When the word “turtleneck” is mentioned, your first instinct may be to imagine it being worn during a weekend ski getaway or a holiday party. But is a turtleneck business casual?
Turtlenecks are appropriate for business attire. Due to its ability to be dressed up or down and be worn for work, play, or casual occasions, it ought to be a staple in every wardrobe.
You can wear any outfit with a turtleneck if you style it properly, so if you’re going to try this look, keep that in mind.
Is a Turtleneck Business Casual?
Turtlenecks are accepted as business casual attire. Men and women can wear turtlenecks as part of a business casual outfit. A skirt, jeans, or slacks could be worn with this.
If they choose to go for a business casual look, employees can also layer collared shirts over turtlenecks.
Turtlenecks with extremely intricate patterns or ones with holiday themes are the only ones that wouldn’t be regarded as business casual.
But you might be able to get away with wearing a sweater like this for a business casual look, depending on your company.
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Is a Turtleneck Good for An Interview?
It’s possible to overstress the process of dressing for an interview. This is especially valid if you choose non-traditional attire.
In business casual workplaces and even more casual situations, a turtleneck can normally be worn to interviews. Stick with neutral colors, wear a blazer over the turtleneck, and wear dress pants or dark chinos with it to avoid looking underdressed.
Even though this is a succinct response, there is more to it. The following advice will help you successfully remove your turtleneck each time.
You should feel comfortable but not restricted in the turtleneck you choose to wear to the interview.
Always cover up your turtleneck with a blazer or sports coat when attending an interview. It is a simple way to spruce up something that would otherwise seem undressed.
It is generally advised to refrain from dressing less formally than dark chinos and a turtleneck when attending an interview.
A blazer and turtleneck would look fantastic with dress pants, which are the ideal choice. However, a lot of people aren’t fans or simply don’t own a pair.
Select black or brown dress shoes to finish the outfit. You won’t have to worry about dressing too casually thanks to this.
Although it is not required, adding a pocket square to a blazer or sports jacket may be a nice touch and make a good impression at an interview.
How to Wear a Turtleneck at Work?
Here are some tips on how to wear a turtleneck at work.
Consider the Cut
The cut is the next qualification to think about. Is the turtleneck cut looser or even in the shape of a tunic? Save your tunic turtlenecks for the weekend. The more relaxed the cut, the more casual its appearance.
Likewise, you should search for turtlenecks with full sleeves or, at the very least, ¾ quarter sleeves.
Unless your workplace is more casual, turtlenecks without sleeves belong on the more casual end of the spectrum and should only be worn outside of the office.
Read More: Are Turtlenecks in Style 2023?
Consider the Color
Keep it solid is our one simple rule when it comes to pattern. Solid turtlenecks will always look more professional.
A subtle, smaller-scale pattern, such as checks or stripes, would be preferable to a big, bold, or busy pattern if your workplace has a more casual vibe and you’re more drawn to patterns.
The second issue is how you intend to pair your turtleneck. The turtleneck truly shines in this situation. It’s an incredibly adaptable piece of clothing that looks great with pencil skirts, chino pants, and slacks alike.
While the turtleneck can be worn on its own, one of our favorite classic combinations is to wear it with a blazer.
It should be paired with a black, navy, or grey solid-color blazer for a more up-to-date, contemporary take on business casual.
Put it underneath a navy hopsack blazer with brass buttons for a look that combines fun preppy appeal with business casual attire.
Consider the Classic Turtleneck
The classic turtleneck is an office favorite since the material is thin, its form-fitting, the neck is slender, and it can easily be tucked into anything.
The best way to wear this style of turtleneck is layered. The traditional turtleneck would look great underneath a dress that is appropriate for the office but has short sleeves or a low neckline.
This turtleneck is the ideal option if you don’t mind donning a blazer all day. Even a round-neck sweater can be worn underneath it as a layer.
With a collared shirt tucked in beneath the sweater, the collar is raised above the neckline of the sweater in this modern take on the preppy style. A turtleneck looks more stylish when worn in place of a collared shirt.
If you dislike tucking because of the bumpy texture it can create beneath your skirt or pants, there are turtleneck bodysuits that you can snap at the bottom for a smoother look.
Consider a Mock Neck
Because of the high, tight neck, a mock neck is a great alternative for those who can’t commit to wearing a turtleneck all day.
The neck on a mock turtleneck goes only halfway up. Lightweight and dense materials are used to make mock necks. We advise tucking it under a pair of slacks for a more professional look, and completing the ensemble with a pair of loafers.
Consider a Turtleneck Dress
While chunky, baggy turtleneck dresses are all the rave around wintertime, it certainly doesn’t have a place in an office setting.
Make sure the turtleneck dress you choose is midi- or knee-length. With some tights underneath and a blazer thrown over, a midi-length turtleneck dress looks amazing. An alternative to wearing a blazer is a wraparound scarf.
Consider a Cowl Neck
You have to think outside the box when styling cowl necks for the office because they are typically thicker and more baggy-fitting.
When worn with the collared shirt we mentioned earlier, these sweaters look their best. Use a peplum or tunic-style collar shirt underneath so that the bottom of the shirt can be seen through the cowl neck.
With heels and slim-fitting dress pants, this pair looks fantastic.
Final Thoughts: is a Turtleneck Business Casual
There are other places besides the spare office drawer where you should store your turtleneck, too. A turtleneck won’t wrinkle when folded, unlike a shirt or blouse, due to the knit material it is made of.
For this reason, the turtleneck is also one of our favorite things to pack during a work trip.
The turtleneck is probably the best item of business clothing to pack in your bag if you travel frequently enough to warrant having it packed and ready to go.
Read More: Types of Turtlenecks
FAQs
Is Turtleneck Business Casual Woman?
Both men and women are able to dress in business casual with turtlenecks.
Is a Turtleneck Business Formal?
When dressing in business casual, a turtleneck sweater is the ideal replacement for a shirt and tie.
Is a Sweater Business Casual for a Woman?
For a business casual wardrobe, sweaters are unquestionably appropriate.
