How to Wear a Turtleneck with Jeans, Skirts, Leather Pants and Even a Jumpsuit

Oversize knits and slim-fit bottoms go together like peanut butter and jelly. The opposing silhouettes balance out beautifully, with the added bonus of giving you mile-long legs and concealing any lumps or bumps along your waistline.

Shop similar styles: Ann Taylor sweater ($98); AG jeans ($215); J.Crew heels ($298)

On the other hand, wide or loose-cut bottoms, like Coterie member Katie Sturino’s white jeans, look better with more streamlined tops. This doesn’t necessarily mean a form-fitting turtleneck tee or bodysuit (although it can); just opt for a thinner knit that works to balance out the extra fabric on your legs.

Shop similar styles: Lack of Color hat ($129); Dudley Stephens sweater ($158); Everlane jeans ($78; $47); Timberland boots ($190; $120)

Take inspiration from Coterie member Jessie Loeffler Randall and layer a tighter turtleneck underneath a strappy dress for a bit more coverage and warmth. (Plus, now you don’t have to worry what kind of bra will work best with that plunging neckline; a regular T-shirt bra will do just fine.) If you’re worried about bunching, try a turtleneck bodysuit in place of a regular tee. Just be sure to pick one with snaps to make bathrooms breaks easier to manage.

Shop similar styles: Commando bodysuit ($98); ASTR the Label dress ($148); Loeffler Randall heels ($395)

For dresses that don’t look quite right layered over a turtleneck you can simply swap the order of the two pieces. Coterie member Coco Bassey may be wearing a sexy silk and chiffon evening gown, but her coordinating cream knit and chunky JW Anderson loafers give it a more casual vibe that’s fit for a holiday party or a dinner out with friends.

Shop similar styles: H&M sweater ($40); Topshop dress ($68; $26); Tory Burch shoes ($298)

Much of dressing for the in-between seasons of fall and spring consists of figuring out how to blend both cool and warm weather pieces so we won’t overheat, start shivering or look like we got dressed in the dark. One of our favorite tricks is to layer a cozy turtleneck sweater in a naturally breathable fabric—like cashmere—over a floral midi skirt or dress for a gorgeous combination of the seasons.

Shop similar styles: Reformation sweater ($148); Vince skirt ($325; $228); Journee Collection shoes ($45)

It may seem counterintuitive, but turtleneck tees and thinner materials actually work better with skirts or pants made of thicker materials like wool, leather or suede. For example, Coterie member Monroe Steele’s sleek cotton style helps show off her figure without sacrificing warmth on those crisp fall days. Plus, her very fall-friendly color palette turns this simple pairing into a standout outfit.

Shop similar styles: Uniqlo turtleneck ($20); Cole Haan coat ($450; $169); Tory Burch skirt ($548; $249); Bernardo boots ($298; $150)

This is an excellent solution for buxom babes who love the look of a button down but can’t seem to get the buttons to lay flat over their chests. Simply layer another a tissue-thin turtle underneath and you can unbutton to your bosom’s heart’s content—without exposing too much skin.

Shop similar styles: Everlane turtleneck ($90); J.Crew shirt ($98); Sancia belt ($129); Soft Surroundings pants ($80)

If layering is your jam, it’s time to get creative. Try wearing a white turtleneck under a white blouse, or mixing and matching coordinating colors and fabrics. This will create the illusion of an interestingly draped top that appears to be one unique piece—that will still keep you warm amid gusts of wind and sideways rainfall.

Shop similar styles: The Line by K turtleneck ($115); A.L.C. top ($365; $164); St. John skirt ($595; $120)

Long cardigans are majorly trending for winter, as are sweater dresses. And while we love the idea of picking up one cozy knit to fulfill both trends, not all cardigans have necklines that can accommodate such versatility. The solution? Add on a thin turtleneck tee that won’t add any bulk but will provide more than enough coverage.

Shop similar styles: Madewell turtleneck ($32); Lovers + Friends cardigan ($228; $137); Steve Madden boots ($100)

Leather pants are incredibly warm and surprisingly comfy, making them a brilliant alternative to denim or chinos for the cooler months. But if these slick pants feel a little too rock-n-roll for your taste, try adding a cable knit, intarsia or otherwise classically chunky sweater on top. The juxtaposition will tone down the glam for a more balanced, everyday appeal.

Shop similar styles: Lulus sweater ($64); Burberry jacket ($990); Wilfred pants ($148)

We’ve said it before and we won’t stop repeating it anytime soon: Monochrome dressing is one of the easiest ways to create an instantly chic and expensive looking ‘fit. Yup, even when an oversize, shapeless turtleneck is thrown into the mix. Simply pair it with some tailored trousers and pointy-toe shoes in the same color or color family and you’ll look more like an Olsen twin and less like a frumpy mess.

Shop similar styles: Naadam sweater ($350); Gap pants ($60; $25); Sam Edelman heels ($130)

One can only wear suits and shirts in so many combinations before they start to feel stale. Instead of splurging on a slew of new staples, why not switch thing up entirely with a fitted turtleneck in place of the traditional button down? If you’re wearing a patterned suit, choose a solid-hued top in a hue pulled from or adjacent to one of the colors in the print, like this camel and navy windowpane combo. This will keep you looking coordinated but not too matchy-matchy.

Shop similar styles: Club Monaco turtleneck ($90); Tommy Hilfiger blazer ($150; $111) and pants ($89; $66); Nine West heels ($89)

Wearing a matching turtleneck with long trousers doesn’t just create the illusion of a tall, lean frame. It also provides the perfect base for showing off your most fabulous patterned outerwear, including boldly colored jackets. Even if you end up taking it off once you get where you’re going, you’ve still got that chic monochrome ensemble waiting underneath.

Shop similar styles: Old Navy coat ($100; $60); J.Crew turtleneck ($37); NYDJ pants ($129; $78)

On the flip side, if you’ve got a collection of bright, bold tops and sweaters we say give them the space to shine by keeping the rest of your ensemble incredibly simple. Try this out with a no-fuss suit or a plain pencil skirt, and stick to just one or two solid neutrals.

Shop similar styles: Proenza Schouler turtleneck ($275); Banana Republic blazer ($199; $119) and pants ($99; $49); Adidas sneakers ($85)

Get that ‘70s vibe going with this retro combination. Just be sure to keep your accessories modern and streamlined (i.e., pointy-toe boots in place of platforms and a sleek clutch instead of a boho tote) to avoid looking too costumey.

Shop similar styles: BP turtleneck ($19); LoveShackFancy jumpsuit ($395; $237); Staud bag ($295); Everlane boots ($115)

Note: This works particularly well with chunkier knits. Simply unroll the neck so it comes up over the collar of your coat and you’ll be as cozy and warm as you would with a wool scarf wrapped around you. Finally, you don’t have to worry about where to put your extra layers once you get where you’re going.

Shop similar styles: Jayley coat ($356; $190); C by Bloomingdale’s sweater ($198; $119); Wit & Wisdom jeans ($68)

For casual outings, weekend dinners and even Zoom office meetings, you can’t go wrong with an easy French tuck (i.e., slipping just the front of your top into the waist of your bottom and letting the back hang loose). This easy trick gives some shape to your figure without the struggle of trying to fit a chunky wool knit all the way into the waistband of your beloved skinny jeans.

Shop similar styles: BP sweater ($39); Jane Post jacket ($395); Agolde jeans ($198); Badgley Mischka shoes ($225; $180)