6 ways to style: turtleneck sweater
When I was younger, being forced to wear a turtleneck sweater was the cause of many eye rolls and groans. I avoided them at all costs in fear of looking “frumpy,” or simply because I felt too constricted in them. Boy has that changed!! If you walk into my closet during the winter it is filled to the brim with turtleneck sweaters of all colors and types. I have a bright red cashmere one, an oversized light blue one with an A-line cut, a simple black one, and any type in between. If I could live entirely in a turtleneck sweater…I would!
I know that my love of turtlenecks is not necessarily universal, but I want that to change. Some people are too scared to put one on for the exact reason I hated them as a child…but that stems from not knowing how to style them. Just like with any fashion trend, it takes a few tries before you get it right. Thankfully for you all, I went through the trial and error session myself and am here to offer you six ways to style a turtleneck sweater! For the sake of consistency and making it easier on myself (lol), I used the same turtleneck for everything. I went with my gorgeous, mustard Free People sweater that I scored at Marshall’s for half the price. It is a little more daring than other turtlenecks, so if you’re still uncertain about whether or not you want one or not…I’d purchase a simple black one to start out!
Turtleneck - Free People brand but bought at Marshalls. Somebody is selling it on Poshmark, though!
Cross and rose necklace - ASOS
Longer necklace - gifted to me by my mum
Layer some necklaces with it
This is a more basic look, but I figured I couldn’t style a turtleneck for you without at least offering you a way to spice up the top on its own! You can find necklaces like mine anywhere, and just layer them on top of each other to create a similar look. This can be nicely paired with some high waisted jeans, black slacks, or even a simple jean skirt. The good thing about a turtleneck is that it is already really warm, so it’s fairly easy to walk outside wearing one and not needing a jacket.
Leather jacket - Forever 21 when they had a “high end” partnership
Necklace - Forever 21
Throw a leather jacket over it
Owning a leather jacket is a staple, so if you don’t already own one please go out and splurge a little. An iconic leather jacket can turn any bland outfit into something extraordinary in a matter of seconds. With turtlenecks, they work perfectly because they combine separate styles to make something different that stands out. Similarly, leather jackets are not very warm so it brings an added warmth that you may have desperately needed.
If you have a black leather jacket, I advise pairing it with a turtleneck of a different color. In general, try to pair it with thinner quality sweaters due to the constriction they can cause when combined with a tighter leather jacket. Regardless, you’ll look super chic!
Salt ‘n pepper tank - Forever 21
London necklace - Etsy
Jeans - Levi’s brand, but thrifted from Savers
Add a loose-fitting tank to your outfit
I’ve mostly seen people pair turtlenecks with a tank dress rather than a shirt…but I don’t own one of those dresses. Instead, I gave this a try and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I’ve actually never worn this combination before, but I definitely will now! I would suggest wearing this with mid-rise jeans (black or blue) and some cute statement boots, and it could even look nice with a denim jacket over it all. This is more of your everyday look so that you can run some errands while comfortable and cute.
Just a side note, make sure your tank is loose and contrasts your turtleneck. A tight tank top will create wrinkles from the sweater and make things look bulgy, rather than relaxed and cool. It just won’t look good, I promise. If you’re unsure if a tank (or any of this) will work, try wearing a turtleneck shopping with you and test out some outfits!
Overalls - Marshalls
Lipstick - Complimentary “Rouge Signature” from L’oreal
Wear it under overalls
If you’re anything like me, overalls are one of your favorite things to wear in the summer. Fashion has progressed so much since I was a child and there are now so many different types of overalls you can buy. They come in all different styles, prints, and materials and therefore have made my life 10x better. These striped ones were a staple of my summer wardrobe, and I thought I might have to phase them out as it got colder. But fear not! Turtlenecks have made it possible to wear overalls year round, and I am very, very stoked about it.
As I’m writing this I have a link to a classic denim overall open in another tab, how cute would that look with a turtleneck underneath?
Beck t-shirt - thrifted at Savers
Put on an oversized graphic t-shirt
This is an outfit I regularly wear because I love the grunge-y feel to it, and it requires minimal effort. If you love graphic t-shirts, all you have to do is put on a turtleneck and tuck the two into some high-waisted jeans or slacks. You have a complete outfit right there, and you’ll look effortlessly cool. I was really looking for one of those classic Harley Davidson t-shirts when I thought of the look to shoot for this, but instead, I came across this Beck t-shirt and my life changed.
That sounds so dramatic, I know. But seriously, if you’re looking for some sort of cool t-shirt (Harley, a band of any sort, a Coca Cola shirt) I highly suggest checking out your local thrift shop. Graphic t-shirts are now selling for insane prices at your average store, but you can find them for under $3 if you browse the men’s t-shirt collection at your local charity shop.
Houndstooth blazer - thrifted
Belt - thrifted at Savers
Turquoise ring - given to me by my Nan
Add a blazer on top
If you don’t own a classic blazer, please please go find one at a charity shop for so cheap. When you do that, you have a one-of-a-kind piece that you end up wanting to fall asleep in. That is how I feel about this houndstooth blazer that my mum thrifted ages ago. I cut out the shoulder pads (they might make a comeback someday though) and have never looked back. Underneath a turtleneck, you look so Parisian chic and I cannot stress enough how it makes you feel. If you’re a fashion lover like myself, you will have those outfits that make you feel like you’re walking on sunshine. This is one of them.
This is my final way to style a turtleneck because it is such an easy one to do, and it can work in any situation. You can wear it casually out to brunch, but you can also wear it with some nice slacks and rock your latest job interview. It is so incredibly versatile and it makes you look like a proper fashionista.
There are countless other ways that you can style a turtleneck, and it is mostly about trial and error. If you think something might look cool together, give it a try! You never know what you may create. People often forget that fashion is a form of creativity, and putting together an outfit is a lot more difficult for some people than you even think. That being said, give a turtleneck a try if you haven’t lately. Or if you have, I hope I gave you some new ideas on how to style it.
Let me know in the comments below if you really want to give one of these a try, or if you have any of your own ways to style a turtleneck sweater!
xx Liv