Do You Ever Wear Turtlenecks in the Summer?

Photo courtesy of Kelly Dawson

I own a lot of turtlenecks. Probably too many, given the fact that I live in Los Angeles and I’m not actually Diane Keaton (or Nora Ephron, depending on your pop culture prowess). My dad likes to poke fun at me for this sartorial choice, particularly if I decide to wear a tank top version on a sunny day. 

“Oh, is your neck cold?,” he’ll ask and laugh.

Personally, I love how that extra bit of fabric below my chin elongates my neck while showing off my arms, and I think the close cut can be sleek — even if it’s, yes, a turtleneck. This top can balance out bulkier linen pants or wide-leg jeans, or provide a fun contrast to full skirts. And, perhaps my favorite part, turtlenecks look especially cool with a pair of sunglasses. 

Here are a few ideas, if you’re interested in following suit:

1. This black maxi skirt from Anthropologie has just the right amount of volume to balance out a form-fitting turtleneck tank top. 

2. A pair of linen pants, like these ones from Banana Republic, bring a casual contrast to the structure of a turtleneck. 

3. A skort is an unexpected combo for a turtleneck tank, like this option from J.Crew, and I’d just make sure the tank was a bit slouchy to balance things out. 

4. A straight-leg, white jean always looks crisp with a turtleneck in any season, but it particularly captures the Keaton-of-it-all in the summer. These pants from Madewell are ideal. 

What do you think about turtlenecks? Should they only be worn in colder months, or do you also like to wear them whenever you please?

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