STYLE

Making a Case for the Sleeveless Turtleneck

Despite my love of the warmer weather there is something I look forward to every winter, knitwear. Chunky knits not only appeal to my love of exaggerated textures but they also keep me warm and provide a comfy bed for my cat (despite my attempts to change her taste). So what’s the deal with knitwear that doesn’t have sleeves? Or jumpers that have a cutout back or bare shoulders? Is this the ultimate in seasonally-challenged clothing? Well, you know what they say….’if you can’t beat them, join them’. And so I bought a sleeveless turtleneck recently in an attempt to ‘beat’ the sunny, crisp, cold-in-the-shade, warm-in-the-sun, weather we have been experiencing in Sydney. As it turns out there are a few reasons why a sleeveless turtleneck makes the perfect piece for trans-seasonal dressing…

SLEEVELESS TURTLENECK, 3 WAYS

 

Today I’ve put together three separate looks to show you how versatile a sleeveless turtleneck can be. The main reasons they work so well in trans-seasonal weather are:

    • They are perfect for soaking up some sun on your arms if you find yourself caught out by the weather. We’ve all been there, sitting at a cafe where the outdoor tables look so inviting and then become unbearably hot before your coffee has even arrived.

 

    • Less sweaty than a long sleeve knit (need I say more)?

 

    • Layering is easier when you don’t have bulky sleeves to contend with. Slim and 3/4 sleeve coats are suddenly back on the table as layering options.

 

    • They are made for pairing with vests and sleeveless trench coats which can be difficult to find the right sleeves for.

 

With that said, let’s take a look at how you can style a sleeveless turtleneck…

casual sleeveless turtleneckcream sleeveless turtleneck

Here I went for a casual look with ripped straight jeans, runners and a bucket bag. A few times this season I have worn exactly this to race downstairs and grab a coffee from my local. When I’m scratching my head wondering what the weather’s like outside this sleeveless turtleneck covers all bases. A casual look also lends itself well to extra long sleeveless knits that sit below the hips. how to style a sleeveless turtlenecksleeveless turtleneck outfit

When it comes to heading out at night I swap my ripped jeans for dark denim and add a pair of heels. Ankle boots are an obvious choice this season but thigh-highs and strappy sandals would work too…such is the benefit of wearing a fence-sitting top. I also add a clutch to keep the look sleek and opt for statement earrings instead of a necklace. Personally I like to tie my hair up or tuck it in when wearing a sleeveless turtleneck. I find that wearing my hair out adds too much bulk around an already bulky neck area. It probably doesn’t help that my hair is unruly when it’s out! white sleeveless turtlenecktravel outfit sleeveless turtleneckairport outfit sleeveless turtleneck

Wearing Bardot sleeveless turtleneck, Forever New ripped jeans, coat and wide-leg pants, Just Jeans dark denim, Decjuba boots, Sportsgirl sneakers, Birkenstock slides,  Recreational Studio leather clutch and bracelet, Tony Bianco bucket bag and weekender (shop similar), Amber Sceats earrings and Christian Paul watch.

For my final look I considered how I like to dress in transit. This travel outfit could work at the airport, on a road trip or for a long weekend away. The 3/4 sleeve coat I mentioned earlier layers perfectly because there are no knitted sleeves to contend with. I chose some comfy wide-leg pants to tuck the turtleneck in to and adjustable flats which are always a winner where flying is concerned. With turtlenecks I like to add a coat with a strong lapel shape, as opposed to a cocoon or collarless style. This is because with a fluffy knit I find that my shoulders and chest look quite rounded which a v-neck coat balances out. Lastly, I added my latest luggage purchase, the weekender. This bag will fit at least 3 days worth of outfits and toiletries, and still fit in the overhead compartment.

SHOP THE SLEEVELESS TURTLENECK


Will you be embracing the sleeveless turtleneck trend this season? I would love to hear if you have other knitwear pieces that show a bit of skin, to see how you style them.

Happy shopping,

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Images by ShootBlogLife.

Jessica Rule

Jessica Rule

Jess is a travel photographer who draws on her background in styling to curate the most stylish escapes. She works alongside her husband Justin to produce travel videos for brands and destinations.