I’ve got another 5 Ways to Wear redux for you today, and this week I’m updating 5 Ways to Wear a Black Turtleneck. The original post was written back in 2019, and styles have evolved a bit, I still love most of fthese looks. They only need minor tweaks to bring them up to date.
For this post, I’m going to include other necklines when I make these outfit updates. It gives me more to work with, and it really doesn’t matter what neckline you wear. They’re more or less outfit formulas, anyway, so wear the neckline that works best for you!
A black sweater is such a classic winter closet staple, and it provides an easy and practical foundation to so many great outfit possibilities. Here are some of my favorites.
5 Ways to Wear a Black Turtleneck
Hopefully you can shop your closet to recreate the looks you like below, but I’ll provide links where I can. Some of the exact pieces are sold out, but this is really more or less about the color combinations.
Outfit Formula #1: Black Sweater + Denim & Pop of Color
Black and denim is my all-time favorite outfit pairing, and there is so much you can do with shoes and accessories to jazz it up, or you can keep it simple. While this post was written in 2019, both of these outfits were from 2016. I guess styles didn’t change an awful lot in those three years? Because it sure feels like styles changed a a lot between 2019 and 2022.
First, I paired a black turtleneck with medium wash blue jeans and added burgundy suede booties and a leopard clutch. Funny, I still have that Clare V. leopard foldover clutch. That was a good investment back in 2015.
Caslon ribbed turtleneck (sold out) // DL1961 Emma ankle skinny jeans // Lucky Brand booties (sold out) // Clare V. leopard foldover clutch
I also did a second look with black leather OTK boots and a fun plaid scarf and a pink beanie. That picture was taken in Maine; we traveled up for my grandfather’s 100th birthday!
Caslon ribbed turtleneck (sold out) // DL1961 Emma ankle skinny jeans // similar boots // pom pom beanie in single-pink// J.Crew plaid scarf (sold out)
Outfit #1 Update:
Those outfits are still cute, but definitely looking a tad dated with the longer sweater and the boot styles, although I still love those OTK boots and would probably still wear them. I think I still have the Blondo version I got after those, but I haven’t worn them this year.
Anyway! This outfit from last January was the first that came to the mind as an updated look, but I wore black jeans rather than blue jeans. These alpine green rain boots are both cute and practical for messy weather.
Merry People boots c/o // similar The North Face parka // similar black turtleneck // similar black jeans // sunnies (similar for less) // Gucci crossbody (similar for less)
I’m having a hard time recreating a black sweater with blue jeans and a pop of color because I don’t have a lot of color in my closet right now, but this outfit from last winter is one way I would interpret that outfit formula now — a black v-neck sweater, straight ankle jeans, suede stretch booties, and the oxblood leather moto is the “pop of color”. The belt adds a nice detail.
similar v-neck here and here // Paige Cindy jeans (28) // similar suede boots // belt (M) // Lagos earrings and necklace // Gucci crossbody (similar for less)
I also like this simple look from last year with the same sweater but no 3rd piece. I could swap out the boots for my Sam Edelman Hazel Pumps in Bordeaux for a pop of color.
similar v-neck (S; budget option) // AG Mari jeans (28) // similar lug sole Chelsea boots (Bordeaux suede pump option/also at Nordstrom) // belt (M) // similar bag // similar earrings
Outfit Formula #2. Black Sweater + Denim & Neutral Jacket
I still have this taupe suede moto jacket as well! As I said at the time, this jacket is the perfect color and texture to top off a cozy black cashmere turtleneck, plus it looks great against the mid-wash blue jeans as well. Other color jackets like grey or camel, or even burgundy or teal would work well too.
black donegal turtleneck (sold out) // similar BlankNYC suede moto jacket // AG legging ankle jeans // R Minkoff Mika Mules (sold out) // R Minkoff Love crossbody // Stella & Dot pendant
The look below is similar, but with a different black turtleneck and booties instead of mules.
