How To Style The Turtleneck Trend This Winter

There was a time in my life when I wore a turtleneck in middle school, and I was mercilessly made fun of and told that I looked like my mom's secretary (who, by the way, was cool as hell), and I stayed away from the cozy sweater for years. But now that they've become all the range, I'm kicking this insecurity to the curb: Here's how to style a turtleneck and elevate this classic look to new heights.

When it comes to sweaters, I have one basic rule: The chunkier, the better. And the same goes for turtlenecks, as well. Why not be the coziest you can be in sub-zero degree weather? So when it comes to picking out your turtlenecks for this fall and winter, go crazy. Plus, a mix of silhouettes is always a good idea — that's why a huge chunky knit looks so good with skinny jeans.

While turtlenecks have long gotten a bad rap (shout out to the bully who called me a nerd for wearing them — by the way, what are you doing these days?), when styled correctly, they're actually one of the chicest pieces you can own. Hello, Audrey Hepburn in her iconic black turtleneck. While we may not all have Hepburn's bone structure and gorgeous, almond-shaped eyes, we can all pull off a turtleneck, damnit!

Here are the rules for how to style turtlenecks like a pro.

1. Wear It Under A Dress

Seems pretty counter-intuitive, but using a turtleneck as a bottom layer instead of a top one is incredibly functional. Looking to wear your favorite summer dress, but the season is over? No problem. Throw on a black turtleneck underneath and some tights or your favorite leggings, and voilà, your summer dress just became your all-season dress.

Vince Favorite Turtleneck, $95, shopbop.com

This turtleneck is the perfect under layer for everything — vests included.

Images: SHOPBOP

2. Pair It With A Leather Mini

Date-night outfits are practically impossible to come up with in the winter, when all the frumpy sweaters don't exactly leave you feeling sexy. But pairing a chunky turtleneck with a leather mini, over-the-knee boots, or your trusty pair of booties will give you a go-to date outfit.

ASOS Chunky Sweater In Twist Yarn With Turtleneck, $69, us.asos.com

Plus, you'll be cozy all night long.

3. Try The Turtleneck Vest

For the crisp days that aren't quite frigid, try the sweater vest instead. Try a cropped one with a higher-waisted pair of pants, or a longer tunic style one with leggings.

Theory Beylor Turtleneck $335, otteny.com

With a chelsea boot, too? I'm in style heaven.

4. Try It With Overalls

This has got to be the most comfortable outfit ever. A turtleneck with overalls is essentially wearing a onesie with a hug around your neck.

Charter Club Plus Size Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $159, 1.macys.com

Just make sure to pick a darker wash pair of overalls — a light wash can look a bit too summery. Bonus points of you can find a leather pair.

5. Or Under A Vest

This is one of my favorite ways to wear a turtleneck — especially with a puffer vest for when it gets really chilly.

Forever21 Plus Size Drop-Sleeved Turtleneck Sweater, $22.90, forever21.com

This classic grey turtleneck is so versatile, you'll wear it all season long.

6. Keep It Classic With Denim

Look like you walked straight out a Ralph Lauren ad by pairing a classic chunky knit with your favorite pair of denim.

Club Monaco Emma Cashmere Turtleneck, $298, clubmonaco.com

There's nothing better than a classic, and a white turtleneck like this one will never go out of style.

Land's End Plus Size Lofty Blend Aran Cable Turtleneck Sweater, $85, landsend.com

Thick knit = insanely warm. So, are you convinced yet that turtlenecks are the best thing ever?

Images: SHOPBOP, ASOS, Otte NY, Macy's, Forever21, Club Monaco, Land's End