What I Wore: The Perfect Turtleneck

They're hot, they're itchy, they're sheer, they're bulky, they stretch out, they're too tight, they are a necessary evil.  What am I talking about? Turtlenecks! When it's cold outside, turtlenecks are a brilliant choice but so many disappoint with their fabric, fit, or quality. Chico's asked me to try out their Coolmax® turtleneck and it may be the perfect turtleneck.

turtleneck | skirt | earrings | belt | bag | boots | lipstick

Turtleneck: Coolmax® Turtleneck c/o Chico's (2 Petite) | Skirt: Black Label Pleated Skirt c/o Chico's (2) | Belt: Leopard-Buckle Belt c/o Chico's (Medium) | Bag: Embroidered Crossbody Bag c/o Chico's | Earrings: Gold-Tone Statement Circular Chandelier Earrings c/o Chico's | Boots: Ros Hommerson (old; similar) | Lipstick: L'Oreal in Matte-Traction Red

The turtleneck is ribbed and feels like a soft high-end cotton.  The turtleneck isn't too tight but isn't floppy.  The body is slim but not tight, the fabric thick enough to keep you warm but thin enough you can tuck it in without bulk. No defined cuffs or hem provides clean lines, but don't think this sweater will stretch out. I'm famous for pushing up my sleeves and stretching out arms but this turtleneck bounces right back. All this and the Coolmax® fabric wicks away moisture to keep you feeling dry and comfortable even if the office heat is on max or you're sitting closest to the fireplace. If this turtleneck looks familiar it's because it's the same one I wore in this outfit post.  And if you follow me on Instagram Stories you saw I wore it last week with my Universal Standard overalls.

Chico's invited me to style the turtleneck with anything from their current collection for Instagram and I couldn't resist this skirt.  It's that perfect bit of sparkle to look festive without screaming holiday or formalwear. While I styled it here with a turtleneck, you could dress it down with a denim jacket and your favorite tee or a chambray shirt.  It also would look elegant with a silk blouse in black or even in white or ivory.  And with such fabric, this is the kind of skirt that could be worn all year long.  With the weather we have now, I kept warm by having my tall leather boots and a pair of fleece tights underneath.

And how could I NOT get this belt?  FYI, Chico's belts run large; this is a size Medium and I still have plenty of belt left to adjust.  If I were a 10, I'd likely go with a size Small. The belt itself is glossy leather that works with nice trousers as well as your favorite pair of worn-in jeans.  I liked how a belt finished the look, especially with a tucked-in sweater.  And this bag… it's way cooler in person.  It looks like the kind of bag you picked up when traveling. The gold metallic threads really shine and the embroidery detail is gorgeous. I like how it's shiny and dressy without being too glitzy or sparkly; I can see myself using this bag at a concert or festival because it's lightweight and a perfect strap length for wearing as a crossbody.