This Sneaky Shirt Layering Trick Is Responsible For My Best Winter Outfits

To be honest, I spent my late teens and early 20s suffering for the sake of fashion. I wore the sky-high heels even though they gave me blisters; I went out in freezing temperatures without wearing a coat; I even messed around with various bras, from stiff push-ups to not-so-sticky stick-ons, before I realized a little something. There's always, always, always a workaround, and more often than not, the alternative looks 10 times better (for example: I've since ditched the heels for leg-lengthening pairs of boots).

That's also how I feel when it comes to layering during the winter. While I love the look of a turtleneck styled under a sweater or even a button-down, I personally dread the feeling of being overheated once indoors. So, a few short years ago, I made the wise choice to invest in a bunch of sleeveless turtlenecks, and now, I wear them under every type of top, all season long.

Aside from helping me achieve a sleek, fashion-forward look minus the sweat, it creates a lot less bulk than a long-sleeved shirt would. I've styled sleeveless turtlenecks under T-shirts, sweatshirts, collared shirts — you name it — and oftentimes, it's the tiny, extra detail that helps to punch up my outfit.

This trick isn't limited to a solid-colored sleeveless turtleneck, either. I love working prints into whatever I'm wearing, and realized that pulling on a striped or printed option is an easy way to add a much-needed pop.

I've color coordinated these babies as well, wearing a black sleeveless turtleneck under a graphic tee with black text. In this case, it really helped to pull my look together and made an otherwise casual outfit feel a bit more elevated.

Recently, I've discovered via TikTok that a full shirt isn't even necessary. If it's not that cold out but you still want to achieve a layered look, you can buy just the turtleneck collar off of Amazon and no one will know the difference.

Thankfully, you can take your pick when it comes to purchasing. Amazon sells a bunch of detachable turtleneck dickeys, while LOFT has a chunky, ribbed version. Personally, I get the most use out of simple, solid, sleeveless turtlenecks, and have spotted similar styles at Theory, Express, and ModCloth. ELOQUII also sells mock-necks in various prints and patterns.

Like I said, I've been pulling this trick for years, so it's a good investment in my book. Even if you plan to spend most of the season at home, this is an easy and cozy way to boost your outfit for whatever virtual hangs you have planned.