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Despite sharing its name with a shy and poky reptile, the white turtleneck is a fun fall must-have that will inspire trend watchers to break out of their stale-style shells.
The excitement behind the preppy, '60s mod-inspired garment lies in its limitless layering possibilities. A long-sleeved top with a high, round collar that can fold over or bunch around the neckline, the white turtleneck is this fall's piece with the most creative potential and versatility -- an item that can be worn underneath everything from summery dresses to sexy, sophisticated blazers. It's a winter winner that can breathe new life into a snore-worthy wardrobe while cocooning your body in warmth.
"Everybody loves to layer, so it seems like the turtleneck is a great place to start," said Allison Smith, designer and owner of the fashion line Allison Wonderland. She notes how the piece follows the current layering trend and makes for easier transitioning between summer and winter wardrobes.
"You could wear it under, say, a silky dress from the summer that you're not quite ready to put away yet, or if it's March and still cold outside, you could put a turtleneck underneath [a spring dress]."
Everybody loves to layer, so it seems like the turtleneck is a great place to start.
- Allison Smith, designer and owner of the fashion line Allison Wonderland
White Is the New Black
Caroline Gault, contributor to "Fashion" magazine and Vitamin Daily and blogger at Caroline in the City, calls the white turtleneck a classic look. If worn properly, it can be crisp, clean and chic. She says the style spans multiple eras, reminding her of Audrey Hepburn in the '50s and '60s and of the happy-go-lucky Courtney Cox on the '90s sitcom "Friends."
"It's not really a surprise that the turtleneck is trending again," she said. "It's quite elegant in that it accentuates the length of the neck, the shape of the jawline, as well as the other clothing items you pair it with.
"I think the fact that it's a white turtleneck, rather than a colored turtleneck, stems from the color trends we've seen all summer," she continued. "Editorials had models dripping in white summer dresses; collared, sheer boyfriend shirts; lace tops; short, high-waisted shorts; and long, flowing skirts. Perhaps it's a way of hanging onto that light, carefree, summer feeling during the cold winter months while still staying warm."
The traditional turtleneck usually comes in the form of a wool sweater or cotton blend, but on Fall 2011 runways, turtlenecks in tunics and dresses -- some poncho style -- with long or short sleeves are making a statement. Some turtlenecks even feature stunning fur collars.
If the itchiness of wool leaves you clawing at your neck, lightweight merino wool is a substitute that is both breathable and soft. It's light enough to wear starting in September. For those warmer fall days, the silk jersey turtleneck makes for the perfect layer.
Fashionably Flexibile
Nicki Blasina, blogger for A Haute Mess and monthly columnist for MTV Canada's "FORA," says two of the biggest white turtleneck trendsetters this season are Celine and BCBGMaxAzria.
"I really like how BCBGMaxAzria layered turtlenecks underneath long, flowy dresses. Styling it this way will be a great way to maximize your wardrobe and wear warm-weather dresses all year-round," she said. "At Celine, Phoebe Philo had white turtlenecks paired with trousers and layered under blazers, coats and sweaters, presenting it in a more minimalist and menswear-inspired look.
"I also really like how chic a white turtleneck looks with fitted trousers, especially if they're leather, since it's an edgier, cooler way to wear a piece that's not known for being particularly sexy," Blasina continued.
Other ways to incorporate the white turtleneck into your wardrobe include wearing it au naturel with jeans and boots. A cardigan overtop creates a more casual vibe. And coordinating it with a button-up blouse taps into an '80s prep look.
You also have the choice of wearing the neck folded over or bunched up. Bulkier fabrics should be creased over, while lighter fabrics can crumple haphazardly.
Turtleneck Tips and Tricks
Despite inspiring a gazelle-like look, Smith says the white turtleneck may not be as embraced as the black turtleneck. White is hard to keep clean, especially when dealing with such a tight neck. Pulling it on and off, you're prone to messing it up with makeup marks -- although covering your head and face with a scarf usually keeps the turtleneck sparkling white.
In addition, a white, clingy garment doesn't always flatter full-figured shapes. Gault says curvy girls should embrace the high-waisted skirt rather than pants when wearing their turtlenecks.
"If you're super busty, wearing a white turtleneck is not the way to go if you want to detract from your bust line," Smith added, noting that a seamless bra -- preferably in a neutral tone -- is an absolute must-have when sporting a white turtleneck, preventing any unruly lines and awkward patterns from showing through. "But it really depends on what you're going to wear it with."
"In terms of skin tone, the great thing about white is that it looks good on everybody. Plus, the white will neutralize hard-to-wear colors," Blasina said. "A camel-colored winter coat is hard to pull off for those of us that look vampiric during the winter months. With a white turtleneck layered underneath, not only is this problem solved, but the camel trend that was so prevalent last fall has been updated for this season."
Gault offers her own suggestions for how to wear a white turtleneck with different skin tones.
"I think darker skin colors could layer the white turtleneck against a cream coat, and paler skin types should use the dark hues of their other items to create contrast and avoid looking washed out," she said.
Smith says if you can find a white that's not too harsh looking -- warmer whites are more universally flattering once our tans fade from Amazonian gold to Snow White porcelain --the white turtleneck is a great layering piece that will give old clothes a new look.
"It's an unexpected trend, which I like," Blasina said. "And it's accessible for everyone, considering you can invest in a white turtleneck for a very low price."
