Our Senior Fashion Editor Makes the Case for the Turtleneck Bodysuit
Oct 24, 2022
Welcome to How to Style it—a recurring series where our senior fashion editor, Danielle Naer, breaks down one hero item five different ways. Next up: how to style a turtleneck.
I am a huge believer in the power of a turtleneck. Not just your grandmother’s chunky, cable knit pullover, either—my rollneck of choice is a slim-fitting, second-skin silhouette. Need to bring a conservative touch to a slinky mini dress? Trusty turtleneck to the rescue. Looking to reinvent an old white button-down? An oxford-turtleneck combo is sure to surprise you.
The sheer volume of turtleneck outfit ideas I’ve amassed through my own trial and error is endless, which is precisely why I decided to display its versatility in our latest installment of How to Style It.
Meet the Turtleneck: Wolford’s Colorado Bodysuit
Sure, I’ve had favorites over the years (L’Agence, AG Jeans, et al), but Wolford’s Colorado bodysuit caught my attention in recent months. Celebrities love it and industry insiders rave about it. After sampling it for this experiment, I quickly learned why.
The density of the fabric is just right, offering enough compression to keep you supported throughout the day. Another key design element is the snap closure at the bikini line, which makes bathroom trips a non-issue. In my experience, opting for a turtleneck that’s also a bodysuit is key. To get that tucked-in appearance, you need something that’s going to stay in place and not bunch up while going through the motions of daily life. It’s this cut that makes it so versatile for everything—be it a day at the office or a night on the dance floor.
To see all the ways I style Wolford’s Colorado turtleneck (and believe me, this is only scratching the surface), tune into our latest How to Style It reel. Then, shop every look ahead.
1.
To Lunch
Inspired by Ladies who Lunch style, I enlisted a Chanel skirt suit and layered it over my staple bodysuit. The blush-black tweed combo was just the thing I needed to spruce up the undergarment. I finished it off with some more double-Cs: the brand’s iconic flap bag and a pair of pointed-toe wedges. I’d wear this look to high tea at the Plaza year after year. (Need to warm it up a bit? Toss in a pair of tights.)
2.
To Run Errands
I’d love to pretend that I slip on a pair of kitten heels and skinny jeans for my errands, but my inner lazy dresser prevents it. I’m loyal to a formula of leggings and a sweatshirt when zipping around town. To give a basic crewneck a fashion-forward touch, try layering a bodysuit underneath. The subtle turtleneck detail keeps me from looking like I just rolled out of bed, proving that I put some thought into the outfit without reinventing the wheel.
3.
To Dinner
Whether dining al fresco or indoors, it’s essential to have the right layering situation down-pat. Start with your basic turtleneck and your outerwear piece, and then build the in-between layers. This Max Mara coat has dual ways of wearing—tied shut or worn open for a more effortless look. I knew I’d need a middle layer with a collar that’d peek out of the coat, which is where my faithful white button-down comes in.
Even without the coat, the combination of an oxford and a turtleneck completely refreshes one another. As is the case with any ankle-length coat, shoes should be used to add some contrast—which Isabel Marant’s boots are perfect for.
4.
To A Party
‘Tis the season to play with fun and festive party dresses. Whether meeting your significant other’s family for the first time or heading to your office’s holiday fête, it’s wise to play it safe with garments that offer a bit more coverage. No need to overhaul your closet, though—simply layer your black turtleneck under any of your favorite cocktail dresses. The resulting look is smart, sophisticated, and just as likely to turn heads.
Don’t forget to enlist some winning accouterments, like Mach & Mach’s cult-loved heels and Rosantica’s pearlescent top-handle bag.
5.
To Girls' Night In
We’ve been there: it’s Sunday night, that HBO drama you love is airing at 10 pm, and you’re in the mood for a nightcap. Within minutes, you’re inviting the girls over—that bottle of wine isn’t going to finish itself, after all. When hosting, even in a pinch, it’s important to make sure that you’re comfortable, so that your guests will be too. A lounge set is your one-way ticket to polished coziness.
Try Leset’s cashmere tank and trouser co-ord, and layer your turtleneck underneath. This way, it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing pajamas—the look is complete enough to throw a wool coat over, should you need to run out for more wine. (Happens to the best of us.)
