Trying to find the equilibrium between warmth and elegance at this time of year ultimately comes down to one thing: a knitwear rotation that has been thoughtfully, almost artfully, assembled. In theory, it sounds easy, but to the uninitiated, curating a capsule of knits that truly serves your wardrobe is something of an acquired skill.

A truly elevated knitwear collection rests on several core pieces. First come luxurious base layers—a soft cashmere or merino knit that sits neatly beneath everything else, then a cardigan with structure and intention, the kind that feels polished enough for the office but relaxed enough for evenings at home. And then there is the pièce de résistance of winter dressing: the chunky turtleneck. A few seasons ago, the term conjured memories of bulky, fusty silhouettes, but today’s interpretations are a different story. Designers have refined the proportions, sculpted the neckline, and balanced volume with precision, resulting in knits that bring instant elevation to denim, leggings or tailored trousers.

From COS’s cult Chunky Cashmere Funnel-Neck to Rise & Fall’s beautifully engineered merino styles, the landscape of knitwear has never been stronger. Keep scrolling to shop the styles that have earned a place in my own rotation.

Shop The Best Chunky Turtlenecks

From Steve Jobs’s iconic Issey Miyake iterations to Audrey Hepburn’s Greenwich Village gamine chic look from Funny Face, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of a turtleneck. A winter basic that is anything but boring, turtlenecks serve both functional and aesthetic purposes in a well-edited wardrobe.

With a sleek shape and warming effect, it gives any look an incredibly practical and polished slant. Boasting a sculpting bodice that clings to your mid-section and a high neckline that can gather from the base of your collarbone to the top of your chin, the silhouette reads as modern, cerebral and incredibly put-together.

To some, the idea of a top that inadvertently accentuates your jawline is one that shouldn’t be entertained. But you only need to look at the legion of tasteful adopters who have embraced this trend to realise there’s nothing to be afraid of.

If it’s good enough for Sharon Tate in the swinging ‘60s, Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Nadja Auermann in the legendary Versace campaign shot by Richard Avedon in the early ‘90s and archival Gap holiday collections from the ‘00s, it’s good enough for us, right?

I do say this with a slight element of bias, especially as a long-standing turtleneck supporter. As a precocious teenager, my own personal uniform included an American Apparel burgundy turtleneck and black pleated skirt, which was a far departure from the raw-hem Billabong shorts and Ripcurl tank tops my contemporaries were wearing as adolescents growing up in Sydney’s beachside suburbs.

As out of place as this looked in this setting, it felt right for me as someone whose gospel was Old Céline, Lorde’s Pure Heroine and the iconography of Tumblr circa 2014. Of the former, it really was Phoebe Philo’s designer off-duty wardrobe that helped catapult the look to the mainstream with her distinctly artistic take on normcore dressing.

Unpretentious and utilitarian, it was these endorsements that showcased the endless styling potential of a turtleneck. Layered under a button-up shirt and blazer, they become something powerful and sleek à la Lydia Tár’s sharp tailoring in Todd Field’s 2022 psychological thriller. Worn under a graphic t-shirt, like Alexa Chung did recently, they’re transformed again into something unfussy and riddled with cool girl sleaze. Worn on their own, they’re more preppy and prim, but certainly still charming thanks to the origins of the trend. All this to say, investing in a turtleneck is never an unwise choice.

Turtlenecks are also a fashion staple that’s earned the approval of several Who What Wear UK editors, so irrespective of whether you’re looking to add to your collection or purchase your first piece, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to compile the best styles currently available to shop. As tried, tested and recommended by us, scroll through for a guide to the best turtlenecks that will see you through this season and beyond.

The 8 Best Turtleneck Tops to Shop this Winter

1. Theory Turtleneck Sweater

Style Notes: As a leading voice in the fashion industry for nearly two decades, Who What Wear UK's managing director and former editor-in-chief, Hannah Almassi, is always on the pulse when it comes to identifying emerging trends and picking out quality pieces. "I have many beloved turtlenecks as they are my go-to during winter, but the one I rely on the most is from Theory," she tells me. "It makes sense that this one jumper has lasted me such a long time—the brand is known for its elevated, quality basics."

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2. Massimo Dutti Wool Blend Knit Sweater with High Neck

Style Notes: To be a writer at Who What Wear is to be a purveyor of the high street. However, I'm slightly ashamed to admit how unfamiliar I was with Massimo Dutti before this exercise. Everything in the store, from their warm wooden interiors to the decadent pieces hanging from the rails, was simply lush. This setting obviously put me in a pleasant mood, as I was instantly besotted with this gorgeous cream sweater.

