How To Style A Turtleneck {9 Chic Ways}
Turtlenecks are often associated with proper, traditional, and preppier styles. However, there are many chic and edgy wears to wear turtlenecks as well.
How you style your turtleneck will depend on where you’re going and of course, the weather.
Maybe you feel like you could never pull off a turtleneck or maybe you just need some fresh inspo. Whatever your situation may be, we’re here to help you out.
There’s a reason turtlenecks have stayed in style decade after decade. They’re versatile, transition well between seasons, and they’re great for layering.
If you need some outfit ideas for your next ensemble, check out our list below with 7 9 fashionable ways to style a turtleneck.
How To Style a Turtleneck
1 – Opt For Turtleneck Tanks In Warmer Months
A turtleneck tank top is a bit unexpected yet still chic and refined. Turtleneck tank tops are great especially if you work in an office setting.
When pairing a turtleneck tank top with a blazer you have a polished and professional look, however, if you head out for lunch and just can’t stand to have on all those layers simply remove your blazer. Voila!
Your turtleneck will still be considered appropriate but will be comfortable and practical at the same time.
Alternatively, Turtleneck tank tops come as an unexpected surprise when paired with jeans and sneakers. If edgy looks are more your style then this is definitely the way to go.
2 – A Turtleneck And Jeans
A fitted, ribbed turtleneck will never go out of style. Pair it with a well-fitting pair of jeans and you simply can’t go wrong.
Depending on the season you can pair this look with booties, mules, over-the-knee boots, and even pumps for a beautiful look.
If you want to take this look into winter just add a stylish coat. A moto jacket or bomber both look great with this outfit.
One thing that is so great about turtlenecks is that they are fantastic for layering. Opt for a fitted style if you plan to wear it under a tighter-fit coat.
3 – Pair A Turtleneck With A Mini Skirt
A turtleneck paired with a mini skirt is a winning combo. While a mini skirt tends to be sexy and show off skin, a turtleneck helps to balance that out by offering more coverage up top. It is the perfect pairing.
You can amp up the sexiness a bit by going with a pair of high heels or you can tone it down a notch with some booties or over-the-knee boots.
4 – Dress Down A Turtleneck With A Pair Of Joggers
While you can certainly wear a turtleneck dressier and more refined you can also style it more casual. A great pair of joggers and a cool pair of sneaks is a very unconventional and trendy combination.
If you love the look of a turtleneck but prefer a comfier look in general, try a turtleneck jogger set. This is the type of outfit that feels like pajamas but looks like something you’d wear to run errands. A win-win in our book!
5 – Turtleneck With Leggings & Combat Boots
The ultimate cozy yet chic turtleneck combo is a turtleneck with a pair of faux leather leggings. While this is still a casual look, it still appears well put together.
These leggings are of incredible quality and are high-waisted with tummy control. They do run small though so size up one.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more laid-back look you can swap out the faux leather leggings for a cotton pair and choose sneakers instead of boots.
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6 – Layer Your Turtleneck With A Chic Coat
As mentioned previously, turtlenecks are great for layering. Even if you’re wearing a casual knit turtleneck and a pair of leggings the right coat can completely transform your outfit.
This plaid wrap coat comes in several colors, fits true to size, and can be worn both dressy and casual.
Top this look off with a great pair of over-the-knee boots and you’re good to go.
7 – Wear A Turtleneck As A Sweater Dress
Whether you layer your turtleneck under a dress you already have or you opt for a sweater dress that is already a turtleneck style, this look is put together and effortless.
The ribbed lantern sleeve turtleneck dress above is a total steal, super comfy, and fits true to size. It also comes in a bunch of different colors and is available in sizes xs through l.
8 – Pair A Turtleneck With Joggers/Sweatpants
This pairing gives off such an effortlessly cool look. You look put together but at the same time… you could totally kick up your feet and chill on the couch.
This combo looks best with a slim-fit turtleneck and cinched waist bottoms. You could also dress up this look with a pair of cool lace-up booties if you don’t want to go the sneaker route.
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9 – Layer Your Turtleneck With A Blazer
Maybe you work in an office setting or maybe you meet with clients for dinner. Regardless, a blazer over just about anything instantly makes you look like you mean business.
THIS BLAZER is our absolute favorite. It comes in many colors, it’s stretchy, and it fits true to size.
Additionally, it works for business attire but also pairs well over a sexy cami for date night!
