winter fashion

THE SECRET LAYERING WEAPON YOU NEED NOW

As soon as the windchill rating is part of the weather report you know your layering game needs to be on point. Sure, you’re great at layering a V-neck sweater over a button-up shirt (thank you, prep school), and you can get pretty darn creative with a pair of scarves (thank you, Captain Jack Sparrow), but have you been overlooking the most important layering staple of all? Believe it or not, the turtleneck is every fashion girl’s secret weapon come winter. Here are three ways to incorporate it into your work, weekend and night-out ensembles.

The Foundation

A thin, fitted style in a neutral color like black, cream or navy is ideal for winter layering. 

Extra Fine Merino Turtleneck Sweater, Uniqlo $30

Work

A fitted turtleneck gets you through a blustery commute thanks to covering your neck (you can even forgo a scarf), but it's still thin enough to work in an overheated office. Tuck into a structured A-line skirt and finish with flat suede boots, a belt and a seriously warm coat. 

Wool coat with shell detail, Miu Miu $3195; Reversible belt, American Apparel $46; Olette tall suede boots, Nine West $179; Suede patchwork tote, Ecote $129

Weekend

This look conjurs images of hikes in the English countryside (Prince William not included). Layer your turtleneck under a bright flannel (leaving the top few buttons undone), and throw on a pair of casual skinny jeans. Top with a plush coat and flat Chelsea boots. 

Flannel cozy shirt, Madewell $80; Wool-blend coat, H&M $129; 811 mid-rise skinny jeans, J Brand $200; Snakeskin effect Chelsea boots, Pretty Ballerinas $262

Evening

Thought it was too cold to wear that minidress? Wrong! Make like Twiggy by layering a turtleneck underneath your sequin shift dress. Add closed-toe heels, opaque tights, an oversized shearling moto jacket and kohl-rimmed eyes to complete the evening ensemble. 

Moon beamer sequin shift, French Connection $288; Oversized moto jacket, Helmut Lang $1395; Metallic heel pumps, DSquared $574; Matte black opaque tights, Wolford $45; Piper bag, Lauren Merkin Handbags $225; Le Stylo waterproof long lasting eyeliner, Lancome $27