To me, the look was reminiscent of Cameron Diaz’s costume in The Holiday, which couldn’t be more of a fitting tribute considering how near the festive season is. Made from a cashmere and wool blend, the style was expertly sumptuous and felt really fine over my skin. The turtleneck did gather quite a bit, so there was a lot of material to play around with and position as I liked, which I personally didn’t mind. (I know some people like their turtlenecks to just have one clean fold, so watch out for this with this piece.)

The material was slightly stretchy, so I would advise wearing flesh-coloured underwear, but it wasn’t so translucent that I couldn’t get away with wearing the piece in more formal settings, and you can always size up if modesty is paramount. Nancy Meyers, eat your heart out.

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3. & Other Stories Mock-Neck Top

Style Notes: Combining the swashbuckling trend that’s been bubbling up from the runway (Alexander McQueen and Dior’s Napoleon jackets from spring/summer 2026 collections) and the perennially enviable Parisienne sensibility, is this piece from & Other Stories. Ever since the Scottish designer took the reins as creative director, the brand’s pieces have certainly elevated. So, when I saw this very on-trend grey-and-black stripe mock net sitting on the shelves alongside this delicate satin skirt, I was instantly pulled in.

The mixture of the pirate-esque colourway and dainty mini felt entirely contemporary and completely aligned with my winter style philosophy; breezy, slightly subversive and a little bourgeois. On the turtleneck itself, I found the style incredibly insulating, which is a trait I can attribute to the 100% merino wool composition. The neckline is more of a mock silhouette, meaning that it doesn't awkwardly congregate and constrict. It is slightly sheer, but that only means the cut felt all the more French. Pairing this look with a pair of tights and ballet flats, I have a Beatnik chic outfit I’ll be wearing all winter long.

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4. COS Merino Wool High-Neck Top

Style Notes: Fresh from the runway is the COS merino wool high-neck top. Debuting in the brand’s recent autumn/winter 2025 collection presentation in New York, the piece itself is a snug fit with intelligently designed thumb holes that keep wandering sleeve hems at bay. The beauty in this piece is that it is rendered with a deceptive trompe l'oeil effect—something that you’d typically see explored by designers like Glenn Martens, Daniel Roseberry and Jean Paul Gaultier. At first glance, the fabric looks like a true flannel before transforming into a thinner wool upon closer inspection. With so many seasonal shades on offer and deft craftsmanship on show thanks to the delicate stitching, this is a piece that will see you through so many winters.

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5. Arket Roll-Neck Wool Top

Style Notes: A little-known fact about Arket is that the high-street staple actually originates in Sweden, meaning that every fibre and stitch is imbued with the signature minimalism the best Scandinavian brands are known for. This piece is proof of that, as it’s both streamlined and strong in shape. The tighter fit makes it perfect for protecting against the elements while providing a base canvas for you to layer on top of. Make like your inner Stockholm girl and pair with Cecilie Bahnsen x Asics trainers and a Ganni puffer coat.

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6. H&M Polo-Neck Jumper

Style Notes: In my personal opinion, not enough praise is sung for H&M’s basics. For such an affordable price point, these pieces have held their shape and stood the test of time just as well as some of my more expensive pieces have. Because of their price point, I also know I can be less fussy with them compared to my more cherished styles, but even after taking a beating, they still come out of the wash feeling brand new. This turtleneck is no different.

Honestly one of the most insulating styles I tried, I felt fully sheltered against the cold wind and spitting rain when walking out and about in this style. It’s a viscose blend, and whilst I don’t usually like to sing about synthetics, I didn’t feel like this style was any more or less scratchy than the pure natural fabrics I tried on. The fabric was thin, which also made it great for styling, but never flimsy. And for this considerably accessible price point, I can’t vouch for this piece more.

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7. Zara High-Neck T-Shirt

Style Notes: Whilst this is more of a high neck, the principle still applies. Comforting, cut close to the body and made of a stretchy cotton and elastic blend fabric that feels really polished when worn. This has made such a great addition to my basics arsenal, and the high neck brings a design element that I previously lacked. This will pair excellently with slip skirts and polished trousers, too.

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8. Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Turtleneck Jumper

Style Notes: “I live in turtlenecks as soon as the weather gets colder, so I’ve tried my fair share, but nothing beats this cashmere one from Uniqlo," says Who What Wear UK junior branded content editor, Humaa Hussain. "As the name suggests, it’s 100% cashmere, so is one of the softest, cosiest things I own. It goes with layering, on its own, under coats and cardigans. It’s honestly one of the best cashmere pieces on the high street that I’ve come across”.

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Shop More Turtlenecks

How We Tested

Who What Wear UK's editors tested the best turtlenecks by reviewing and trialling new-season styles and trusted old favourites. Taking to the high street and their closets, we vetted the turtlenecks based on comfort, durability, shape, sheerness and affordability to determine which styles were the best.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

With winter in full swing, I thought I'd take a moment to scan my current outfit rotation to see what may be lacking or in need of updating. When evaluating things, chic and elegant pieces are always top of mind—basically anything that will give my closet an expensive-looking boost. That said, I want to make any changes as low-lift as possible without making too much of an investment.

