Turtlenecks… or more like turkey neck
Hello ladies,
I have a question about turtlenecks:
They used to be my go to item – especially in black. I would wear one practically every day in the winter. Well, now that I am 42, they don’t look so hot on me at all. I feel like they highlight that little bit of loose skin right under my chin and cheeks that you can barely see otherwise. When I see other women I think this about them too…yet everyone still wears them. Is it one of those things that you just suck up and still wear as you get older even though it doesn’t look so hot (kind of like a bathing suit)? I am wondering if I should just bite the bullet and start wearing them again. Or maybe you know of a way to make them look better?
Thanks so much.
AJ
Dear A.J.
Off white can be much softer and suits this gal's silver hair
We wouldn’t suggest wearing anything if it doesn’t look good on you. There’s too many choices out there!
We know what you mean about turtlenecks. As we’ve gotten older they seem to have fallen off our favorites list because they sometimes do give you that turkey neck if you have a lot of loose skin.The contrast between the black up by our faces and our lighter skin and hair can look plain harsh, and actually emphasize every little wrinkle.
That being said there, are still some women who love their turtlenecks, like Diane Keaton. Nobody quite knows what is going on with her, but she wears them so much they’ve become her trademark. Sometimes she looks dull and stiff in them, but other times she can look great. You really have to judge for yourself how it looks on you.
 Diane Keaton in her trademark turtleneck |
 Diane looks darling here! |
I'm going to wear dark brown, rather than a black turtleneck with this.
With all the new chunky sweaters out there, it’s hard to get completely away from turtlenecks. For example, I (Deborah) just bought this great Diane Von Furstenberg wrap sweater that cries out for a turtleneck to wear underneath. My neck is not bad at all, so I can still wear a turtleneck, but a black turtleneck would totally wash me out, so I’m going to buy an espresso brown micro thin turtleneck to wear with it.
If you really don’t like the tightness of a turtleneck pushing up all that extra skin, a great alternative a a cowl neck sweater. They’re very in style right now and because they are much softer looking they are very forgiving on mature gals.
Here are a few we like:
| Neck draping: See how beautifully this drapes and shows off your decolletage. It looks perfect the way it is. Don’t ruin it by wearing a necklace. Only one caution : Make sure your arms are toned before you choose to wear this sweater.(Nordstrom) |
 soft and feminine- a cowl is a nice alternative to a turtleneck |
| Try a cowl neck cape:
Capes adds glamour and we love a touch of glam.They also hide your tummy on those “I feel bloated days”, which is a nice bonus .(Nordstrom) |
 A chic look over black pants |
| Go for Gray:
If you like neutrals, gray is a wonderful alternative to black. It’s just that bit softer and is very in fashion at the moment. (Nordstrom) |
 gray is softer than black |
| Try experimenting with Color:
Not everyone looks good or even feels good in gray. Green can add life, same with purple and red. There’s lots of choices out there. Love the button detail and raglan sleeve on this BCBG Max Azaria Cable detail sweater. It’s different and that’s what you want. (Nordstrom) |
 green looks fabulous on redheads |
| Choose slinky and stretchy:
Don’t hide behind oversized sweaters that hide your body and make you look like a polar bear. Slinky stretchy turtlenecks and cowl necks like this follow the curves of your body making you look much more sexy and modern. Worried about your tummy or bottom? Buy some shapewear. You’ll be amazed how it transofrms your figure. |
 If you have a great waist show it off in a form fitting cowl neck |
| Good way to wear black:
If you want to wear a black turtleneck, but worry about too much black up by your face, try this. It’s a Michael Kors twist front turtleneck. That touch of openess at the neckline brings in more skin and doesn’t make you look like your head is cut off from your body. Very sexy! ( Nordstrom) |
 a new take on a black turtleneck |
