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How to Fashionably Wear a Turtleneck All Winter Long

Stay cozy with styles that look good solo or layered

(Left to right) Jennifer Coolidge, Rita Wilson and Sharon Stone
(Left to right) Jennifer Coolidge, Rita Wilson and Sharon Stone
Rich Fury/Getty Images; Mike Marsland/WireImage; Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival

Let’s be honest: Necklines matter at 50. It’s why women with even a hint of wattle, neck cords or loose skin love V necklines and the illusion they create of a swan-like neck and longer torso. However, this winter, turtlenecks, not V necks, are the trendiest neckline to wear. Are they a flattering choice for mature necks? Sure, if you know a few tricks to wearing them. Here’s how to stay warm, ditch your scarves and level up your wardrobe with a turtle or two:

1. Make a classic black turtleneck your first choice

(Left to right) Knittons Women’s Soft Merino Wool Turtleneck in Black ($80, amazon.com); Zara Women Basic Turtleneck Knit Sweater in Black ($40, zara.com/us); Nine Bull Women’s Stretch Turtleneck in Black ($26, amazon.com)
(Left to right) Knittons Women’s Soft Merino Wool Turtleneck in Black ($80, amazon.com); Zara Women Basic Turtleneck Knit Sweater in Black ($40, zara.com/us); Nine Bull Women’s Stretch Turtleneck in Black ($26, amazon.com)
Amazon; Zara; Amazon

Though turtlenecks range from chunky to cropped, cabled to silky smooth, a simple black one is always chic. Polished but edgy, it makes a powerful style statement without trying too hard. Perhaps that is why it’s been a signature item for everyone from Steve Jobs to Audrey Hepburn. Slip one under a white shirt unbuttoned to a V, use it as a neckline filler under jackets and blazers or pair a black turtleneck and boots with a summery midi or maxi skirt to winterize the look.

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2. Choose how high and tight to go

(Left to right) Chico’s Stripe Cowl Neck Sweater in Black ($109, chicos.com); Gap Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater in Chino Beige ($70, gap.com); Pilcro The Alani Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater in Lime ($148, anthropologie.com)
(Left to right) Chico’s Stripe Cowl Neck Sweater in Black ($109, chicos.com); Gap Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater in Chino Beige ($70, gap.com); Pilcro The Alani Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater in Lime ($148, anthropologie.com)
Chico's; Gap; Anthropologie

This is the key to wearability. Those who like the hug of a cuddly fold-over “turtle” can go high. Those who can’t stand the closed-in feeling or just prefer a looser fit can choose a drapey cowl. Those with short or wide necks and anyone preferring a bulk-free turtle can opt for a lower mock neck. All are super stylish and considered turtles. Cowl necks are a good choice for those concerned about wrecking hair and makeup when getting dressed.

3. Consider turtleneck bodysuits

(Left to right) Spanx Suit Yourself Long Sleeve Turtleneck Thong Bodysuit in Classic Black ($88, spanx.com); Abercrombie & Fitch LuxeLoft Turtleneck Bodysuit in Gold ($34, abercrombie.com); Mangopop Women’s Mock Turtleneck Long Sleeve Ribbed Bodysuit in B Long Sleeve Black ($24, amazon.com)
(Left to right) Spanx Suit Yourself Long Sleeve Turtleneck Thong Bodysuit ($88, spanx.com); Abercrombie & Fitch LuxeLoft Turtleneck Bodysuit in Gold ($34, abercrombie.com); Mangopop Women’s Mock Turtleneck Long Sleeve Ribbed Bodysuit ($24, amazon.com)
Spanx; Abercrombie & Fitch; Amazon

Lightweight, stretchy and form-fitting long-sleeve bodysuits work for every climate, season and shape. The body-hugging line of a turtleneck bodysuit tucks in smoothly, balances voluminous pieces such as wide-leg pants, midi and maxi skirts, and slides easily under the trimmest jackets and cardigans. Count on a bodysuit as a perfect base layer and itch preventer under thick or oversized sweaters … even other turtlenecks. Just be sure to read reviews and choose opaque styles and pair with a smooth T-shirt bra underneath.

