My fitted black turtlenecks are easily some of my most worn pieces every fall and winter. As a wardrobe basic, a simple black turtleneck can obviously be worn on its own, but for me, I love layering one with other items in my closet. In this post you’ll find a handful of easy black turtleneck outfit ideas plus some of my favorite black turtlenecks.
I personally love cooler weather, because, half the fun of the colder seasons is the ability to layer and add interest to your outfits. Of course, a big part of layering is out of sheer practicality to stay warm, but aesthetically, I love how a layered outfit looks.
Why You Need a Black Turtleneck
A black turtleneck is one of those classic pieces that’s simple, sleek, and comfortable. A fitted black turtleneck is a timeless staple and provides an instantly chic layer of warmth to your outfit without adding bulk.
I have a few different black turtlenecks in my closet; here are my personal favorites:
The classic Black Turtleneck
A basic, fitted black turtleneck can give you plenty of options for fall and winter outfits. It’s a versatile piece and works with and under just about everything, from blazers and sweaters to dresses.
A black turtleneck like this looks great on its own tucked into trousers for an elevated casual outfit. It also works great under a blazer, leather jacket, or denim jacket. I like to also style this classic style under a dress as an added layer.
The Best Black Turtleneck for Colder Months
On days when it’s extra chilly, I love Commando’s Ballet Body Bodysuit. This is my favorite black turtleneck for winter months because even though this bodysuit appears thin, something about its nylon/spandex/cotton blend makes it super cozy on cold days.
This is my go-to black turtleneck when I want extra warmth. To me, this provides the same warmth as a sweater, it’s that good!
For a Layered Look When It’s Warm
If you get hot easily, or fall and winter are warmer where you live, you can still fake a cozy layered turtleneck outfit with a sleeveless mock neck top. It gives the same layered appearance as traditional turtlenecks while providing more air circulation.
As someone who lives in Los Angeles part-time, a sleeveless mock neck is the perfect “fake out” to a fall outfit in hot weather.
10 Ways to Style a Black Turtleneck
With a Cozy Jacket
An easy way to be warm and chic during cooler months is pairing a black turtleneck top with black pants, then throwing on a cozy jacket.
This is a simple look, but it’s a go-to outfit formula for me. The otherwise all black outfit is offset with a cozy coat in a lighter color for some contrast and warmth.
These black wide leg pants have been my go-to trousers for several years.
With a Velvet Blazer
Here’s another example of an all black look with a third piece. This slim-fit turtleneck outfit is perfect if you’re looking for a modest holiday outfit with dress pants, or if you want to be a little festive at the office.
See more ways to style a velvet blazer here.
With Leather Pants
I always patiently wait for that short time of year when you can wear leather pants.
A black turtleneck and an expertly tailored blazer adds professional polish, but the leather pants keep it cool.
Black and Brown
Yes, you absolutely can wear black and brown together. This brown teddy coats plays off the warm tones of my favorite ankle boots.
With Jeans and a Trench Coat
A black turtleneck with some jeans and a khaki trench is a timeless, classic look that will never go out of style.
See more trench coat outfit ideas here.
With a Tweed Jacket and Jeans
I like this black turtleneck outfit because it feels casual yet dressy at the same time – this is very much on par with my personal style.
A tweed jacket can sometimes feel too proper. However, the jeans help balance this for a day to night look that’s polished, yet unfussy.
Under a Dress
One of my favorite ways to style a black turtleneck in fall or winter is by layering it under a midi or maxi dress. This is also a really great way to extend the life of your dresses into another season.
I wore this outfit in late November to dinner in NYC with my favorite knee-high boots. The black turtleneck under dress and jacket gave me that extra warmth I needed.
For my tips on transitioning your dresses into fall, read this post.
With a Dress and Combat Boots
A turtleneck under a dress will always remind me of my youth during the 90s, so why not go all in and add a pair of combat boots?
I always love mixing something feminine like a dress with something a little more edgy or masculine, like these combat boots.
With a Blazer
If you need a polished look for the office or a meeting, try tucking your black turtleneck into slim trousers and top it off with a blazer and some of-the-moment loafers. (Grab my exact loafers here for under $100.)
I love the black on black with a pop of plaid; if you get hot remove the blazer and you’ll still look chic.
Check out more chunky loafer outfit ideas here.
Dressed Up With a Skirt and Heels
Find a midi skirt, a pair of heels or heeled bootie, and a black turtleneck and you have an easy, instant way to dress up this closet basic.
This is one of my favorite fall looks, and I recreate it often with other skirts and jacket combinations. (Grab my suede jacket here; it’s great over a top as seen here, but I also love it buttoned up on its own as a traditional shirt.)
Casual Look with a Black Turtleneck and Jeans
On days when I don’t want to think about getting dressed or don’t have the time, I’ll just throw on my black turtleneck with jeans and sneakers for a casual look, a la Steve Jobs. When it’s cold, I’ll add a long coat over my outfit.
