Turtleneck + me = disaster? - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Turtleneck + me = disaster?

Kari

Veteran

I stumbled across this photo of Angie on Colour Me Happy, and went *oooh, I want to try this* - especially as I'm now equipped with a white blazer, courtesy of YellowGirl. (Thank you again!)
And then there was this photo of my grandmother, who was reasonably full-busted, rocking a turtleneck.

So... I, who have shyed away from high-necked styles for years and have avoided turtlenecks like the plague due to my substantial rack and not-so-long neck, am surprised to be giving it a second thought. Talk me out of it if I'm crazy, please - if I tread cautiously with how I select and use a turtleneck (a very fine knit, and not much fabric/"rise" to the neck portion, and wearing it with a vertically slimming jacket and/or a long necklace to draw the eye downward), could I potentially make this look work? Or is this likely to be a bad idea all-around, and I'll end up looking like Boobzilla?

Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Cee

san

Veteran

Oh my gosh!! I missed these pictures the first time around. These absolutely stole my heart, so cute, what beautiful family you have, and you are right there in their faces!! I love these pics.
Give the style a try, I don't see how you could lose. You are so beautiful. I think you are on the right track that it has to be just the right style of turtleneck. I have had a life long love/hate relationship with turtlenecks. Some make me feel kind of choked, and I think they have come a long way from way back in the 70's when I felt choked in them. I think a cowl is sort of a turtleneck.
Thankyou for sharing the happy pictures.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I so enjoyed these pictures Kari! Sure you will look good in a turtleneck. It just has to fit right. I love turtlenecks, and not just because they hide my neck. I think they are cool.

Aunty

Veteran

I think you have to give it a go

rute

Veteran

Last winter I wore turtlenecks a lot! Angie told me that the way I paired it with a long bold pendant helped!

Your Grandmother was also with a pendant, that helps to elongate! Try it!

You can use other tricks as an opened jacket!

April

Veteran

For turtlenecks, I think neck length is even more important than bust size, Kari. Occasionally I decide I can get around this when I find a turtleneck that sits away from the neck a little -- not a cowl, but not a high, snug turtle -- so that a little peek of neck can be seen. If the turtleneck comes all the way up the chin, I think it looks better on swan-necked ladies.

nancylee

Veteran

You should certainly give it a try. And I agree with April that maybe a looser turtleneck style (like a cowl or semi-cowl) might be flattering on you.

Turtlenecks aren't for everyone, however. Myself, I've given up turtlenecks because they draw attention to my aging neck!

Di

(website)

Veteran

Kari, I'm either delusional or just bizarre, because despite being busty, I think that turtlenecks work really well on me. The key has always been that they MUST go in under the bust. They have to be a little snug.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(That's the only photo of me that I have ever seen that makes my bust look much bigger than it is - I think it's the light and shadows exaggerating the depth. Very interesting).

Rute is a full bosom-ed lass who does this look very well. You need a fitted turtle neck with a long chunky pendant.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Kari, I also like open, scoop or v-neck tops. I thrifted a cute polka dot turtleneck in the spring and I had to find a way to make it work. I wore it last with a cardigan and a long sparkly necklace. I think the long necklace did a decent job of elongating my torso. Let me try to find the WIW for you.

celia

Veteran

Oh, Kari, I hadn't seen this Angie photo before. Now I want to copy it also.
I was trying to find a old post at insideoutstyle but cannot find it.Imogen's main point was that if your turtleneck is in a shade close to your skin tone a pendant necklace(as Angie was saying or a jacket that creates a v-neck on top of it gives the ilusion of a longer neck.
(don't you just love my way with the english language in the morning ?;) )

Be as it may, I think you can totally make it work. And coming from one with a modest bra size, please let the girls be happy .

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Here's what I did with turtleneck
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-can-make
The shirt is not actually see through, it is just the camera flash.

Elly

Veteran

When I have a few minutes to fiddle with the camera I need to post on neck lengths. Kari, I don't know enough about this to tell you for sure, but I really hope you are able to make it work because your inspiration is great. I will admit the last time I wore a turtleneck was when I was 10, but I tried one on a couple of years ago with a bit of a mock/scrunchy neck that looked good even over my E/F cups. I think while it has to fit under the bust, it is important not to create too snug of a shoulder and chest to avoid creating a wide and fleshy look (that is how it looks on me anyway) I also can sometimes have problems with rayon turtles or crewnecks doing this.

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

My first reaction was a no but I guess it's something you have to try and make work with the right accessories and look. I think it would be too dangerous on it's own but the the jacket and a long pendant like Angie suggested it might just work. Cant wait to see the experiment pics!

Anonymous

Proceed with extreme caution. . . but it might just work!

Kari

Veteran

I appreciate the encouragement! I really am curious but tentative... Modgrl, I LOVE your polka dot turtleneck!

Just wondering: would this funnel neck sweater be a good option to try out? http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....hoppingbag

catgirl

Veteran

I totally fear turtlenecks. My approach is the opposite of April's - I like the body of the shirt to stand a little away from my rack and be kind of flowy to feel comfortable. Constricting both neck and boobage is too confining a feeling for me.

Thus, I have just one t-neck, a black one from Target that I wear on its own with jeans in winter, sometimes with a scarf. It is loose and a bit 80s.

If anyone can figure it out, it's you!

Kari

Veteran

I'm wondering, now, if it would be easier and more foolproof simply to look for a high cowl neck top instead. Seeking "the perfect turtleneck" might be more trouble than it's worth for my body type.

Still thinking about this, though.

Freckles

Veteran

Turtlenecks do not suit me but I live in them during the winter in cold hockey arenas.

I really love the wool ones and mock turtlenecks are a nice option too depending on your neck.

I like the chunkier pendants with these. I have a pendant that is wniter only for turtlenecks and it sure makes a difference. My style is much more casual than you though.

Kari

Veteran

I do think a mock turtleneck in a fine knit with a chunky pendant would be the best bet. The issue is - now, do I want to go to the trouble to search for one?

Aida

Veteran

If you find any great mock turtlenecks I'd love to hear about them, I can never find any! If I see any I'll be sure to post here for you. I am planning to find at least ONE this season!

Kari

Veteran

Aida, let's keep an eye out for each other! Maybe it's just too early in the season right now...

Aida

Veteran

*nodnod* Most definitely! I plan to start looking with seriousness next month, I really haven't seen many turtlenecks out in the shops so far. What color are you looking for, anything in particular? I'm thinking camel and a jewel-tone or two for myself

Kari

Veteran

Mmm, just off the top of my head: Chartreuse, black, burgundy, or a dark purple, or even navy would be lovely!

I'll keep an eye open.

Cee

Veteran

Don't wear turtlenecks with collars too snug and/or high, wear long necklaces and layer them under blazers or sweaters/ cardigans with a V neckline.