If you managed to stifle your reservations about a style post on turtlenecks and found yourself clicking on the title link to peep this post, congratulations! No, seriously, considering you grew up in a time when turtlenecks like the ones above were conventional and sincere, and you still even thought to give these little neck sweaters a second chance, you deserve to be rewarded! And so you shall— with style tips to guide you on how to bring these 90s gems into the 21st century! (Side note: ditching your hair crimper is probably a good start)
First, let’s chat chunky:
The business with bulkiness is that you have to be conscious about what you pair it with on the bottom. The general rule is that the thicker or chunkier the knit, the slimmer or more form-fitting the pant. The only exception to this rule is if you pair the sweater with a high-waist, loose jean or a tight, tailored skirt. The fitted waist of the jean and hip-hugging silhouette of the skirt still retains your shape on the lower half of your body, while the upper half is draped in a blanket of snugness. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like the idea of a wearable throw?
If it’s not thick, make it thin and sleek:
If heavy sweaters aren’t your thing, choose a t-neck of a lighter weight. Pull a proverbial French girl and pair a paper-thin turtleneck with an alluring leather skirt. Keep colors of the same hue so as to maintain a minimalistic look. Or keep it girly with a pencil skirt and fuzzy cardigan (bonus if the coat / cardigan is pastel). If you want a bolder look, however, why not add another major player of the 90s trend team to the mix. Layer a light turtleneck under a pair of overalls. Make sure to keep colors muted and to pair with sleek contemporary accessories and shoes so as to avoid appearing too Clarissa Explains It All.
Keep the turtleneck, ditch the sweater…or lengthen it:
Lastly, when the climate’s not exactly sweater weather but you still want to incorporate some neck coverage, crop your top and leave your sleeves. A sleeveless turtleneck crop is the perfect piece to wear with skirts, shorts, or high-waist anything, really. Proving to be truly versatile, these tops go from day to night as easily as a classic Chanel flap bag (still saving up for this treasure btw if anyone’s looking to contribute :) ). But if you’re aiming to lengthen your turtleneck piece, as opposed to shortening it, dress your t-neck up. No, literally, invest in a turtleneck dress. It’s probably this Fall’s answer to this past Summer’s t-shirt dress. Toss it on and you’re ready to go.