Turtleneck Guidance - YouLookFab Forum

Tanya

Hmm, I believe the general recommendation is that it works for women with smaller chest and longish neck, although one can get around the neck thing with a smaller turtle, or even a mock neck (that does not fold over).

17 years ago

Dani

Veteran

Ana, I don't look good in turtlenecks on their own but I can wear them layered under other items. I have a larger chest and a long neck. If I wear them alone, I have to wear a long necklace to create the "v" in front. Hope that helps

17 years ago

Kyle

Veteran

I love turtlenecks and wear them a lot when weather permits. I do have a very long neck and small chest -- maybe that's why it works. But it's a go-to piece for me. It seems as though it would be tough to wear with a shorter neck.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Kyle and Tanya hit the nail on the head – small-ish chest and long neck are the prerequisite. Turtle necks (or polo necks as I call them) are one of my favourite necklines ( and personally my best neckline). They are also my go to piece in colder weather. A sleek black polo neck looks good with everything. LOVE it on a bloke too. It’s very alluring.

If you have a larger chest, Dani makes a great suggestion. Also, layering a V-neck over a turtle neck is another way of creating elongation.

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I am a little confused over the comment about mock neck. I don't have a long neck (sort of average), but I'd say turtleneck looks better than a mock neck or other high collars. Does it make sense or does my eye need to adjust?

17 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the info, everyone. Hmm....I guess I would say I have an average length neck and average size chest (C cup). I do usually like to wear longer necklaces with turtlenecks or crewnecks, just for interest. Well, I'll try some on and play around with them when the weather cools down. A V neck with a scarf is probably a more flattering silhouette for me, but there's something cozy about pulling on a turtleneck when it's gray and cold outside.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

I know a woman who has a D chest and wears turtlenecks very well; in fact, she lives in them in the colder months. I think the key with her is that she has a super long neck, very strong shoulder line, and teeny tiny waist. And (I suspect, but don't know for sure) fake breasts. Actually, she is kinda built like a barbie doll... so I guess what I am saying is that you just don't know unless you try.

Meanwhile I look absolutely horrid in the vast majority turtlenecks. My neck is so short, I literally look like a turtle...

But, I wear them anyway when it's frigid cold here in Boston, and I have found some that work okay...

Ana, *all* my t-necks are from Jcrew!!! About 5 years ago I invested and stocked up. So I have the wool cable knit t-neck in pink, grey, and a stunning blue and green color. I think these work passably okay on me because:

1) The t-neck isn't too long.
2) The fit is form-fitting, not overly loose, which on me draws attention to my strong shoulder line, and not so much the neck or breasts.

It's still not my best look, but they are definetly cozy and very well made sweaters in pretty colors.

Hmm, I think I have a photo I could post, so you can see how they look on me... hold on a sec, be right back!

17 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Shiny! I was thinking about getting this one in either Bright Rhubarb or Bright Saffron...or Bright Palm (I can't decide):

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../99166.jsp

Not now, probably in a couple of months.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Here you go.... I left in my lips and chin, so you can see how high up the t-neck goes:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....706307125/

That's the worst part for me with most t-necks, I think; can draw attention to my weak chin line. The jcrew t-necks aren't so bad, esp because the colors are so flattering. The worst t-neck color on me is a black one - really ages me.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Ooh, Ana, very pretty! And it does look quite cozy.

You have a strong shoulder line so I think you can pull this off. Just choose a color that flatters your skin tone and your eye color, which is easy to do at Jcrew because the colors are so lucious and lovely!

Edit: and it goes without saying, make sure your bra fits perfectly. This photo I just posted - I think this t-neck will look even better this winter with my Chantelle bra.

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Shiny, you look great in that turtleneck! I think you can pull it off well.

Ana, the cashmere one is so pretty! All the colors you mentioned are beautiful, so maybe you can decide based on which color bottoms you want to wear them with. For example, if you get your rhubarb matchsticks, rhubarb tutleneck would be too much with it, but saffron would look gorgeous!

It always strikes me how you look the best in colors that are my worst, and we are both fair skinned blonds I know it's about the whole undertone business, but I still find it very interesting. Whenever I find something supercute in a color that's warm like that and have to pass, I always think :" I bet Ana would look amazing in this".

17 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the photo Shiny! I actually think you look nice in turtlenecks. We're probably similar in that a V neck would be more flattering, but a turtleneck is a nice alternative if done correctly. I love that color on you too. I am currently building up my Chantelle bra collection so that I can wear one every day!

Tanya, I know what you mean about the color thing! I was at BCBG Friday and they are having a massive sale, and all the colors are light ice cream pastels. Needless to say I took a pass, but I thought, "Wow, Tanya seriously needs to check this out, this would be so good for her." Also, the more I see that new color J. Crew came out with--Heather Plum--the more I think it would be a great color on you. It's bolder than the very pale lilac shades, but I think it could work as a sort of "jewel" tone for you. Does that make sense? I think it's only available in their cashmere collection right now, but if it's popular, it may spread to other materials (although, I think the cashmere turtleneck in that color would look stellar on you, with your new cream trench--yum).

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Oh, I am familiar with the BCBG colors Ana, I love all the dusty plums, teals and such that hey have. But I am trying ( and my fairly limited budget is forcing me as well) to stick to stuff I need first for the fall, so I'll pass for now. I am totally in love with the Heather Plum color from J Crew, and I actually like that it comes in cashmere, since a purple cashmere sweater is on my to get list for the upcoming season. I'll probably get it later in the season, the only question is should I get it as turtleneck or as the V-neck sweater. But I'll think about that when the time comes.

If we ever get a chance to go shopping together, our color complementarity / difference should make it a very fun experience

17 years ago

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