31 Seriously Fresh Ways to Style a Black Turtleneck

When it comes to good ol' wardrobe staples, tees, jeans, and ankle boots in black serve as the perfect base to many looks. Think about it — what fashion girl doesn't have these items in her closet?

In the Winter months, a black turtleneck is a piece we regularly reach for to ground outfits suited for the office, date night, and every occasion in between. The issue? It's easy to get formulaic with the hero knit, meaning you'll need a little extra inspiration — sartorially speaking — to make it feel new. Well, we're here to help!

Ahead, we've turned to the street style set for 31 innovative ways to style a basic black turtleneck. Read through for savvy style hacks and easy-to-re-create outfits that appear fresh and fashion forward — many of which utilize pieces we know you already have in your wardrobe. We're willing to bet you haven't thought of some of these stylish formulas yet, so get ready to get inspired.

01
Topped With Houndstooth
Getty | Timur Emek

Topped With Houndstooth

A houndstooth coat is a timeless yet eye-catching topper to a fitted style — a perfect choice for the color-phobe seeking impact. A slick ponytail and delicate drop earring are an elegant finish.

02
With Red and White Leather
Getty | Kirstin Sinclair

With Red and White Leather

For high impact, tuck your turtleneck into a red leather wrap skirt with stark white leather booties as a bold finish.

03
Menswear Inspired
Getty | Christian Vierig

Menswear Inspired

A checked wool coat and flat loafers lend menswear appeal to a classic turtleneck. A gold chain link necklace reads as an ‘80s-chic finish.

04
Modern French Girl
Getty | Melodie Jeng

Modern French Girl

A turtleneck teamed with an on-trend beret, uniquely shaped bag, and chunky-heeled pumps reads modern Parisian. An ivory longline coat prevents the look from feeling overly trendy.

05
Color Contrast
Getty | Timur Emek

Color Contrast

Ground a vibrant dress by layering a thick black turtleneck underneath. Fishnet tights add additional interest.

06
Pop of Pink
Getty | Christian Vierig

Pop of Pink

Spruce up head-to-toe black by tucking a slim-fitting black turtleneck into leather trousers and punctuate with a candy colored pink coat.

07
Tonal Genius
Getty | Christian Vierig

Tonal Genius

Neutral tones don't need to be boring. Start with a ribbed black turtleneck and caramel trousers. Then, cinch a textured brown coat on top with a geometric belt. Lastly, add a tonal bag and boots. The result? An impressively dimensional ensemble.

08
A Spot of Black
Getty | Christian Vierig

A Spot of Black

On the coldest days, a thick black turtleneck layered beneath an ivory boat neck sweater and leopard print coat is spot on.

09
Glossed Over
Getty | Timur Emek

Glossed Over

A distressed patent trench in burgundy over a thin black turtleneck is all you need for a bit of intrigue.

10
White on Track
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

White on Track

Your noir turtleneck becomes infinitely cooler when paired with track pants and a nubby white coat. A sleek bag and boots show restraint.

11
Go Green
Getty | Christian Vierig

Go Green

With jeans, a black turtleneck worn under a green crew neck sweater makes a world of difference.

12
Face It, Black and Brown Go Together
Getty | Christian Vierig

Face It, Black and Brown Go Together

Forget what you’ve heard about black and brown not going together. A hickory leather trench is smart over a fitted black turtleneck and tan checked trousers. Sculptural statement earrings make for an eye-catching accent.

13
Checked Out
Getty | Christian Vierig

Checked Out

Ground a checkered jumpsuit with a black turtleneck and pristine white pumps — easy, yet impactful.

14
Red Leather
Getty | Christian Vierig

Red Leather

You know the saying, red leather, yellow — err — black leather, right? OK, not the saying. But a red leather coat is an effortless topping to a black turtleneck worn with black leggings and black leather accessories.

15
No-Fail Black and White
Timur Emek/Getty

No-Fail Black and White

It doesn’t get easier than black and white. Go for the fail-safe combo by tucking a black turtleneck into crisp white trousers with black heeled boots. A turquoise drop earring adds a vivid touch.

16
Downplay Color
Christian Vierig/Getty

Downplay Color

Unsure how to rock a flamboyant skirt? A black turtleneck is the perfect way to downplay.

17
Good Set
Christian Vierig/Getty

Good Set

A dark turtleneck perfectly anchors a punchy jacket and trouser set. Lug sole boots prevent matchy attire from appearing precious.

18
Knit Wit
Timur Emek/Getty

Knit Wit

Fashion girls love a dress over jeans moment, and a granny knit layered over a black turtleneck is a clever way to up the ante of your skinnies.

19
Try Turquoise
Christian Vierig/Getty

Try Turquoise

If you’re a slave to all-black everything, consider a turquoise coat as a dazzling topper to dark attire.

20
Black, White, and Red All Over
Timur Emek/Getty

Black, White, and Red All Over

Embolden a black turtleneck with a two-tone skirt and mismatched accessories in the same palette. Easy and genius.

22
Check, Mate
Christian Vierig/Getty

Check, Mate

Colorful checks are the perfect mate to your black turtleneck for a directional feel. Finish with patent leather pants or jeans and a bright bag.

23
Suit Up
Christian Vierig/Getty

Suit Up

A slick suit is smart with a black turtleneck as the foundation. Stark white heels and a sleek carryall lend minimalist appeal.

24
In Print
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty

In Print

Proof that a cheerful bohemian print works all year, style a flowing maxi dress with a black turtleneck underneath for a winter-proof getup.

25
Girlish No More
Edward Berthelot/Getty

Girlish No More

Give girly pieces the It girl treatment by styling a black turtleneck with rhinestone-adorned denim, white booties, and a pale pink coat.

26
Basic Instinct
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty

Basic Instinct

A body-hugging turtleneck worn beneath an animal print slip dress and jeans ensemble is the ultimate combination for demonstrating your stylish instincts.

27
Black and Blue
Christian Vierig/Getty

Black and Blue

A seemingly tough color pairing it is not — a black turtleneck rendered in chenille is lovely with a navy satin skirt. Yellow accessories illuminate these darker tones.

29
Romp Around
Christian Vierig/Getty

Romp Around

Romper fans will appreciate a black turtleneck layered beneath their favorite onesie. Thigh-high boots make the case for such a look in cooler temps.

30
Go Long
Christian Vierig/Getty

Go Long

Show your restraint by teaming a tissue-thin black turtleneck with a long color-blocked skirt. Tonal accessories tie the outfit together.

31
Seeing Red
Matthew Sperzel/Getty

Seeing Red

What’s more enjoyable than a red faux fur coat to liven up your black turtneck and jeans? A glossy box bag and cat-eye sunglasses are a fun finish.