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How to Wear a Turtleneck: 5 Easy Ways to Look Chic This Winter

Learn how to wear a turtleneck in 5 easy ways with real photos: tuck it into wide pants, layer it under a coat, wear it under a slip dress, pair it with a mini skirt and go bold with color.

By How Do You Fashion · Updated · 3 min read

How to Wear a Turtleneck: 5 Easy Ways to Look Chic This Winter

A turtleneck is the easiest way to look put together in winter. It keeps your neck warm, it looks polished, and it works under almost anything.

Here are 5 easy ways to wear one, each shown on a real outfit photo with numbered labels so you can copy the look.

Quick answer: Pick a fitted turtleneck, tuck it into high waist pants or a skirt, and layer it under coats, blazers or slip dresses. Add a belt, simple jewelry and one bold color to keep it from looking plain.

Step 1: Tuck it into high waist pants

Woman in a fitted grey turtleneck tucked into black high waist wide pants with a belt and tan tote1Fitted grey turtleneck2Black belt at the waist3High waist wide pants4Tan tote bag5Simple loafers
Photo: hersimplesole on Instagram

A fitted turtleneck tucked into high waist pants is the classic way to wear it. The tuck shows your waist and keeps the outfit clean. Add a belt to make it look finished.

Quick tip: Pick a thin knit for tucking. Chunky turtlenecks are better worn loose.

Step 2: Layer it under a long coat

Woman in a long grey coat over a grey turtleneck with a red sweater tied at the waist and light wide jeans1Grey turtleneck under the coat2Long grey wool coat3Red sweater tied at the waist4Black leather bag5Light wide leg jeans
Photo: valerie.kei on Instagram

A turtleneck under a long coat is the warmest and chicest winter combo. Match the turtleneck to the coat for a sleek look, then add one bright piece like a red sweater tied at your waist.

Quick tip: Keep the neck of the turtleneck smooth and folded once so it sits nicely under the coat collar.

Step 3: Wear it under a slip dress

Close up of a brown ribbed turtleneck layered under a floral slip dress with gold necklaces1Brown ribbed turtleneck2Layered gold necklaces3Fitted long sleeves4Floral slip dress on top
Photo: tiffsfits on Instagram

This trick lets you wear summer dresses in winter. Put a thin, fitted turtleneck under a slip dress and add necklaces over the top. It looks romantic and very on trend.

Quick tip: Choose a turtleneck color that picks up one color in the dress print.

Step 4: Pair it with a mini skirt

Woman in a black turtleneck, grey pleated mini skirt and sheer black tights on stone steps1Black fitted turtleneck2Small black bag3Grey pleated mini4Sheer black tights
Photo: summer.lele on Instagram

A black turtleneck with a pleated mini skirt and sheer tights is a cute, polished look. The fitted top balances the flared skirt, so the outfit looks neat and not too young.

Quick tip: Tuck the turtleneck in fully so the skirt shape shows.

Step 5: Go bold with color

Woman in a burgundy turtleneck blouse, light wide leg jeans and black heels holding a burgundy bag1Bold burgundy turtleneck2Burgundy mini bag3Light wide jeans4Black pointed heels
Photo: yacinelusaku on Instagram

A turtleneck in a rich color like burgundy, red or forest green makes jeans look special. Match your bag to the top and keep shoes simple.

Quick tip: Rich colors near your face brighten your skin in grey winter light.

Turtleneck mistakes to avoid

  • Wearing a turtleneck that is too tight at the neck
  • Tucking a chunky knit into slim pants
  • Wearing busy necklaces that fight with the collar
  • Picking a thick turtleneck under a fitted blazer
  • Skipping lint rolling on black knits

FAQs

What do you wear with a turtleneck?

Wide pants, jeans, mini skirts, slip dresses, blazers and long coats all look great with a turtleneck.

Should a turtleneck be tucked in?

Tuck in thin, fitted turtlenecks. Leave chunky ones loose or do a small front tuck.

Can you wear a necklace with a turtleneck?

Yes. Long pendant necklaces or layered gold chains look best over a turtleneck.

Do turtlenecks suit short necks?

Yes. Try a mock neck or fold the collar once, and pick a fitted, thin knit.

Your easiest winter layer

A turtleneck works tucked, layered, under dresses and with skirts. Pick one way from this list and try it this week.

More ideas: turtleneck outfits, how to style a puffer jacket, winter work outfits and black jeans outfits.

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