Turtleneck Sweaters

Fall sweaters do not get more useful than a turtleneck, which is why I would buy one before any other knit. Of all the fall sweaters, a turtleneck is the one I find most useful between now and spring. It keeps your neck warm, it looks clean under jackets and it flatters almost everyone when the fit is right. The details that matter most are at the collar. A fold that sits close but does not choke feels the most comfortable, while a looser, chunkier roll neck gives a softer, relaxed look. A mock neck is a lighter option that suits people who dislike the feel of a full turtleneck.

Fabric changes everything. Fine merino and wool blends are smooth and layer well under blazers, while a heavier knit feels cozy and works on its own. Fit is a personal choice, from slim and close to oversized and slouchy. Pick shades you will wear repeatedly, like black, cream, grey and navy, then add one in a richer color, such as chocolate or forest green, to keep your outfits from feeling too predictable.

Turtlenecks are the easiest base layer for a strong outfit. Under a tailored blazer with wide leg trousers, they look sharp and professional, and under a slip dress they give a cool contrast of soft and sleek. A slim black one with high waisted jeans and boots is a simple uniform, while a chunky cream one with a long skirt feels warm and relaxed. Layer a fine style under a sleeveless knit dress or a collared shirt to add a little depth. Jewelry looks good over the top, especially a long pendant or a chunky chain.

When it comes to care, wash knits gently in cool water, dry them flat and store them folded so the collar keeps its shape. If a neckline stretches, a quick steam and a little reshaping while damp usually helps it bounce back to normal.

For the thin layer under a blazer, the Veronica Beard Jean Nadja Top, the LE BOP Palmer and the Sold Out NYC cashmere turtleneck in black are the ones I would wear. The Sablyn Sable in green is the forest shade I mentioned above.

The Frankie Shop, Max Mara and The Row are the fine wool and cashmere turtlenecks here, and Toteme's cable knit is the chunky one. Layer a thin one under a slip dress or a blazer, and let Goldbergh's wool-blend knit be the quiet one-off. The PAIGE Jacie, the Zimmermann fine knit and the Citizens of Humanity Leelah add more shades to try.

Not every fall sweater needs a collar that climbs up to the chin. A crew neck is the easier layer under a coat, and it leaves room for a scarf, which is why I keep a few round-neck knits next to my turtlenecks.

The cable knits are the ones I reach for first: the Arch4 Tinka cashmere, the Sea Allen wool and the Polo Ralph Lauren cotton cable knit all hold their shape and look best with a shirt collar peeking out. For stripes and pattern, the La Ligne Marin, the Dôen Myles intarsia and the Marant Étoile Morine in mohair are the cheerful ones. The Joseph Cetus Cashair, the Frame Charm and the Lisa Yang Amabel are the soft, plain cashmeres to wear with everything. The cropped Le Kasha Chypre and the open-knit Ulla Johnson Ronan sit better with high-waisted trousers.

Hold a sweater up to the light before you buy it. If you can see through the knit, it will pill and stretch by December.

We keep coming back to the turtleneck because it works so hard for so little. It suits almost any style, it takes the place of a scarf on many days and it pairs with everything from denim to tailoring.

The main thing is to check the neck for comfort before you buy, since that is where most people feel a difference. Try it on with the outerwear you plan to wear over it, and make sure nothing bunches at the shoulders.

Once the neck feels right, buy it in a color you love and wear it often. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Bella Dahl and Cashmere Sweaters And What You Pay For.