Figuring out how to style a turtleneck is a sartorial rite of passage—and it might just be your entrée into the street style In group. Where crewneck sweaters and V-neck cardigans can easily blend into the background (which isn’t a bad thing!), turtlenecks stand out, especially on the higher and chunkier end. In other words, despite their inherent elegance, they require a certain degree of confidence and know-how to get right.
These tops are essential in the stealth-wealth winter capsule wardrobe, adding warmth and a point of view to any ensemble. They’re also expert-level layering pieces that can be worn with button-downs or under thick coats and other shirts. No matter where you’re going—the office, Sunday brunch, holiday gatherings—they simply work. (And yes, while turtlenecks technically fold down and mocknecks only have one layer of fabric, we won’t belabor the point here; these styling tips will work for most high-neck tops.) Ready to make the most of your cold-weather outfits? Here’s how to style a turtleneck this season and beyond.
Glamour’s turtleneck styling edit
Under a button-down
If you’re manifesting a Nancy Meyers winter, steal this styling hack: Layer a paper-thin turtleneck under a button-down shirt. It’s a preppy, coastal look that simply always works, especially if you need a holidays-friendly ensemble that doesn’t feel overdone. Leave a few top buttons undone if you’re only wearing two layers; feel free to unbutton your shirt to the navel if you throw a thick blazer on top.
Over a button-down
While we’re at it, go ahead and reverse your layering to unlock a whole new set of outfits. A thick turtleneck sweater could hide whatever you’re wearing underneath, but genius styling can (and should) reveal what’s underneath. Roll up the bottom to reveal the hem of your shirt, bunch up the arms and leave cuffs unbuttoned, and pull just a hint of the collar up through the neck for a deliberately disheveled effect. In 30 seconds, you’ve become a fashion editor.
With a cropped coat and wool skirt
There’s a distinct air of the English countryside running through this season’s biggest trends, and this outfit—complete with its plaids and rich wools—simply aces it. (Feel free to swap the heels for boots if you’re experiencing that climate’s rain.) Perhaps the best idea here is the half-flipped turtleneck, which feels undone without looking sloppy. Finish the look with the fabled “Olsen tuck,” or leaving your hair inside the neck, as if you pulled your sweater on while rushing out the door. Chic!
With a leather jacket
While your go-to leather jacket styling probably involves a T-shirt, that’s simply not practical this time of year. Enter the tissue turtleneck, which offers more warmth and a slightly more editorial edge. Each of the pieces here—leather bomber, white jeans, platform slippers—might feel quotidian in another outfit, but smart choices like an upturned collar and flipped cuffs keep things firmly on the stylish side.
Under a statement top
Who says you need to hide your summer tops away for winter? By adding a thin turtleneck under warm-weather pieces like tank tops, you can extend their use into pretty much any time of year. Further elevate the look with work pants for the office—or switch things up with a miniskirt and fleece-lined tights for a going-out look.
With a belt and gloves
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Accessories have the power to transform good outfits into great ones. While a matching sweater set is already a fine ensemble in itself, the addition of matching accessories in a new color make it truly memorable. Olive and chocolate brown work well above, but we’ll direct you to another color trend: black and burgundy.
With a sharp blazer
Let’s say you’re almost ready to leave for work or a dinner date when you realize you’re not wearing enough layers for the weather. Why not throw a turtleneck under your blazer, jacket, or coat? A creamy knit (again with the neck flipped up for the coolest possible effect) goes with everything and shows you’re willing to take some swings with your outfits. Once you get to your destination, you can lose the outerwear; this one looks just as good with just a sweater up top.
