How To Wear a Turtleneck

Repeat after us: “This is the year I will look great wearing a blazer with a turtleneck.” Now once more with feeling. It’s no wonder the turtleneck got a bad rap, thanks to its close association over the years with Marxist Beatniks, Steve Jobs and others fond of low-maintenance wardrobes.

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Interesting Pairings

Will Ferrell, Anchorman



Okay, so maybe don’t pair a cream turtleneck with a powder blue blazer like Ron Burgundy did. But you get the idea.

On you…

You CAN play around with patterns by pairing a darker sweater (black or grey, absolutely not cream) with colourful plaids or pinstripes.



Brooks Brothers cashmere turtleneck sweater, ($1,600) and wool sport coat, ($545)

Experiment with Size

Benedict Cumberbatch, Star Trek Into Darkness



This is a higher turtleneck than we’d recommend wearing but Cumberbatch is having a banner year so we’ll allow it.

Keeping It Simple

Pierce Brosnan, Die Another Day



If James Bond wears it, it must be a good look.

Bring Back the Basics

Samuel L. Jackson, The Avengers



You don’t need to accessorize with an eyepatch (unless you already have one at the ready) but that doesn’t mean you won’t capture Jackson’s same level of badass-ness.

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Layer

Steve McQueen, Bullitt



The ultimate vision in retro-cool is Steve McQueen in Bullitt. Pairing a black turtleneck with a dark blazer and a tan trench, McQueen solidified his place on every turtleneck how-to.

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The Beatles in 1963

Experiment with Colour

Michael Fassbender, XMen: First Class



Just because you might not have any of Fassbender’s other *ahem* attributes doesn’t mean you can’t rock a turtleneck just as hard.

On you…

Trenchcoats are still a good choice to layer over a turtleneck. Leather jackets are another, especially if you want to ace that retro ‘don’t-give-a-damn’ look.



Banana Republic marled cable knit turtleneck, $160

On you…

Take a chance with Marsala, the colour of the season with a two tone sweater. The darker shade up top will feel like a security blanket.



Dolce & Gabbana two-tone crewneck sweater, $630

On you…

A thin, neutral-coloured turtleneck works as a great anchor to anything you’d want to layer on top. And speaking of…
Hugo Boss virgin wool turtleneck, $175

On you…

The thicker the sweater’s material is, the larger the turtleneck will be. It may feel like you’re wearing a big scarf all day but don’t worry, it looks good.



Tommy Hilfiger marled wool turtleneck, $250

On you…

The complex rib construction of this turtleneck gives the sweater an interesting texturized look but the soft wool blend of it tones it down to be office or hang-out appropriate.



Rogue super sport sweater, $210

But the roll-neck sweater has endured and is ready for its place in your wardrobe. Pair one with a bold checked blazer, a pair of dark slacks and some sleek suede loafers and arrive at your next holiday party looking like the definition of bohemian cool. Just to inspire you, we’ve collected a few pictures of guys who are the epitome of cool…even in a turtleneck.