the V-neck and its angular appeal again or anew, as part of both casual or formal attire. Because even when it’s working well for you, a V-neck never feels like it’s trying too hard. 

Written by Max Migowski, Highsnobiety Shopping Editor

When its web shop is open, Knitwrth always merits a visit. The drop-released jacquard knits are freakishly easy to wear, because or in spite of their brazen designs; here’s one scandalously Lady Di-inspired version, which Highsnobiety had a hand in way back when. These days, we're wearing the Björk, Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen, and "Kids" movie jumpers interchangeably. 

Applying its Intrecciato leather weave technique, Bottega Veneta made the top 1 percent's very own Burger King crown. More practically, its Veneto bag in small is more up our alley, perfectly sized for everyday necessities.

In other accessory news, Telfar's infamous top handle purses now come covered in sequins, right on time for festive season. If that’s too sparkly for your taste, just know  the Bushwick Birkin maker’s entire catalog is discounted for the holidays, at a minimum 20%. Ho ho ho.

Our red hot favorite from Barbour and Noah's link-up is what happens when the English countryside meets New England prep.

In what's every LA almond mom-slash-amateur-yogi's dream come true, Lululemon and Erewhon have officially collaborated — but not on a smoothie. But some of the pieces are quite delicious, including the “Fresh Produce” shopper and this insulated jacket. 

Just when you thought you'd seen and heard everything there is to see and hear about the controversial quarter-zip, Stüssy made a hoodie version. If you, like our EIC, aren't all that fond of zip-up knitwear, Stüssy's canvas accessories or thermal longjohns may be more to your liking. 

Under her namesake label, Phoebe Philo rolled out a bag all too reminiscent of her Céline-era Trio pouch, envelope-formatted with rounded edges.

Speaking of Old Céline, Birkenstock gave its Boston Clog the full-shearling treatment.

Not as cozy-reading but equally as cozy-feeling are Nike's Rejuven8s.

Our Legacy teamed up with hiking shoe brand ROA, and we kind of like this piece the most.

Sometimes, knitwear can only look or feel great, and never at the same time. But upon touching SSSTEIN's for the first time, we concluded the Japanese label's cashmere and mohair goods do both extremely well, at a price that passes as reasonable for the quality at stake. 

Definitely picking up these gloves and these clogs at SSENSE's end of year sale, and so should you. 

Lastly, if you’re still on the hunt for gifts, we do have gift guides for the menswear geek, the interiors freak, and recipients for whom you'd rather not cough up more than fifty bucks for. Even Santa’s got a budget! 

By Max Migowski

with Herbert Hofmann, Delia Cai & Youri Chapelle