The Wallet Shoppe
Popular pieces of men’s clothing began their fashion journey as worker’s garments. The most famous examples are jeans, leather jackets, and today’s subject - turtlenecks.
The latter was worn by sailors and dockworkers because the collar served as excellent protection against wind and cold.
Unlike some fashion trends that have lost sight of their origins, turtlenecks preserve their protective purposes to this day, making them one of the best clothes to wear on chilly days. And besides feeling warm, you’ll look fabulous on every occasion wearing this garment.
Yes its true that there are some fashion disasters from the 70s that involved turtleneck outfits with polyester jackets (shudder).
So it’s important to get this right. If you want some turtleneck styling ideas for your fall or winter wear, we’ve got you covered!
How to Choose Your Turtleneck
Turtlenecks are versatile clothes that can be worn on different occasions. However, knowing your body type and what turtleneck complements it would make your choice much easier.
Turtleneck Type
Let’s start with the fitted turtleneck. It’s made of thin, elastic materials and is an excellent alternative to shirts, so you can wear it under jackets, coats, or knitwear. This makes it suitable for formal and elegant dress.
On the other hand, chunky turtlenecks resemble sweaters since they’re generally made of wool, solid knit, and cashmere in different patterns.
As these turtlenecks have a loose fit, you can’t comfortably layer them under jackets. Instead, you can wear these thick garments as a standalone piece, making them suitable for casual outfits and occasions.
Body Type
If you have an average body, you can wear both loose and fitted turtlenecks, depending on the occasion. In all ways, you’re less likely to make many styling mistakes, but try to wear contrasting colors.
In case you’re skinny, a fitted turtleneck alone won’t flatter your body type because it’ll emphasize your slim physique. But another layer of clothing like knitwear or a jacket over the turtleneck will improve your look. Also, a loose, patterned turtleneck will look good on you, especially bulky collars that’d emphasize your masculinity.
Thick guys will have a bit narrower turtleneck choice, as it’ll depend on where their extra pounds are. For example, if you’re round in the belly area, a fitted turtleneck alone will highlight every curve and imperfection. That’s why wearing a jacket over it is recommended.
Likewise, chunky, patterned turtlenecks can make you look thicker, especially in the stomach and chest area. And remember that bright colors and striking patterns won’t flatter your physique; instead, turtlenecks with simpler designs and darker colors will suit you better.
Extra tip: Turtlenecks won’t be your cup of tea if you have a chubby face or a double chin.
Six Turtleneck Outfit Ideas for Fall or Winter
Here are some outfit ideas that’ll help trigger your creativity and show off your great style.
1. Turtleneck + Blazer
Turtleneck-blazer outfits work wonders for smart-casual business gatherings and events like conferences and premieres. And since these occasions call for less formal outfits, you can combine contrasting colors or even wear bold patterns.
For example, a cream or gray turtleneck goes well with a navy blue or herringbone-patterned blazer. If you have a slimmer build, you can go with a chunkier and patterned turtleneck. However, curvier guys should stick to plain models.
Note that a blazer paired with a thin turtleneck of the same color can also be your safe play to meet formal office dress codes.
2. Turtleneck + Suit
A never-failing business outfit is a black suit paired with a gray turtleneck. But you can do the opposite and wear a gray suit paired with a thin black turtleneck. Add a touch of elegance to this simple yet effective outfit with accessories like a watch or belt, and don’t forget the matching shoes.
While business gatherings are usually not a place for fashion experiments, you can upgrade to a casual business style by wearing a gray or cream turtleneck with a navy suit. Another bold option is a dark-red turtleneck with a gray plaid suit.
3. Thin Turtleneck + Knitwear
This casual combination is great for seemingly effortless elegance. For example, a cardigan and a turtleneck are great for workday outfits in offices with no formal dress code. And you’ll rock casual Fridays with a shawl cardigan (a knitwear blazer) in bolder colors paired with a white turtleneck.
Add glasses for an artistic look and/or a nice watch for extra elegance. Accessories matter.
If you’re on a romantic dinner, a turtleneck-cardigan combo will reflect an easy-going personality. Just make sure to have something else, like a sports jacket or a coat, in case it’s cold out (either for yourself, or to offer to your date you total gentleman, you).
4. Chunky Turtleneck + Jeans
A thick turtleneck as a standalone garment paired with regular jeans is a classic you can’t go wrong with. With this combination, you’re ready for almost anything, from going to work to leisurely hanging with friends on a Friday night.
This is because a good pair of jeans allows you to be creative with the colors and patterns of thicker turtlenecks. For example, more complex turtleneck knitting in bright colors will look amazing on regular and slimmer blue jeans models.
If you decide on neutral turtlenecks, black jeans would be your safest bet.
5. Turtleneck + Chinos
If you ask us: Who’s a turtleneck’s best friend? We’d answer with one word: Chinos. Both are smart, versatile garments that you can style in many ways and still look great in every combination.
If you have darker chinos than the regular khaki ones above, pair them with a gray, patterned turtleneck for the daytime events like coffee with friends or shopping. And yes, these are suitable occasions to wear patterned turtlenecks in fall or winter, as long as they flatter your body type.
Or: you can make a statement with beige pants and a khaki/green turtleneck. Make sure to complement your outfit with the right footwear (low-top sneakers or suede shoes would work).
Obviously, you might not be able to wear this outfit for work as it’s too casual. But, as we mentioned, it’s an infallible dressing on all other occasions when comfort is your priority.
6. Turtleneck + Cargo Pants
This combo is a worker’s outfit in all its glory, but it makes you look stylish and cool in whatever you do. Black cargos paired with chunky turtlenecks can be a winning combo for sunny fall days.
If your choice is a thinner turtleneck, layering a sweater, hoodie, or sports jacket is recommended. And on chilly days, add a beanie and a scarf to keep yourself warm and look stylish.
Before You Go…
A turtleneck under a black denim jacket is one of the combinations worth trying first — see how to style a black denim jacket for the full layering breakdown.
