How to Wear a Turtleneck Sweater

Turtlenecks are a popular winter staple, but there isn’t just one way to wear them. There are lots of stylish ways to pull off this classic piece, even with some creative turtleneck outfits you may not have thought about before. Here are some of our top tips on how to wear a turtleneck sweater.

Turtleneck, Skirt, and Jacket

A turtleneck, skirt, and jacket combo can take on a very different feel depending on the jacket and skirt you wear it with. Looking for something to wear to the office, a conference, or a lunch meeting? Put on a women’s cotton turtleneck with a pencil skirt, tights, and blazer for a smart-casual look. If you need something more fun and creative, pair your turtleneck with a denim jacket and a flowy print skirt for a casual outfit.

Belted Turtleneck and Skinny Pants

Get a flattering look by wearing your favorite turtleneck and skinny pants or women’s jeans with an added style boost. Add a wide or narrow belt to your natural waistline over the untucked turtleneck to create an hourglass figure and make your outfit instantly appear more polished. You can make this as casual or dressy as you like–a colored turtleneck and light denim are great for weekend wear, while neutral twill skinny pants and a black turtleneck could make the cut for the office.

Turtlenecks Under Tunics With Leggings

Warm and cute–what could be better? Add another layer to your favorite leggings and tunic combo with a warm winter turtleneck. Plain leggings with a solid-colored turtleneck and a patterned or plaid flannel tunic, for example, make the perfect cute and casual winter outfit.

Style up Your Sweaters

Does your favorite sweater need a style boost? Add a turtleneck underneath for a brand-new look. You can pop a turtleneck on under:

• Button-up cardigans
• Pullover wool or cable knit sweaters
• Open-front sweaters
• V-neck or wrap sweater styles
• Ribbed crew neck styles
• Cute and Casual With Lounge Wear

Warm-up in your loungewear or activewear by wearing a turtleneck under your favorite fleece sweatshirt or hoodie and pair it with cute joggers, comfy sweatpants, or those soft yoga pants. This look is perfect for running errands, enjoying a relaxing weekend around the house, or an impromptu casual get-together.

Flattering With Fleece

Another great casual look is to pair your favorite turtleneck top with a full-zip or quarter-zip fleece jacket. This layered look is timeless in style and offers the freedom to remove the fleece if you get too warm. This top combo works well with denim, twill pants, straight-leg trousers, sport knit pants, or corduroy pants.

Turtlenecks With Dresses

Wish you could extend the life of a favorite fall or spring dress? With a turtleneck, you can. There are lots of women’s dress styles, including sheath dresses, sleeveless shirt dresses, jumpers, short-sleeve or sleeveless knit dresses, and more that can work well over a turtleneck. For the best look, make sure the turtleneck is not too loose under the dress. A fitted style will prevent the turtleneck from bunching up and looking lumpy under the dress.

Under Button-up Tops and Blouses

Another way to style your turtleneck is to wear it under a button-up top or blouse. This look can vary from casual to dressy depending on the top. A cute flannel worn over a turtleneck is easy and casual, while a crisp, no-iron dress shirt looks classy and smart over a basic turtleneck.

Turtleneck Sweaters

A cashmere turtleneck for women works well with many of the pieces described above, though these usually work best when worn alone rather than as layering pieces. They are great with jeans, slacks, and winter skirts. Longer-length turtleneck sweaters are ideal for pairing with skinny pants, straight-leg pants, and leggings.

Accessorizing Your Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks work great alone or worn as layering pieces, but you can add accessories for an extra element of style, too. When worn alone, turtlenecks are lovely with long necklaces or chunky strands of beads. Dangling earrings, hoop earrings, and teardrop or diamond-shaped earrings all work as well. Since turtlenecks naturally draw the eye up toward the face, hair accessories are another good choice to pair with them.

Turtlenecks for the Guys

Guys–don’t worry, you’re covered, too. Turtlenecks are just as versatile and stylish for men as they are for women. Just like the ladies, you can easily wear them under men’s sweaters, fleece jackets, blazers, hoodies, and more. Pair them with denim for your new favorite weekend wear, or style them with smart jackets and chinos for workwear. Toss a flannel over your warmest turtleneck and get ready to brace the elements for work or play. The choice is yours–try different layering and color combinations for a style that’s all your own. A turtleneck is so classic and versatile, it’s one piece in your closet you can’t get wrong, no matter how you wear it.