Turtlenecks have such a stigma, and most of them for good reason. For one, their name screams awkward. TURTLE.NECK. Pretty sure turtles have no necks and if they do it’s a gross wrinkly texture that stretches and squishes like a post-holiday fupa. There’s also the fact that most of us were stuffed into turtlenecks by our mothers when it was cold outside and we were too young to know any better. And then of course there’s those girls who still don’t know any better and continue to style their turtlenecks in an almost offensive manner. For example, I once met a girl who wore a white cotton turtleneck underneath a flamingo pink flannel. Yikes.

While all these stigmas should remain in the forefront of your minds when approaching the controversial top, I’d also like you to consider that, when styled correctly, a turtleneck can be a one-way ticket to polished elegance like Diane Keaton is Something’s Gotta Give or Giovanna Battaglia on an almost daily basis. Turtlenecks of the thinner variety can have quite a nice slimming effect, especially when paired with a high-waisted pencil skirt or baggier trouser. Chunkier turtlenecks, as seen here, look best when styled with skinny jeans or some flared denim. The key is to make sure the neck area isn’t too tight — no one wants forced double chins — and that should you decide to pair your turtleneck with a flannel that you’re not also pairing it with awkwardly fitting bootcut jeans and sneakers. Feel free to agree or disagree, though.

H&M jacket | Vince sweater | Rag & Bone jeans | Kelsi Dagger heels | Coach bag | Ray-Ban aviators

// photos by Emily Malan