similar black turtleneck (S) // similar BlankNYC suede moto jacket (M) // AG legging ankle jeans (28) // Rag & Bone Margot booties (sold out) // R Minkoff Love crossbody
Outfit #2 Update:
Since I still have this moto jacket, I styled it a similar way, but updated the look with straight ankle jeans and lug sole Chelsea boots. My exact jacket has been discontinued, but this one and this one are similar, and the Evereve Marren Moto is a good option as well.
similar BlankNYC suede moto jacket // similar v-neck sweater (M) // Mother Dazzler straight ankle jeans (29; budget option) // similar lug sole Chelsea boots // belt (M) // Madewell earrings
Here’s how it looks from the side. I really like this denim and boot combo; I hadn’t thought to put it together before.
And to take a broader interpretation of this outfit formula, I’ve always loved this outfit from last winter with a black v-neck sweater, blue jeans, and Veja sneakers. The neutral topper is a black wool coat, and I love the addition of the grey scarf.
wool reefer coat (4) // similar scarf // Vince v-neck sweater (S; budget option) // AG Farrah skinny ankle jeans (28) // Veja Esplar (39) // sunnies (similar for less) // Everlane Studio Bag
And this one with a black turtleneck and grey jeans is also a favorite. The neutral topper is the grey wool cocoon coat, which is 50% off right now. I love it; I have the Sandstone as well, and I’m really jonesing for that Hthr Fire Red. I have a classic red wool peacoat, but I only reach for it at Christmas time. I like this deeper burgundy shade.
J.Crew Cocoon Coat (6) // similar black turtleneck (S) // similar grey jeans (28) // similar suede boots // scarf (budget option)
Outfit Formula #3. Black Sweater + Pencil Skirt
I shared two looks with this outfit formula as well. I don’t wear skirts often, but I put this first look together for a sponsorship with Ann Taylor at holiday time, and it’s kind of fun for something different. Everything is sold out, but I’ll leave the links below in case anyone wants details for searching on eBay or Poshmark.
flare sleeve turtleneck tunic sweater (sold out) // shimmer pencil skirt (sold out) // tortoiseshell print heel booties (sold out) // lime gold foldover satin clutch (sold out)
And I’ve always loved the outfit below. I think I wore it to church once or twice.
similar black sweater (sold out) // tweed skirt (sold out) // Stuart Weitzman Alljill Boots (sold out) // black tights (M) // R Minkoff Perry Satchel (sold out)
Outfit #3 Update:
Since I don’t have any skirts in my closet at the moment, I pulled up this outfit I styled in a Try-On Haul earlier in the season. I didn’t end up keeping the skirt, but this shorter style trending this winter.
Booties with skirts are also trending, but I I really prefer the proportions in the outfit above with the knee-length tweed pencil skirt and OTK boots. The outfit below doesn’t do much for me.
LOFT ribbed mockneck (S) // LOFT tweed skirts // black tights (M) // similar booties
Outfit Formula #4. Black Sweater + Puffer Vest
I still love this outfit, and I’m kind of regretting getting rid of this burgundy puffer. I love the layer look, and the burgundy is a nice break from all the neutrals I gravitate to this time of year.
similar black turtleneck // burgundy puffer (sold out) // grey AG legging ankle jeans (sold out)// black booties (sold out)
I also did a look with a black turtleneck, black jeans, and a green puffer. The leopard slides add pattern and texture. I was sporting a green mani to celebrate our Philadelphia Eagles being in the Super Bowl that year.
similar black turtleneck // similar green puffer // black jeans (budget option) // leopard mules (sold out) // Stella & Dot double pearl pendant // similar 11mm pearl earrings // nails: CND Pretty Poison
Outfit #4 Update:
The only puffer vest I have in my closet now is the Malone Distressed Faux Leather Puffer Vest that sold out almost as soon as it hit the Evereve website last fall, but this J.Crew quilted vest would work for a more classic look. I don’t typically wear the black vest over a black sweater, but I have this neutral grey and black look that I love.
faux leather puffer (sold out; classic black puffer) // Fidelity Cher ankle slim jeans (28; similar for less) // Veja Esplar (39) // similar tote // sunnies (similar for less)
Outfit Formula #5. Black Sweater + Black Pants
You can’t go wrong with an all-black outfit, and I styled faux leather leggings with a cozy black tunic sweater and black suede ankle boots a few years back.