4. Look for sculpted turtlenecks with cutouts

(Left to right) ASTR the Label Sepulveda Sweater in Cherry Red ($98, shopbop.com); New York & Company Rosette Embellished Cold-Shoulder Sweater in Black ($42, nyandcompany.com); Blooming Jelly Women’s Off-Shoulder Turtleneck Batwing Sweater in Black ($40, amazon.com)
(Left to right) ASTR the Label Sepulveda Sweater in Cherry Red ($98, shopbop.com); New York & Company Rosette Embellished Cold-Shoulder Sweater ($42, nyandcompany.com); Blooming Jelly Women’s Off-Shoulder Turtleneck Batwing Sweater ($40, amazon.com)
shopbop; New York & Company; Amazon

Turtles with subtly sexy cold shoulders turn up the heat without any obvious cleavage exposure. They’re a toasty and trendy alternative to blouses, require no tricky bra changes and look great with everything from leather pants to a skirt and boots.

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5. Balance turtleneck proportions

(Left to right) Banana Republic Flavia Mock-Neck Sweater in White ($95, bananarepublic.gap.com); EFAN Oversized Turtleneck Sweater in Khaki ($39, amazon.com); Spanx Faux Leather Leggings in Very Black ($98, nordstrom.com)
(Left to right) Banana Republic Flavia Mock-Neck Sweater in White ($95, bananarepublic.gap.com); EFAN Oversized Turtleneck Sweater in Khaki ($39, amazon.com); Spanx Faux Leather Leggings in Very Black ($98, nordstrom.com)
Banana Republic; Amazon; Nordstrom

Despite body positivity and the “I wear what I like” attitude on social media, keep your own proportions in mind. Boxy, chunky and oversized turtlenecks pair well with narrow bottoms such as leggings, tapered pants or straight jeans. Form-fitting turtles and bodysuits work better with volume below such as A-line skirts, wide-leg jeans and pants. The contrast of proportions makes even extreme clothes work for real life, real bodies.

6. Keep jewelry minimal

(Left to right) Rosanna Arquette in a black turtleneck, black leather biker jacket with a long pendant and striped pants; Tamron Hall in a turtleneck dress, a coat and big hoop earrings; Ann Taylor Shoulder Button Mock Neck Sweater in Night Sky ($70, anntaylor.com)
(Left to right) Rosanna Arquette in a black turtleneck, black leather biker jacket with a long pendant and striped pants; Tamron Hall in a turtleneck dress, a coat and big hoop earrings; Ann Taylor Shoulder Button Mock Neck Sweater ($70, anntaylor.com)
Paul Archuleta/Getty Images; Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images; Ann Taylor

This is not the time to load up on bling. Turtlenecks make enough of a fashion statement on their own, so don’t dilute the effect with distractions. Some sophisticated versions are even adorned with shiny jewelry-like buttons. Skip the dainty charms, pearls and dangling layers of chains. Limit yourself to one long, below-the-bust pendant or wear hoop earrings if they don’t distract from the neckline. Be careful: Long hair, a turtleneck and big earrings will create a traffic jam instead of a great look.

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7. Think turtleneck for your next dressy dress

(Left to right) Mac Duggal Sequin Mock Neck Illusion Long Sleeve Gown ($199, dillards.com); Jamie Lee Curtis in a shimmery navy turtleneck dress; Norma Kamali Halter Turtle Side Slit Gown in Cobalt ($145, normakamali.com)
(Left to right) Mac Duggal Sequin Mock Neck Illusion Long Sleeve Gown ($199, dillards.com); Jamie Lee Curtis in a shimmery navy turtleneck dress; Norma Kamali Halter Turtle Side Slit Gown in Cobalt ($145, normakamali.com)
Dillard's; David Livingston/Getty Images; Norma Kamali

It’s all about the neckline. Turtlenecks are one of the hottest trends in evening wear, knocking one-shoulder, strapless and off-shoulder gowns off the most-wanted list. Look at how Hollywood stars work shimmery turtles for head-turning results on the red carpet. Designers Norma Kamali and Mac Duggal provide some affordable inspiration.