After considering the classics and current trends of the moment, I narrowed down six key pieces that are sure to bring cold-weather outfits to the next level. Think everything from timeless long coats to brown trainers that keep selling out. Scroll on to shop them all and see some visual outfit inspiration on how to wear each piece.

6 Chic, On-Trend Winter Wardrobe Staples:

1. Long Wool Coat

Style Notes: A long wool coat is a surefire way to instantly elevate any outfit all the while giving your look an expensive feel. Black, gray, and neutrals are what I reach for the most.

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2. Cashmere Everything

Style Notes: Wearing cashmere not only makes you feel luxurious, but the super-soft pieces are also ones that you'll wear often, making them a worthy investment.

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3. Brown Trainers

Style Notes: Brown trainers keep selling out everywhere, and for good reason. They look incredibly cool on and are comfortable without sacrificing style.

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4. Dark-Wash Jeans

Style Notes: Darker denim washes give jeans a more polished feel that reads dressier than the rest, so no matter how you style them, you get a rich-looking boost.

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5. Oversize Turtleneck Jumper

Style Notes: Oversize turtleneck jumpers exude an effortless elegance and can easily be paired with everything from leggings to jeans to skirts and more.

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6. Black Kitten-Heel Boots

Style Notes: Just like the brown trainers, these low-heeled boots offer tremendous comfort all the while looking incredibly sleek. Pair with jeans for the ultimate cool-girl outfit.

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This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Leggings may have started life as a humble loungewear item or a piece worn strictly for sport, but they've quietly—okay, not that quietly—earned their place as a real trousers alternative. We can thank the rise of casualwear during lockdown circa 2020, the ongoing shift towards comfort-first dressing and the fact that so many designers have nodded to the athleisure aesthetic in recent runway collections, such as Wales Bonner and Loewe, for their continued relevance. For better or worse, the question is no longer if leggings are appropriate for everyday wear—it's how to wear them well. And let's be honest: nailing the tops to wear with leggings is really what makes or breaks the look.

Still, even though the cultural conversation has shifted to accept these second-skin styles as daywear (and, in some cases, even evening wear), there's one important element that hasn't changed: if you don't choose the right top, leggings can veer into pyjama-adjacent territory. And while I'm all for comfort, there's a fine line between "off-duty model" and "just rolled out of bed". Getting the tops to wear with leggings right is the key to giving the look intentionality. It's how you signal that this is a fashion choice, not an afterthought.

Of course, that doesn’t mean sacrificing ease altogether. Here in the UK, we're currently in that frustrating transitional period where you might be caught in a shower one minute and squinting at the sun the next, which makes layered dressing crucial. The beauty of leggings is their versatility, and the right top can carry them from the sweaty Tube to a breezy coffee stop, and even into the early days of autumn.

Think rugby shirts shrugged over shoulders, boxy T-shirts borrowed from your boyfriend (or just the menswear section), and sharply cut blouses that feel smart without being stuffy. The point is: leggings can work, as long as the top half is considered. And after trialling more than I care to admit, there are five tops to wear with leggings that I come back to again and again.

From borrowed-from-rugby staples to the simplest tank, these are the silhouettes that always work—happy reading.

Shop Five Chic Tops To Wear With Leggings:

1. Blouse

Style Notes: If you thought blouses were too polished for leggings, think again. A lightweight button-up adds a bit of structure and the slight sheerness of silk or cotton voile works well against the stretch of leggings. Whether you go for a boxy poplin or a softly draped version, the blouse can bring an intentional feel to even the most casual leggings look. I love how Olivia Grace Herring has styled her capri leggings with flip flops above to keep the look grounded.

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2. Rugby Shirt

Style Notes: Rugby shirts have quietly slipped back into fashion's good books. With their boxy shape and typically thick cotton fabric, they offer the ideal structure to counterbalance sleek stretch leggings. Brands like Wales Bonner and Loewe reworked them into elevated basics, but the high street has followed suit with equally strong options. Slightly cropped styles or oversized cuts layered over leggings give a nod to Princess Diana’s iconic Sloane sporty look without feeling too try-hard. Try half-tucking a rugby shirt into high-waisted leggings and finishing with loafers or sleek trainers. Add a trench or boxy blazer on cooler days to make the whole outfit feel considered.

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3. Oversized T-Shirt

Style Notes: When in doubt, throw on an oversized tee. There's something effortlessly cool about the contrast between a slouchy, oversized top and fitted leggings. And because this combo leans casual, it's perfect for experimenting with colour or graphics. Whether it's a vintage-feel logo tee or something plain in thick cotton, the oversized tee has become a go-to in the tops to wear with leggings category. If you want to take it out of athleisure territory, wear with capri or even lace leggings.