This was also part of that Ann Taylor sponsorship, so these pieces are all sold out, but I would say this outfit still looks current. I would wear it as-is, except I’d swap that neon bag for a leopard clutch.
flare sleeve turtleneck tunic sweater (sold out) // faux leather ponte leggings (sold out) // tortoiseshell print heel booties (sold out) // lime gold foldover satin clutch (sold out)
I also still like and would wear this outfit with a black donegal turtleneck, black skinny jeans, and black suede pumps. The mix of textures is partly what makes this look work. The donegal print in the sweater, the snakeskin embossed bag, and suede pumps work together beautifully, but it still needs something else.
I would add a belt and a chic coat. How gorgeous would the J.Crew Cocoon Coat in Hthr Fire Red look with this? Okay, I caved and ordered it.
Another one of my favorite ways to top off an all black outfit is with a classic camel coat, and for even more interest, you can add a patterned scarf. I love wearing leopard with black and camel. I would totally wear this exact look today.
Another alternative is a black leather jacket.
The leopard scarf really pops this look as well.
I was really digging those angled pictures back then, wasn’t I? LOL! I also think something is different with the newer iPhone camera. My mirror selfies now look totally different, and I almost feel like they make me look heavier somehow. I have put on some weight, but my clothing sizes haven’t changed a whole lot. Anyway, looking at these old pictures makes me wonder…
Outfit #5 Update:
I have lots of all black outfits in my archives, but this is the one I wore most recently. While I like those AG Farrah skinines in the looks above, and I still have them, I’ve put on some weight since those pictures were taken, and it hasn’t been very evenly distributed. Thanks, perimenopause!
I don’t feel as comfortable in skinnies with pumps these days, but I’m loving this Paige Claudine ankle flare. The flare leg opening helps balance out my hips and chest. I wore this outfit to dinner with Paul a few weeks ago.
similar v-neck sweater (M) // A+F vegan leather mini puffer (S) // Paige Claudine ankle flare (28) // Sam Edelman Hazel in Bordeaux (8; also at Nordstrom) // belt (M) // Yurman earrings & necklace
And we went to the mall before dinner, so I wore these boots and changed into the pumps before we went into the restaurant.
similar v-neck sweater (M) // Paige Claudine ankle flare (28) // Paige Lia Booties (8) // belt (M) // Yurman earrings & necklace
And that’s a wrap! I hope this post gives you some new ideas for ways to wear a black sweater this winter.
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35 Responses
Anxious for your post on what you are taking to Florida!
Leaving next week and I hate packing!,
I do too. I’m stressed out, to be honest! 🙂 Especially since I’m not really going for fun, and I want to make the trip worth my while. I’m trying to plan out posts and shop for them, while also keeping up with the current posts. But once I have all those pictures, I’ll be set for a while! 🙂
So many black sweater ideas!! My favorite looks are the ones with the pink pom hat and the burgundy puffer vest! I wish you had given it to me! HAHA!!! So jealous of your upcoming trip to FL. My husband and I plan a cold trip to the ocean on Friday to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Can’t wait to walk on the beach with a chunky sweater, jeans and boots! I hope you plan some sweater and shorts combos, I hear it’s pretty cool in FL right now. (but could be back in the 80’s when you get down there!) Have a wonderful trip.
Sue…..My husband and I just did the beach last Saturday and it was cool and sunny and I too was anxious to wear my new chunky sweater, Jeans and boots and walk the beach. We did almost 5 miles. LOL
Yes! Our trip to be beach will be in New Jersey (we only live 1-1/4 hrs from ocean…always worth the trip!). Where was your beach? Temps could be in the high 50’s and sunny! I’ll take it!!!!
Sue, It was Cannon Beach in NW Oregon. Beautiful Sunny day. Have fun. 🙂
Sounds lovely!
