Turtleneck Sweaters

"Classic Wardrobe Staple for Multiple Outfits"

Turtleneck sweaters are some of your essential wardrobe pieces (well, unless you live in the tropics!). A turtleneck is versatile enough to wear throughout the chilly months and is a great piece for a chic Winter fashion look. You can wear it with a stylish vest or a cardigan - you can also find it in various styles, so you can easily switch out the plain 'ol black turtleneck.

Beige textured womens turtleneck sweater
Courtesy of Lurex Turtleneck via Macy's

Not only do a turtleneck keep your neck area warm but it gives you a blank palette to show off your jewelry. Add your favorite statement necklace; wear your hair in a pony tail and put on a pair of fantastic earrings; or showcase a beautiful vintage silk scarf.

This page will give you all of the necessary fashion advice and styling tricks on how you can look chic and trendy in turtleneck sweaters!

How to Buy a Turtleneck Sweater

Secure the essentials

A slim-fitted, black, lightweight and not too chunky turtleneck sweater is a must in any woman's wardrobe! It will blend well with what's in your wardrobe. And it's slimming on all body figures!

Courtesy of Gap

After securing it in black, add others neutrals such as beige/white, greys, dark blues and browns. And then solid colors like purple, red and mustard yellow - which are popular fall and winter colors. They'll keep you covered for the colder months while adding a splash of color in the depressing weather!

If you want to make your turtlenecks last, then look for quality fabrics such as cashmere, merino wool blend or cotton-lycra-blend (slightly stretchy). They are less itchy and scratchy than pure wool - lessening the irritation on your sensitive neck area. A sweater with some stretch will also produce a comfortable and flattering fit.

If you have a muffin top opt for a more rigid fabric that camouflages your problem areas around the stomach. You might also want to consider adding a vest to minimize it.

How to flatter a round or wide face

Turtlenecks tend to emphasize a wide or round face shape because it shortens your neck and your face, bringing attention to the shape of your face. That's why wearing your hair in an up-do looks best with this type of sweater - to help expose more skin (more skin = thinner and leaner).

Here are my tips for looking your best in a turtleneck:

How to wear turtleneck sweater if you have a round or wide face, or short neck

Courtesy of Nordstrom

If you have a wide and/or round face - Pull your hair up in a ponytail or add volume on the crown of your head. You can also/or wear a pair of long earrings or a long necklace to visually slim down your face shape.
If you have a short neck - Both dark colors and neutrals similar to your skin tone can help slim and elongate your neck. I recommend you to wear your hair in an up-do to avoid creating a wide "brick" proportion between your head and shoulder.

However I think you might also want to look into other types of turtlenecks such as cowl and mock neck - as they reveal more skin and make it look longer. Other ways to create an illusion of a longer neck is to wear a long necklace that forms a deep V-shape below your chin or wear a cardigan or vest open.

How to style your turtlenecks

The boring route is to wear it with jeans or dress pants - however, there are several chic ways to style a turtleneck. Texture and interest help give your outfit a *POP* so experiment with accessories, colors and layering. A turtleneck is perfect for statement necklaces, colorful scarves and also belts.

If you're an office gal you can look chic but professional with a sleek skinny leather belt wrapped around the waist of the sweater. A pearl necklace (the slightly trendier type - multiple layers, oversized, mixed materials, etc.) looks also stylish with the sweater You might also want to look into various styles of turtleneck sweaters - such as a turtleneck dress, sleeveless, short-sleeved, puffed sleeved, rib-knitted - as well as prints and materials, and also different sleeve styles.

More fashion advice & styling tips on Sweaters:

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Shortcut banner to how to style a turtleneck sweater

Shortcut banner to how to style fashion vests

Shop Turtleneck Sweaters Online

Shopping tip for international readers: Expensive worldwide shipping? US store doesn't ship to your country? Save up to 50% off retail price in your home country and gain access to the goodies. Try a mail forwarding service!

If you just want to browse and shop, here you'll find the best deals on womens turtleneck sweaters:

Macy's offers designer and basic turtleneck sweaters at what they call "Value price". Wide variety. Worth a peek.
You should also try Old Navy. Low-priced and of good quality.
Personally, I prefer Gap's selection because of the ultra-fine material which feels really soft on the skin.