Is it possible to wear a turtleneck without looking stuffed?

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The turtleneck is a wardrobe staple that has been making a strong comeback in recent years.

Long categorized as outdated, somewhat old-fashioned, and too classic, it is nonetheless one of the basics that deserve a place in a wardrobe. With stylistic evolutions, you can now wear a turtleneck without feeling confined to a preppy look.

Even better, you can create a fun, quirky, or urban outfit with a turtleneck.

This article is for those who think that wearing a turtleneck is definitely passé but struggle to stay warm in soft seasonal pieces while ensuring a certain style.

With this post, we will prove to you that yes, wearing a turtleneck is still trendy in 2022. And by applying some tips, you will be able to dress warmly and stylishly with this essential wardrobe piece.

And remember, the combinations with this basic piece are limitless.

Creative souls, this article is for you!

Turtleneck Trend: A Versatile Basic

The very symbol of a classic piece in both women’s and men’s wardrobes, the turtleneck was historically designed to protect the skin of knights from metal in the Middle Ages. Its primary utility was thus to keep warm. Over the ages, its use diversified. Sailors and explorers adopted it, but always with the primary goal of protection from the cold. The piece gradually became a staple in the wardrobe in the 1970s and gained popularity among women, particularly through cinema.

The turtleneck has long belonged to the preppy, classic, even intellectual style. It represented, in a way, bourgeois or elitist codes. But fashion has evolved, and so has its representation. The turtleneck is no longer that rigid wardrobe piece associated with the image of a well-behaved schoolgirl or a bourgeois woman. The turtleneck is now a basic that we have fun combining with baggy pants, an oversized blazer, or cargo pants and sneakers to break the rules and invent our own.

That’s why it has become trendy. It allows everyone to dress warmly and freely. And its simplicity offers many advantages.

• Its simplicity allows it to transform into many possible forms.

• Its basic nature means it can be paired with almost everything.

• Its neutrality makes it easy to wear.

Today, the turtleneck is being reinvented. You can find them in wool, cotton, silk, and cashmere. In oversized versions or close-fitting to wear as an underlayer. Thick, thin. Neutral, colorful, or with prints. In short, the turtleneck, whatever its shape, sparks desire.

The Different Types of Turtlenecks

Now that you’re familiar with the idea that the turtleneck is a seasonal and rather trendy piece to wear, let’s explore what type of piece you have at hand to wear the turtleneck.

The Turtleneck Sweater

The small turtleneck sweater is the one everyone thinks of. It fulfills its primary function, which is to keep warm. It is characterized by a collar that rises up to under the chin, which can be rolled to create a second layer. Its sleeves are long, and its material is usually high-quality, like wool. Differentiated by its form, this type of winter sweater is generally offered in neutral or solid colors. It is a basic sweater that goes straight to the point.

Style-wise, it pairs perfectly with a simple outfit like denim, a pair of boots, a blazer, or under a coat. But it also goes very well with a skirt, under a strappy dress, or overalls. As it is simple in appearance, you can match it with almost anything. And that’s the advantage, believe it or not.

The Turtleneck Knitwear

More contemporary, knitwear has also embraced the turtleneck trend. In this version, the sweater is rather loose, even oversized. More aesthetic than useful, these pieces still have a high collar. The fabric thickness is thicker than a classic turtleneck. The knit can take different textures.

Style-wise, you can have fun with a sleeveless turtleneck knit that you pair with a vintage blouse. Otherwise, the knit turtleneck goes very well with a shirt underneath, letting it show.

Moreover, this type of piece is ideal for layering, which means layering several layers. With an oversized trench, flared pants, boots or ankle boots. You achieve a perfect winter and trendy look.

The Turtleneck Sweater Dress

You know the traditional turtleneck sweaters, but did you know that the turtleneck dress is just as fashionable as its counterparts? More recent and modern, this piece is a variation of the raised collar sweater. Ideal for wearing in fall/winter, it offers the advantage of being feminine while providing warmth and comfort. Moreover, the models of turtleneck dresses are so diverse that they allow you to adopt a look that is sometimes chic and elegant, sometimes casual and relaxed.

For example, it is not uncommon to see actresses, singers, and influencers on the runways adorned in long, unique turtleneck dresses by designers. Zoë Kravitz, for instance, appeared in a magnificent long white turtleneck dress with a daring backless design by Saint Laurent at the official Oscars after-party last March.

But in a completely different register, the turtleneck dress is also accessible and comforting. You can find it in rather voluminous forms with a good length and a relaxed style. In this case, it is the ultimate weapon to stay stylish in winter. The ultra-trend is to pair it with a good pair of boots like the Chunky Boots. Don’t forget the fashion tip that we don’t always understand but see everywhere: tuck your hair into the turtleneck!

Practically Speaking: How to Wear a Turtleneck and Stay Stylish?

Wear the Turtleneck in a Minimalist Style

We explained in a previous article that a minimalist outfit is composed of basics. And the turtleneck is the quintessential winter piece for creating an outfit based on this concept. In this case, opt for a quality piece with a rather noble material like wool or even cashmere. With fluid pants like palazzo, sneakers, and an oversized trench, you perfectly embody the dress code of the essentialist style while being resolutely trendy. In terms of colors, prefer neutral tones like black, white, gray, and beige. However, if you can’t resist color, just choose it on a single piece to maintain balance.

Dare Elegance and Sexiness with a Turtleneck

As explained earlier, wearing a turtleneck can also give you a sexy and elegant look. In this case, go for a lace or bodysuit turtleneck that you can wear as an underlayer for an evening out. You can also choose a fitted little black dress with a turtleneck that you pair with heeled boots and a blazer for a chic but comfortable effect. Or, go all out and treat yourself to a beautiful designer dress like an asymmetrical turtleneck dress.

Go for Casual and Streetwear with the Turtleneck

Different style, different vibe: streetwear and urban style. In these circumstances, wearing a turtleneck is an excellent choice to break the rules. You can opt for a cropped turtleneck sweater (yes, it exists) that you pair with baggy or boyfriend jeans and a pair of sneakers. Otherwise, the combination of fluid pants, a turtleneck, and Uggs is ideal for a perfectly comfy look. But the turtleneck, jeans, and high boots combo also works very well.

Dress with a Turtleneck: A Selection of Pieces at Modalova