Love all the outfits, many options. Can you tell me which Paige Cindy jeans you have, checked out the link and unsure as there were many on that page. Thanks a bunch!
Yes, I’d like to know which Paige Cindy too. Love the look of those jeans, but I too went to the site and couldn’t figure out which ones and the color. Thanks Jo-Lynne.
They are an older pair, and I didn’t keep them. I looked and don’t see a similar wash, so I linked to all of them. 🙂
I love it with the blue and black skirt the best…but all of them are such great ways to get more bang for your buck
Great post! Black and denim is my uniform and I love these ideas to mix it up.
Sometimes you gotta buy the red coat!😉
Yes! 💃🏻
Love these updating post, but I always think I like the outdated looks. 🙂 So many of them, I say to myself….wish she kept that or that. 🙂 I love the Lucky burgundy booties in photo 1. I hope you kept them. I don’t think that style is outdated. Looks great. I just bought the TOM black suede wood wedge booties from Nordstrom for this Fall and Love them. I have always loved a wedge and I can wear the higher heel in wedge easier. I like with a sweater dress. Love the pink pom pom beanie on you. Hope you have. You look great in the Paige Cindy and AG Mari style jeans. Also love the Black Rag and Bone Margot booties. I agree, the Mother Dazzler straight with the Chelsea boots is great combo. Love the wool reefer coat with the Veja sneaker. The black on them makes the outfit. That whole look could be in a fashion magazine. So classy. I knew you’d order the other color cocoon coat. LOL You look great in it. I think I remember way back when your mom getting you the grey one for Christmas that year. Right? I’m like you, don’t wear skirts, as they never just feel right. I don’t know what to do with the top. I think its either too long or doesn’t look good tucked in. I’m 5’3″. But, I love the Ann Taylor pencil skirt look on you, even thought the top is long. The look just looks so elegant. As for the burgundy puffer vest. Every time I see it, I’m mad I didn’t order it. I loved it then and still do, but was too late ordering and out of my size back then. You should have kept it. Its just unique with the double layer. Are you still intermittent fasting? You keep mentioning gaining weight. I don’t notice it. I do think the mirror selfies in the older ones in the all black outfits make you look really thin. Menopause does wonders on a woman’s body for sure. I don’t have the weight gain but Oh my the hot flashes and sweats and anxious stuff. UGH!!!! Wasn’t PMS and having babies enough??? LOL Great post. Really enjoyed it. I’d like to see Spring/Summer casual dresses to replace shorts and transition blazers or other layer options. Maybe not necessarily just collared blazers. Last year Cyndi styled a muted pink shawl color blazer for transition and its really cute. You can dress it down with sneakers even. I bought it and ready to wear again on these cooler, but sunny days.
Yes, I do still do IF but my diet has gone to the birds. I’m trying to tighten the reigns and get myself back on track.
I only mentioned it b/c I can see it in these pictures, lol. Sometimes when people say I look better in skinny jeans, I think it’s relevant that I was also 10 lbs thinner in some of those pix, and running a lot more, so it’s not just the denim style. But I do have skinny jeans still, so I think I’ll start doing some comparisons.
I think you look great and look good in all the jeans you’ve kept and worn.
Love the looks. Take it from this Florida girl. Pack layers. Something that will keep you warm in the 40degree damp mornings to the same day 70s. Our weather is always like this the first two months of the year what part of Florida you coming to
Yeah, I’ll be further to the north, so I realize it won’t be beach weather. It will still feel balmy to shoot spring outfits, though. 🙂
Besides the 5 way to wear ideas, I loved the trip down memory lane. When I was taking your survey, I was trying to remember how long I have been reading your posts. Now I know it’s at least 2016, because I remember when you went to Maine for your grandfather’s 100th birthday and I remember seeing your winter outfits, which I still really like. The Andrew Marc puffer vest reminds me of when you were doing your Facebook live posts—I miss those. I, too, was mad at myself for waiting too long to buy it, and then my size was gone. I love a black sweater, and you have inspired me to shop my closet. Great post!
