How to Wear a Turtleneck Sweater Without Looking Dated (The 1970s Way), by Clara's Forgotten Wardrobe on YouTube. 29 min 53 s.
- Video length
- 29 min 53 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Start with a thin, ribbed knit rather than a thick chunky sweater. Thin stretch knits sit flat under a vest or dress and add no bulk at the elbows.
Check the fit before you layer. The collar should touch your neck without squeezing, and the body should skim your shape rather than cling to it.
Pick the collar to suit the day. Choose a turtleneck for warmth, a mock neck for a lighter line, or a roll neck when you want a deep fold at the throat.
Layer a sweater vest over the turtleneck. A plain olive or black turtleneck under a striped vest is the classic 1974 combination and still looks current.
Wear the turtleneck under a jumper dress or pinafore instead of on its own. The sleeve fills the armhole and keeps a summer dress in use through winter.
Slip a thin black turtleneck under a floral or sleeveless dress to move it into cooler weather, the way it was worn in the film Annie Hall.
Skip the full sweater when you only want the collar. A dickey, a false turtleneck front, gives the same neckline under a shirt or dress with no bulk.
Keep the colours quiet. Earth tones like olive, brown and cream, plus plain black, look modern, so let one bright piece do the talking.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep every layer thin, because bulky knits bunch at the elbows and shoulders under a vest.
A collar that presses on your throat is the main reason a turtleneck feels dated, so size up if it is tight.
Acrylic knits wash easily and hold their shape, but they pill, so turn them inside out before washing.
Measure a turtleneck you already like from shoulder to hem and compare it with the size chart before buying online.
Questions
What is the difference between a turtleneck and a mock neck?
A turtleneck folds over at the throat and covers the whole neck. A mock neck sits lower and does not fold, so it looks lighter under a jacket or vest.
Can I wear a turtleneck under a dress?
Yes. Use a thin knit and pick a dress with room in the armholes so the sweater does not bunch at the shoulder.
How do I stop a turtleneck looking dated?
Keep the knit thin and the colour plain, then add a layer such as a vest, pinafore or dress. A thick, tight turtleneck worn alone is the look that reads as old-fashioned.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