Tips To Style A Turtleneck By Occasion
How to Style a Turtleneck for Going Out
Who says bodysuits have to be modest?! If you’re looking to sass it up a bit opt for a mesh/see-through bodysuit. The option above is sexy enough on it’s own that you can pair it with something subtle on the bottom like jeans.
However, you could also make this look super sexy by pairing it with a mini skirt and stilettos.
How To Wear A Turtleneck Casually
As seen from the examples above, there are several ways to style turtlenecks to get a more casual look. Both jeans and joggers work with a turtleneck and can provide a polished yet comfortable look.
How To Wear A Turtleneck For Date Night
A turtleneck is a go-to for date night once the colder weather rolls around. A fitted style paired with jeans and a great pair of shoes is all you need to look like a million bucks.
How to Style a Turtleneck for Work
For a more polished look that’s still comfortable, pair your turtleneck with trousers or black jeans and loafers or booties. Throw on a blazer or cardigan on top and you’re good to go!
This look is office-approved but can also be worn for after-work drinks or dinner plans.
There really are no limits when it comes to styling a turtleneck. However, if you’re still stuck on how to style a turtleneck to match your vibe, just remember these few tips below.
Turtleneck Styling Tips
Balance Is Key
When choosing a turtleneck you always want to think about the other items you’ll be pairing it with.
For example, if you’re wearing a super tight mini skirt, you may want to consider a looser-fitting turtleneck that you can tuck in to create balance.
While this won’t always be the case, it is certainly a “safer” way to go if you are feeling unsure if the outfit is overall too revealing/tight.
On the flip side, if you are wearing a loose-fitting bottom like a maxi skirt you can create balance by pairing it with a fitted ribbed turtleneck.
Think About Your Frame/Shape
If you have a small frame look for a fitted turtleneck that hits at the waist. A slim fit will accentuate your figure and give the illusion of curves. Avoiding turtlenecks that are too loose as these can often swallow a very small frame.
Medium frame gals may feel like they have the most options. You can go for a relaxed fit that skims your body, or you can choose a more fitted look.
If you want to wear layers underneath your turtleneck, opt for a relaxed fit. If you want your turtleneck to be the star of the show, choose a more fitted style.
Relaxed-fit turtlenecks that hit at the hip are often the most flattering on larger frames. A loose fit will help balance your proportions.
But remember, these are simply TIPS. If you have a small frame and love wearing super oversized turtlenecks or you have a larger frame but love wearing super-fitted turtlenecks, YOU DO YOU BOO. It’s all about feeling good in the skin you’re in!
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Choose The Right Accessories
Since turtlenecks offer so much coverage there are slightly fewer options when it comes to wearing jewelry. Sure, you could wear your favorite dainty necklace, but if it’s not long enough it’s just going to get hidden under the entire sweater.
The jewelry you choose should be based on the style of turtleneck you plan to wear. For example, a thick chunky turtleneck with a looser neck will likely cover a dainty necklace, so it’s best to opt for one with a thicker, longer chain.
Alternatively, if you have a very thin, fitted turtleneck you can get away with the more delicate and dainty necklaces.
In terms of earrings, this too depends on the style of the turtleneck. The chunkier the neck fabric, the shorter you’ll want the earrings to be so that they don’t snag. Studs or small hoops work great with this style of turtleneck.
If the turtleneck is more fitted you can usually get away with dangly earrings.
Turtleneck Styling FAQ’s
Are turtlenecks in style in 2022? You bet! With the tips above you can easily create a turtleneck that works for many styles and occasions.
What do you wear under a turtleneck?
You don’t have to wear anything under a turtleneck and sometimes, it’s actually best NOT to. However, if you are wearing a wool turtleneck you may want to wear a cami underneath for extra comfort.
What does a turtleneck look good with?
There is no one right answer to this, as you can tell by all of the outfit inspiration from above. As long as you remember the styling tips you can create a great turtleneck outfit with a wide variety of other items.
What kind of necklaces do you wear with a turtleneck?
Typically, a slightly longer or chunkier necklace works best with turtlenecks simply because they tend to not get swallowed up by the fabric around the neck.
The great thing about turtlenecks is that they can really blend well with just about any style. You can make them a bit edgier, a bit sexier, office-appropriate, grungy, etc.
Plus, there are endless ways to style a turtleneck sweater. Whether you’re looking for something casual, work-appropriate, or fancier—a turtleneck is the way to go. So go ahead and stock up on this timeless trend—you won’t regret it!
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