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Turtlenecks are the best transition pieces to take from your fall outfits and transform them into your winter wardrobe staples. These turtleneck outfits have everything from layers, to simplicity, to unconventional ideas and can be played with in so many ways that still allow you to honor your personal style.

Turtleneck Sweater & Jeans

To start off really simply, there is truly nothing more classic than a turtleneck and jeans. You could lean into the colder weather with neutrals such as a creamy white or go bold with a bright color. You could even go with a black turtleneck to emulate the fashion icon we all know as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, Google ‘The Rock’ + black turtleneck). Either way, pairing a basic turtleneck with a clean, simple gold necklace is a great outfit in and of itself or for you to treat like a blank canvas to layer upon.

Turtleneck & Sweater Vest

Sweater vests are really making a comeback this season and I couldn’t be happier because it makes me feel like a modern-day Mr. Rogers. If you’re wanting to elevate your basic turtleneck, tossing a sweater vest on top is almost as easy as it gets. I also really like to pair a simple gold necklace and earrings with this look to keep it classic, but you could also add some statement earrings or layer up some necklaces to really make your neckline the star of the show.

Turtleneck Under Maxi Dress

It’s time to learn about that magic that is layering dresses for the winter. This look is no different. Adding a turtleneck underneath a dress (and maybe with the addition of some tights and Chelsea boots underneath for some extra warmth!) is all you need for your cute winter activities. Plus, it’s an ideal way to transition a summer dress into the cooler months and not stash it away in your closet until next year. The striped turtleneck is really the focus here; it’s a great way to add a monochromatic look into your style with just a little pop of pattern.

Patterned Turtleneck & Overalls

Overalls are such a good winter staple in the cold. In this look, you can have fun with a little patterned or striped turtleneck. Or, if you need something a little warmer, overalls leave enough room to add a slightly more bulky layer to keep warm, such as a turtleneck sweater. Overall (wink!), you can’t go wrong with this look when paired with a little beanie on top. You’ll give off the high-fashion lumberjack vibes of everyone’s dreams.

Turtleneck Under Sweater

I saw this look while scrolling Pinterest one day and just knew I had to try it myself, and it is now one of my go-to layering hacks. As I said a little earlier, the best thing about turtlenecks is really being able to play with layering at the neckline. When you style a V-neck sweater on top of a turtleneck shirt, you are not only adding the extra warmth that we are all looking for in the winter months, but also adding neckline interest. This creates a cool optical illusion that will make people wonder if you’re wearing a single sweater. Nope! Just turns out you’re a layering genius! Another unique style idea: Try layering a plaid or oversized blazer on top to introduce more interest with the collar and play with infusing more patterns into your outfit.

Turtleneck & Quilted Jacket

Quilted jackets are everyone’s love language this season. While you could layer a fitted turtleneck with any old chore jacket, I really think the quilted jacket brings an elevated level of interest to an outfit. I also love it because you can find them at retailers like Target, commission one from makers on Etsy or Instagram, or make one from an old quilt. You could even take up a new sewing hobby and make one yourself. Another great part about this outfit? You can opt for a mock turtleneck to make it less bulky and let the jacket be the main character instead.

Turtleneck & Sheer Shirt

This look might be a little over the top for some, but when you want to be fun and flowy at all of those holiday parties while also staying warm, styling a sheer shirt over a fitted turtleneck can be an eccentric and unique look. I also love this look because it’s a way to incorporate something that may traditionally be a lightweight summer staple; by introducing a warm layer, it takes on a whole new life. The real kicker to make it over the top in the best way? Add earrings to really make a statement.

The bottom line is that the “basic” turtleneck is actually anything but basic. It allows for so many cool layering techniques, adds interest to your neckline, and creates warmth without necessarily adding bulk. Each of these turtleneck outfits pairs perfectly with jeans, trousers, skirts and tights, and anything else you can think of. Whether you have one in a plain neutral, a pop of brightness, or an eye-catching pattern, it’s a must-have for your cold weather wardrobe.