The wardrobe workhorse: Turtlenecks
INC International Concepts color-block cashmere blend turtleneck tunic; $79.50 at select Macys and macys.com. Credit: Handout
From grunge to mod to preppy, the basic turtleneck can morph into almost any look you want it to be.
It's a bonus that it's considered a fashion-forward item this season.
"I can extol the virtues of the turtleneck," says Tracy Taylor, U.S. editor for Net-a-Porter's online magazine. "You can always transform into someone chic with a turtleneck and pants that are slightly clean -- in a similar color to the turtleneck. Put on flats, and instant Audrey Hepburn."
Stylist and TV fashion commentator George Kotsiopoulos says the return to the mod look of the 1960s rekindles interest in the turtleneck beyond a layering tool under a ski sweater.
"The turtleneck will be the must-have item of the season," he says, noting they can be worn under sleeveless shift dresses, over leggings or jeans, or with slim pencil skirts.
There's also the easy-yet-refined layered look of a turtleneck under a button-down shirt, suggests Banana Republic creative director Simon Kneen. If you don't want to be fully covered up, Kneen says a cowl neckline, basically a draped turtleneck, is an option to still show off your jawline and jewelry, but Taylor is convinced the high neck is the way to go. "The pendulum has swung . . . and you're meant to be covered up this season," she says.
Unsure what to pair with a turtleneck? Net-a-Porter's Tracy Taylor suggests several looks:
Grunge "Google Kate Moss in the '90s when Marc Jacobs championed this look," Taylor says. "The turtleneck was a big part of it." Try it slightly oversized, and pair it with a parka. Maybe wear it with a long skirt or baggier pants -- and motorcycle boots.
Preppy With all the British schoolgirl getups offered for fall, the turtleneck is a key bridge item to make them wearable. "What's better under a trench coat than a turtleneck . . . and it goes under a peacoat or a blazer," Taylor says.
Polished This look is inspired by the Katharine Hepburn types, who can wear a refined version of the turtleneck, maybe a fine gauge, with wide-leg trousers or, as shown more recently on the runway, with a pencil skirt.
