A black turtleneck is a deceivingly simple cold-weather basic that’s actually a power piece season after season, year after year.
Whether paired with your favorite fall denim and booties for a casual look, dressed up with a winter skirt and heels for the holidays, or styled with trousers and a wool blazer for the office, there are endless ways to style this closet staple.
As always, styling a black turtleneck sweater is all about knowing what works best for your personal style, but I thought I’d share some of my favorite turtleneck looks to get your wheels turning. Below, see 10 black turtleneck outfit ideas from the archives, plus a rundown of the 4 black turtlenecks I have in my wardrobe and why.
10 Ways to Style a Black Turtleneck
1. With Winter White Jeans
Outfit Details
Black and white is a timeless color combo in any season. If you want to make your black turtleneck pop, try it with white jeans. I like to make the look feel cohesive with black shoes and a black bag.
2. Tucked Into a Midi Skirt
Outfit Details
A simple black turtleneck provides the perfect backdrop to let a skirt in a seasonal print or color shine. Drape a blazer or wool coat over your shoulders for added warmth and reach for knee boots or pumps, depending on the setting. The above look is one I styled for a dressy Thanksgiving dinner but this pairing works well for date night, an event, or the office.
3. With Black Jeans
Outfit Details
Black on black is a simple, timeless pair I gravitate toward in the colder seasons because it’s so easy! Pair your favorite black jeans with a black turtleneck (I try to make sure the shades are similar), then add interest with a colorful or textured coat, boots or flats with embellishment (like the buckle on my boots above), and chic winter accessories.
4. With Black Trousers
Outfit Details
Continuing with the black-on-black theme, try pairing a black turtleneck with black trousers for the office. I broke up the all-black look above with a belt, a light-colored longline layer (to draw the eyes downward), and printed booties. Ankle or cropped black trousers would work here too with flats or pumps and a non-black blazer.
5. With Faux Leather Leggings
Outfit Details
Commando faux leather leggings are a staple of mine throughout the colder months. They have a soft sheen that mimics real leather and look great with an oversized turtleneck, cozy boots, and a long coat. The look I’m wearing above is a cozy casual spin on faux leather leggings and a black turtleneck, but you could make this combination dressy with pumps and a dressy winter coat for a night out.
6. Under a Classic Camel Coat
Outfit Details
A chic coat is an instant way to dress up this closet basic. On days I don’t want to think about what to wear, a camel coat (see my favorite camel coats ranked here) with jeans and boots is an easy combination to gravitate toward.
7. Casual Outfit with a Vest
Outfit Details
A casual style alternative to a puffer coat is a puffer vest, and I love to layer mine over a black turtleneck with black bottoms. Give it an athleisure twist with joggers and sneakers for errands or create a chic comfortable look with faux leather leggings and chelsea boots.
8. Under a Blazer
Outfit Details
A blazer instantly adds an element of polish and sophistication to a black turtleneck, and there are endless ways to finish the outfit for different occasions. Reach for trousers, a belt, and loafers for a work-friendly outfit, pair with dressy jeans and stiletto ankle boots for a night out, or try a skirt and knee-high boots like I did above.
9. With a Mini Skirt and Tights
Outfit Details
Give your mini skirts a winter moment by pairing tights, and OTK boots with a black turtleneck. The turtleneck shown above is actually a bodysuit, and it’s my go-to style for pairing with skirts and dress pants as it lays smooth and doesn’t show lines.
10. With Blue Jeans and a Coat
Outfit Details
I love light-wash blue jeans with a black turtleneck for a casual look. Distressed denim brings an even more relaxed feel while the stiletto boots and fitted coat keep the black turtleneck outfit above on the dressy side. You could make this look casual by swapping the heels for chelsea boots or chunky lug boots.
My Favorite Black Turtleneck Sweaters
I have a small handful of black turtlenecks on hand that I rotate depending on the occasion, outfit, and look I’m after. Below are the four I’ve gotten the most wear out of the years and why I love them, from a simple fitted black turtleneck that goes with everything to a cozy oversized option that’s best for relaxed looks.
Everlane is one of my favorite brands for sweaters and their pima turtlenecks are no exception. This fitted black turtleneck is a no-brainer for a simple, fall/winter capsule wardrobe. It’s affordable, feels good against the skin, layers with ease, is a true dark black, and wears well over time.
The Wolford Colorado Bodysuit is one of my best cold-weather purchases ever, and I promise it’s the best black bodysuit you’ll find. I reach for this when I want to wear a turtleneck with dressier separates, like skirts, trousers, and silk or satin pants. It shows no lines, has a slight sheen for an elevated feel, and is incredibly comfortable.
I reach for this oversized turtleneck when I want a loose sweater to tuck into jeans or a knit that will cover my bum when I’m wearing faux leather leggings. It has side slits that I find very flattering, and the cashmere feels soft against the skin. If I had to choose one black turtleneck to have on hand for casual fall and winter outfits, it would be this one!
4. Sleeveless Black Turtleneck
Sometimes a date night or event look is begging for a little skin, even when it’s cold out. For that (and for transitional outfits when the weather’s chilly but not frigid), I love to have a sleeveless black mock neck or turtleneck.
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