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4. Tank Top

Style Notes: Sleeveless doesn't mean shapeless. A high-neck tank with wide straps offers balance to the fitted bottom half, and it's the kind of basic that works hard across your wardrobe. Whether cotton ribbed or stretch jersey, tanks are the simplest way to make leggings feel deliberate—and more "off-duty model" than "gym-bound". Add a leather bomber over your tank and leggings for an easy transitional outfit. Chunky jewellery helps make it feel styled.

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5. Turtleneck

Style Notes: Whether it's fine knit or ribbed jersey, the turtleneck is the grown-up counterpart to casual leggings. Slim silhouettes are best here—they skim the body without competing with the tight fit below. I've seen plenty of roll-necks peeking out from under waistcoats and structured tailoring, and this works especially well with stretch leggings as a base. Try a thin turtleneck under a denim shirt or overshirt. You can also wear it solo with leggings, ankle boots and a crossbody bag for a minimal look.

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After years as a fashion editor, one thing has become abundantly clear: not all winter outfits are created equal. Of course, their primary function is to keep you warm—if they're doing that, you're already winning. But if you’re aiming to craft an ensemble that’s as chic as it is cosy, well, that’s a whole different ballgame.

The key, in my experience, lies in the layers you choose. A second-skin base is a must—it creates the perfect foundation for everything else to sit smoothly on the body. But beyond that it's all about the details. Proportions, for instance, can completely transform an outfit. Take the tall roll-neck knit: layered beneath a jacket or shirt and then topped with a structured coat, this single piece can elevate your entire look. It’s a simple formula, but one of the chicest combinations I can think of for winter dressing.

Phoebe Dynevor recently offered a masterclass in this styling trick, stepping out in an elegant layered look that had me ready to out my own roll-neck knit. Dynevor paired a sleek, form-fitting roll-neck top under a light brown suede jacket, which she styled with a matching skirt. To complete the ensemble, she added one more layer: a calf-length camel coat. The result? An outfit that’s both polished and practical. Finishing her look with Celine's new Small Camille 16 bag (£2100), which launches on 30 January, and knee-high boots, Dynevor's outfit ticked all the chic winter styling boxes I can think of.

What made it particularly striking was the roll-neck itself. Peeking out from beneath her jacket, the knit extended elegantly up her neck, adding warmth and elongating her proportions.

As we settle deeper into winter and our go-to knits start to feel a little too familiar, this layering trick offers a fresh way to reinvigorate your looks. Whether layered under a crisp cotton shirt for a touch of texture, then styled beneath a heavier coat and blazer, a roll-neck is an unsung knitwear hero.

Extending the life of the lighter items in your wardrobe, this trick ensures you look as stylish as you feel snug—layering roll necks is an outfit formula fashion editors always come back to in the cold, especially during fashion month, so it has that going for it, too.

Now, I will be shocked if you don't already have a roll-knit in your wardrobe but if that is indeed the case, read on discover our edit of the best roll-neck knits below.

SHOP BEST ROLL NECKS:

Though we're yet to experience the full wrath of a British winter, the days are getting noticeably shorter and the quickening wind has has regained its familiar cool whip. Add in the insane amount of rain we're experiencing and rapid temperature drops, and there's no denying that it is now finally cold enough to not only don our cosiest winter coats, but, in fact, it is so chilly that an a additional layer or two underneath wouldn't go amiss. Now layering season has come into full effect, we'll be reaching for fine knits with high necks for that extra bit of coverage that these days demand.

As fashion editors, we've invested serious time into hunting down the lightweight knits that are up to the job. Whilst the weather remains changeable, we're keenly looking for a fine layer that doesn't add bulk and can work within our winter capsule wardrobe by layering underneath a fuller knit, a cotton shirt or a warm jacket.

We've scoured the high street to find the turtleneck that does it best, and topping the charts is COS' Merino Wool Turtleneck Top (£55).

Composed of insulating merino wool, this fine knit is ideal for autumn layering. The pleasantly soft wool knit sits comfortably on the skin without agitating it in the way that some itchier wools can. Sitting closely without clinging, this fine knit turtleneck has very quickly become a pillar in my wardrobe rotation, layering underneath heavier knits or standing up on its own on warmer days.

Off the back of back-to-school season, I'm inspired to style mine underneath a crisp white shirt and longline blazer, but moving forward into the colder months I'll be wearing this as a base layer underneath thick wool knits or cosy winter coats.

The turtleneck top completely sold out last year, but it's finally back for the new season. Shop while you can.

Shop The COS Turtleneck Top: