Wearing a turtleneck without looking like a sausage: is it possible?

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The turtleneck is a wardrobe piece that has made a strong comeback in recent years.

Long considered a dated garment, a bit tacky and too classic, it is nonetheless one of those basics that deserves a spot in any wardrobe. With evolving styles, it is now possible to 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 aimed at those who think that wearing a turtleneck is definitely passé, but who struggle to stay warm in soft seasonal pieces while maintaining a sense of style.

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

And remember that the combinations with this basic piece are unlimited.

Creative souls, this article is for you!

Turtleneck Trend: A Basic with Multiple Facets

A symbol of a classic piece in both women’s and men’s wardrobes, the turtleneck was historically designed to protect the skin from the metal of knights in the Middle Ages. Its primary purpose was thus to keep warm. Over the ages, its use diversified. Sailors and explorers adopted it, but always for the primary goal of protecting against the cold. The piece gradually became a full-fledged outfit in the 1970s and gained popularity among women, particularly through cinema.

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

This is how it has become trendy. It allows everyone to dress warmly and in a liberated manner. And its simplicity gives it many advantages.

• It’s because it’s simple that it can take on many forms.

• It’s because it’s basic that it pairs well with almost everything.

• It’s because it’s neutral that it’s easy to wear.

Today, the turtleneck is reinventing itself. You can find them in wool, cotton, silk, and cashmere. In oversized versions or fitted styles to wear as a base layer. Thick, thin. Neutral, colorful, or with prints. In short, the turtleneck, regardless of its form, inspires desire.

The Different Types of Turtlenecks

Now that you understand that the turtleneck is a seasonal piece and quite trendy to wear, let’s explore together what types of pieces you have at your fingertips to wear a turtleneck.

The Turtleneck Sweater

The little turtleneck sweater is the one everyone thinks of. It’s the one that fulfills its primary function, which is to keep warm. It is characterized by a collar that rises just below the chin, and that can be rolled to create a second layer. Its sleeves are long, and its material is of good quality, like wool. Different in form, this type of winter sweater is generally offered in neutral or solid colors. It’s a basic sweater that gets straight to the point.

In terms of style, it pairs perfectly with a simple outfit like denim, a pair of ankle boots, a blazer, or under a coat. But it also pairs very well with a skirt, under a strap dress, or overalls. In short, since it appears simple, it can be matched with just about anything. And that’s the advantage, believe it or not.

The Knit Turtleneck

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

As for style, you can certainly indulge in a sleeveless turtleneck knit that you pair with a little vintage blouse. Otherwise, the knit turtleneck goes very well with a shirt underneath that can be shown off.

Moreover, this type of piece is ideal for practicing layering, meaning the superposition of multiple layers. With an oversized trench coat, flared pants, and boots, you’ll sport a perfect winter and trendy look.

The Turtleneck 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 autumn/winter wear, it offers the advantage of being feminine while providing warmth and comfort. Moreover, the designs 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’s not uncommon to see actresses, singers, and influencers on the runways adorned in long and unique designer turtleneck dresses. Take Zoë Kravitz, who made an appearance in a stunning long white turtleneck dress with a daring open back designed by Saint Laurent at the official Oscars after party last March.

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

In Practice: How to Wear a Turtleneck While Staying Stylish?

Wearing a Turtleneck in a Minimalist Style

As we explained in a previous article, a minimalist outfit is composed of basics. And the turtleneck is the quintessential winter piece to create an outfit based on this concept. In this case, opt for a quality piece made from noble materials like wool or even cashmere. With fluid palazzo-style pants, sneakers, and an oversized trench coat, you perfectly embody the dress code of essentialist style, yet decidedly trendy. In terms of colors, favor neutral tones such as black, white, gray, and beige. However, if you cannot resist color, just prioritize it on one piece to maintain balance.

Dare to be Elegant and Sexy with a Turtleneck

As explained earlier, wearing a turtleneck can also give you a sexy and elegant look. In this case, we focus on a bodysuit or lace turtleneck that can be worn as a base layer for an evening out. You can also choose the option of a fitted little black turtleneck dress that you match with a pair of heeled boots and a blazer for a chic yet comfortable effect. Alternatively, go all out and indulge in a beautiful designer dress like an asymmetrical turtleneck dress.

Embrace Casual and Streetwear with the Turtleneck

Another style, another vibe: streetwear and urban style. Under 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 combine with baggy or boyfriend jeans and a pair of sneakers. Alternatively, the combo of fluid pants, turtleneck, and Uggs is ideal for a comfy look par excellence. But the association of a turtleneck with jeans and knee-high boots works just as well.

Styling a Turtleneck: Selected Pieces from Modalova

So, have we convinced you to wear a turtleneck this season? As you can see, this timeless piece is a little gem for the wardrobe. It’s a truly accessible garment that can be so well combined or accessorized, upgrading an outfit and giving it a bit more style. And remember, you can totally have fun with this type of piece!

Image credit: © Sandra Semburg