Neck Love

Nov 22, 2021

It’s Laundry Day and l confess I fucking love a turtleneck.

I don’t know why I love a turtleneck so much, I just do, so go with it. The turtleneck was originally a garment designed for the Navy to keep sailors warm. Itlater became popular with women because the long neckline was associated with beauty and independence… sign me up. In the 1950’s it oddly became a sex symbol when Jayne Mansfield rocked it. Since then, the turtleneck has symbolized all facets of mood; bombshell, modesty, nautical and practical. However you see it, the turtleneck can be a great addition to the winter months of layering.

Here are a few ideas on how to style two of my favorite turtlenecks.

The Oversized:

This Jumper1234 cashmere turtleneck is a great lazy girl’s sweater when you need to get out the door with sneakers and jeans. I have worn this piece to death and it has seen it all; cream cheese, tangled jewelry and the bottom of my suitcase. The neutral color makes it easy to work with bright colors and literally almost any pattern.

Layer a crisp button down under your turtleneck. Here I used my Sleepy Jones sleep shirt. I tucked one side in allowing the other to come out under the hem and I pulled the collar up on the opposite side for a peak around the neck. I used a stripe but a white or chambray would also look great. Finally, I added my Smythe jacket (currently on sale) for a little tonal pattern vibe.

Layering a sweater over a dress is an easy styling tip. This is a summer dress from Zara, and the taffeta and the cashmere work well together and give the dress more wear than just one season. Because the dress is puffy and the sweater is puffy as well, I added my favorite belt (I own one in every color). The added cinch around the waist is always helpful with you have larger garments, but it also adds more texture and interest in the look.

The Straightforward:

This slim-fitting navy turtleneck is hands down my go to turtleneck. It looks incredibly sexy on its own tucked tight into any pant or under any blazer. Here are a few other crazy ideas to get some more mileage.

Add a sparkly bralette or any crop top over your turtleneck. I like staying in the same color story, but a fun pattern or fabric looks great with a darker, slim-fitting turtleneck. Here I styled an all navy look, a Uniqlo navy turtleneck with a sequin bralette (some options from Milly, Royal Jelly, MissGuided) and my favorite navy suit from Officine General.

Here the casual turtleneck is styled with a little something extra. I added a silk polka dot scarf over the top of the neck and layered my go-to denim jacket and quilted jacket over. Nobody knows I just woke up 10 minutes ago.

I am cold all the time. I live in NY and my California bones have just never adjusted, so layers are always key. Fun sexy fact, I usually wear leggings or thermals under all my pants in the winter, so layering a turtleneck under a dress is a warmth win. Take the basic slim-fitting turtleneck and layer under almost any dress; big and puffy, or strappy and summery. Here are a few I like.

Boring? Maybe, but sometimes you just have to have permission to do the obvious. Met sweatshirt.

I would wear this same look everyday if such a thing was acceptable. Not sure what element I love more. The crisp white cotton off of the dark wool turtleneck. Or the hardly buttoned shirt tucked in tightly with the turtleneck taking center stage. Or the sleeves rolled up just so to reveal the contrasting dark sweater sleeves underneath. I eat this sexy, chic look up.