Turtleneck Outfits: 13 Turtleneck Outfit Ideas for Any Season

A turtleneck is a type of shirt or sweater with a tall neck that reaches up to just below the wearer’s jawline. A very versatile neckline, turtleneck tops vary widely in knitting style, fit, and material. Turtlenecks can be long-sleeved, short-sleeved, or sleeveless, chunky and oversized or thin and fitted, and come in just about any material.

This top is an integral closet staple in any capsule wardrobe because it comes in handy in many styling situations.

Whether you’re wearing a turtleneck sweater, shirt, vest, or dress, you can style these versatile pieces in many creative ways. Here are some creative turtleneck outfit ideas to recreate with your wardrobe.

1. 1. Artistic look: Wearing a ribbed knit white turtleneck underneath a pair of overalls for a painter-inspired look allows you to bring a transitional piece into winter. (Alternatively, layer a fitted turtleneck underneath a sleeveless dress to adapt it to the colder months.) Pair the look with some low ankle boots for a sophisticated look or some white sneakers for casual styling.
2. 2. Business casual look: For a professional chic look, pair a moderately fitted white or black turtleneck top with a pair of black pinstripe slacks. Tuck the top into the slacks, fasten them with a sleek belt and throw a crisp button-down blouse over the top. Slip your feet into a pair of medium-height chunky heels or lug-soled loafers, and finish the look with a black blazer.
3. 3. Collegiate look: For a collegiate-looking outfit combo, tuck a fitted long-sleeved turtleneck into a plaid skirt or culottes. (Wear a fitted shirt to avoid bulk at your waistline from tucking the shirt.) Earth tones like taupe and brown or whites, blacks, and greys are almost always a safe bet when styling this look. If you opt for the plaid skirt, add opaque or sheer tights to the look. For shoes, try a pair of booties or Mary Janes, and finish the look with a V-neck sweater vest over the turtleneck.
4. 4. Date night look: Tucking a mesh, fitted turtleneck into a leather skirt with high heels or high boots is a perfect date night outfit. Throw on a cuffed blazer over it, and accessorize the turtleneck with a statement necklace. (Necklaces work nicely with turtlenecks, with the high neck creating the perfect canvas for unique hardware.)
5. 5. Edgy look: Pair a fitted black turtleneck with black jeans and a black leather jacket for a sleek, edgy look. Alternatively, wear the turtleneck with leather pants and combat boots. Top the look with a black beret for some beatnik-inspired flair.
6. 6. Midi skirt look: Pair a turtleneck of any style—fitted or oversized, long-sleeved or vest—with a plain or patterned midi skirt for a look that plays with coverage and proportion. Slip your feet into ankle booties (for the winter) or strappy sandals (for the summer). Add a shiny leather jacket or cardigan over your top to complete the look.
7. 7. Outdoorsy look: If you have an oversized flannel you love that doesn’t accentuate your shape to your liking, try wearing it open over a fitted black turtleneck. Add a pair of cuffed, ripped jeans to the look, along with some work boots.
8. 8. Oversized turtleneck: This sweater perfectly complements fitted bottoms like leggings, bike shorts, or skinny jeans. Wear this top over a bias-cut midi dress and knee-high boots for a warm, dressy look, or over a mini skirt for a casual yet sophisticated look. When wearing an oversized sweater, make sure that your bottom is fitted, which will balance your shape and create a clean look.
9. 9. Streetwear look: Tuck a turtleneck into a pair of stylishly distressed straight-leg jeans for a comfortable streetwear style–inspired look. Wear a calf-length single-breasted coat open over the look, and finish it with white sneakers or thick-heeled sandals.
10. 10. Turtleneck dress look: Whether you choose a thin turtleneck minidress or long, slouchy shirt dress, turtleneck dresses pair perfectly with knee-high boots, which lengthen the look. Add a belt to accentuate your waist. The proper wideness of the belt depends on the thickness of your turtleneck, but most thin belts will complement the dress.
11. 11. Turtleneck vest look: A loose, sleeveless knit turtleneck vest is a versatile styling staple that works with many bottoms, such as skinny jeans, leggings, and straight-leg jeans. Stick with fall colors such as browns, maroons, and dark greens. Drape a long peacoat over your shoulders and pair it with your favorite ankle boots to look fall-ready.
12. 12. Whimsical look: For a playful look, accessorize your fitted turtleneck with a bold patterned scarf over the base of your neck. Tuck the top into an A-line skirt and finish the look with a pair of Mary Janes or high-top sneakers with a bunched sock gathered at the top.
13. 13. Winter wear look: Turtlenecks are the ultimate cold-weather fashion staple. Style your wool turtleneck sweater with your warmest jeans and an extra chunky scarf. Finish with some knee-high boots and a faux fur-trimmed long coat. Try a chunky turtleneck with leggings and suede knee-high boots for an alternative winter fashion look.

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