It’s Turtleneck Time! Turtlenecks to Love This Winter

Gap Turtleneck, Nordstrom Coat, Levi’s Jeans, Dolce Vita Booties, EyeBuyDirect Glasses

Well, friends, if you follow me on Instagram Stories (which DUH you totally should be because I have tons of fun on there) then you know that this post has been a long time coming. It’s turtleneck time! My love for a great turtleneck runs deep — I compare them to the ThunderShirt for dogs. It wraps me up with joy and makes me feel safe and warm. It’s a neck hug! And I can’t get enough (which is clearly demonstrated by the fact that I have a huge smile in most of today’s pics). There’s also something just so effortlessly and casually chic about a turtleneck that keeps me coming back to them when the weather cools off year after year. But as many of you no doubt know, not all t-necks are created equal and I’m a very, very discerning turtleneck customer. Which is why today I’m taking both turtleneck lovers and the turtleneck averse on a magical journey through my very favorite turtlenecks out there, so everyone can stay cozy and wrapped up in the perfect neck hug all winter long right alongside me! We’re bonding here, friends. Jump in!

Like I said, I’m a discerning turtleneck customer and there’s a list of requirements that have to be filled for me to fall in love. They have so be softer than soft, not too chokingly tight, have the perfect weight for whatever warmth I need at the time, lay ever so perfectly around my neck and the rest of the shirt has to be perfectly proportioned so I don’t look like a linebacker. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a ribbed turtleneck tee, featherweight or tissue turtleneck for layering, or a turtleneck sweater, the requirements remain the same. Now I know that’s asking a lot and I also know that some of you out there think that those turtleneck unicorns can’t be found, but I promise that they exist, and I’ve rounded them up in the “Shop” widgets above and below. Would I steer you wrong? Never! Especially on a subject as important as turtlenecks. 

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Shop Turtleneck Sweaters

So what’s my very very favorite turtleneck so far this season? Hands down, no contest, without question my very favorite turtleneck of the moment is this Gap ribbed modal turtleneck which comes in solid colors like the oh-so-versatile oatmeal color I have on here, as well as fun striped versions. This shirt is so ridiculously soft, I’ve contemplated sleeping in it. It’s also a great weight that isn’t so light that it’s sheer and chilly, but it’s not so heavy that you’re sweating it out everywhere you go. I’ve worn it alone and loved it, but also layered it under jackets and coats like I did here. The neck falls perfectly when scrunched so you don’t have to do the ‘90s foldover, and the sleeves are long, as is the torso for a flattering, easy fit. 

But there are so many other turtleneck tees out there right now that are perfect for wearing solo with jeans/pants and layering under your favorite jacket or sweater for a chic winter ensemble. I absolutely love this Lou & Grey option, the J.Crew tissue turtleneck that comes in a ton of great solid and striped color options, this super affordable striped elbow sleeve option from Target (I have this and love it), this ribbed super soft AG beauty, and this other striped t-shirt turtleneck from Mango. As mentioned, there are tons more awesome options than what I mentioned in the just now in the “Shop” widgets above and below, so make sure you peruse those if you’re looking for something that speaks to you!

And if a turtleneck tee isn’t your jam (see what I did there? Tea? Jam? C’MON!) and the only way you can do the whole neck hug thing is in sweater form, I’ve got you covered on that front, too. There are so many fun, winter-ready turtleneck sweaters out there that will keep you lookin’ cozy and cute all season long. Of course, the key to rocking and loving your turtleneck sweater is that it has to be super soft. So so soft without a scratchy thread in sight. Within that criteria, I absolute love this grey and white striped mock neck Abercrombie & Fitch number, this pretty pastel colorblock mock neck, this super cute rose-colored balloon sleeve J.Crew gem, this pretty lavender puff sleeve option, this adorable colorful striped beauty from the Atlantic-Pacific collection at Nordstrom, and this super soft, classic J.Crew sweater. Lots of other great options in the “Shop” widgets though, too!

Like I said, I know that for some of you turtlenecks can be a little bit intimidating or altogether abhorrent, but I think if you approach them with a more casual, cozy mindset, it can make all the difference. What’s more, they’re incredibly handy when trying to stay warm and look good while doing it, which is everyone’s winter struggle, right? And obviously tees and sweaters aren’t your only option. I love a good turtleneck dress like this one and think it can be an incredibly cozy, fun way to do a turtleneck for winter and even then, it can still be totally casual (hello, booties!).

And remember, some of the worlds most badass humans and style icons have rocked a turtleneck and looked damn good while doing it. Robert Redford, Marilyn Monroe, Sean Connery, David Bowie, Audrey Hepburn, Jacki O, Samuel L. Jackson, Mick Jagger, Justin Timberlake… the list goes on! So get out there and t-neck it up with confidence!

Shop Long Sleeve Turtleneck T-Shirts

Shop Turtleneck Sweaters