The Underrated Sex Appeal of the Turtleneck
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There is no piece of winter clothing sexier than the turtleneck. Think about it: Your sweaters are cozy, your coats are practical, your trousers fashion-forward. But sexy? Nothing offers the understated hotness of a turtleneck—especially that of a cute turtleneck.
Necks are among the sexiest parts of our bodies, though our minds (and eyes) tend to wander elsewhere. More traditionally hot areas dominate our mental and visual real estate, leading us to prioritize sexy clothes that accentuate our most obvious assets. Tight dresses, push-up bras, figure-hugging jeans—these are the things we imagine when we go to shop date night looks. And in this quest to achieve such straightforward sensuality, we neglect our bodies’ subtlest, most elegant offerings. But no piece of clothing manages to cater to both of these audiences—to highlight obvious and not-so-obvious assets, alike—more masterfully than the turtleneck.
Anyone who’s worn a turtleneck knows the piece of clothing is great at a few things: being useful (hot), flattering any figure (hot) and drawing the viewer’s attention to, well, the neck (hot). Few shirts in my closet make my boobs look as great as my go-to turtleneck—and none make my neck look more graceful. These are huge wins on their own, but combined with the fact that my go-to turtleneck is also incredibly practical and incredibly versatile, they render this genre of clothing near-unstoppable.
Calling turtlenecks one-trick ponies would be myopic and insulting—but you’d be doing them a disservice by terming them triple threats, too. Because they’re so much more than that. And given that the scales are so clearly weighted in favor of turtlenecks as a genre, there’s pretty much no excuse to procrastinate shopping cute turtlenecks any longer.
Tasha Cut Out Sweater
A turtleneck for a night out? Yes please! This one is giving evening chic with the cut-out detail in the front.
Cecilia Knit Jumper
When it comes to turtlenecks, I always gravitate toward a chic oversized look. This white one is so cozy for the winter.
Hazel Top
This turtleneck has “business in the front, party in the back” energy with the front and back cut-outs and midriff-baring ruching.
Hazel Top
Jodi Turtleneck
Turtlenecks don’t have to be beige or boring and this floral option proves it. Thin patterned turtlenecks are so easy to incorporate into fall, winter and spring looks.
Jodi Turtleneck
Classic Easy Turtleneck Sweater
A little knit turtleneck can go a long way! This one from Abercrombie comes in 10 colors and will be a staple in your closet for years.
Cashmere Wedge Mockneck Sweater
Once you experience the luxury of cashmere, it’s really hard to revert back. Abercrombie has a great selection of cashmere turtlenecks for a reasonable price.
Basic Turtleneck Knit Sweater
I’ll take one of these classic Zara turtlenecks in every color (all six to be exact). I love layering these under vests, blazers, and leather jackets.
Imogen Turtleneck Sweater
This turtleneck is the best sweater I’ve ever owned in my life. It’s pricey but it’ll never go out of style and the quality is perfect.
Vienna Turtleneck
Elevate your turtleneck with a puff sleeve—this one from LoveShackFancy is girly yet sophisticated.
Vienna Turtleneck
Zaire Knit Top
This is a turtleneck with a twist—literally! Chocolate brown is going to be a huge color for spring and this Reformation top is a great way to get in on the trend.
Zaire Knit Top