That’s so fun! Yes, you’ve been around for a while. 🙂
Glad you’re getting away for vacation! It’s pretty life giving! May I please have the link for the Fidelity denim? It went to the Evereve puffer. Many thanks!
Ooops! I’ll fix that. They were just restocked, actually! https://shopstyle.it/l/bDTOs
Thanks! I must have missed out on you sharing you were headed to Florida. Is it a family vacation again like last time? Whatever it is, I hope you enjoy the change of scenery and a few palm trees!
No, going to shoot spring or vacay outfits. Paul is staying here with the kids, so one of my friends is actually going to tag along!
So I have just come to terms that I am a skinny jeans girl through and through. Every-time I try something different I go back to my tried and true. I feel better in skinny jeans because I think they look better on me. A lot of the other jean styles that are “in” now make me feel frumpy and if I am being honest they add visual weight to my body. One of the best things I have done for myself is let go of the expectations and approval of others. It may sound petty but if I feel good wearing it, I don’t care if it is in or out. I try to stay classy and I think that is always in style. That being said, I was drawn to a lot of the “old” looks. I think these posts are so much fun! I can tell you spent a lot of time on this, thank you!
I don’t think it’s petty. I think every woman should wear what looks best on her, and even more importantly, what makes her feel confident and happy. 🙂 And I like those older looks too.
I’m still pretty much team skinny jean too Melissa! Although my eye has been able to fully adjust to a straight which took a fair amount of time. I do think it’s often what our eye is trained to see when we look in the mirror. So as I see the straight jean more and more on my body, I’ve gotten used to it. It’s kinda funny, when I put on nice slacks, they’re a straight silhouette and I wouldn’t have it any other way…. so why not with jeans (internal dialogue here)? Just enjoy what you wear, it sounds like you’ve given it a solid chance and I love that you feel confident in what you wear! It’s not petty one bit!
Same here Shelly. I have added some straight jeans to my closet and I think what helped me the most was Jo-Lynne’s comment that they look better on her when they are slimmer in the thigh. That looks better on me too. I tried a couple of looser fit jeans (looser from the hip down) and I just felt so frumpy when I looked in the mirror. I looked shorter and heavier; who needs that?! Slacks just flow better so I don’t mind when they are wider.
Another great post and am happy to see you style the black sweater with a black leather jacket. That is my favorite option to wear. Classic and sexy too! I think i forgot to put in your reader survey that my absolute favorite post you do is the worst buys of the year. It is nice to know I am not the only one who makes buying mistakes and keeps the items, yet never wears them. Any chance you would consider doing it by season or bi-annually? I find it very interesting and frankly, quite honest.
Yes, I did a Spring/Summer one last year. https://jolynneshane.com/my-best-worst-purchases-spring-summer-2021.html
I’m so glad that you ordered the coat in the red. I can’t wait to see you style it.
I don’t know how you get rid of the pieces that are so pretty like the tweed skirt above. I know you might not wear i, but it’s soooo pretty. You look wonderful for your age and it must be the camera, if you notice any problem areas. We’d all love to look like you in our clothes. .
Yeah, I went thru a phase of blogging where I felt like it wasn’t worth wearing if I couldn’t feature and link it. I’ve since decided I have to get over that. I wasn’t enjoying getting dressed b/c I was thinking about could I link it? Is it affordable? Blah. 🙂 I don’t remember if there was another reason I passed that skirt on or not. I really don’t reach for skirts much.
Hi, Jo-Lynne! Very cute, as usual! I think my favorite is the simple black turtleneck, cool belt, blue jeans and boots. Also the beige suede jacket looks good with everything. I know you like the puffer vests, but have you tried the knit vest trend? I bought one and have yet to wear it. Maybe I’ll try to wear it this week. Maybe over a black turtleneck! (although I’m not really team turtleneck anymore because of my exceedingly round face.) 😆
I haven’t tried the knit vest. Not sure I’m loving that trend, but I’d love to see a pic of how you style yours. Are you in the JLS Insiders FB Group?