Shape Your Style

• Shape Your Style

  Many of us use winter as an excuse to wear practical turtlenecks for two solid months. But when it comes to flattering your figure, bulky or too-tight turtlenecks are about a half step up from overalls. But it is possible to find styles that flatter your shape. Take a look at our before and after gallery for tips on turning this winter staple into one of your most stylish looks, plus options for better tops for your frame.
  Image credit: Liz Linder

• Shape Your Style

  BEFORE
  
  Small framed women should avoid cotton turtlenecks -- they will billow off of you before you've worn them even a few times. Look for something with Lycra, the more the better. Deborah's cotton turtleneck bags under the arms, bulges at the sides and completely engulfs her thin neck.
  Image credit: Liz Linder

• Shape Your Style

  AFTER
  
  This fitted option -- with plenty of figure-hugging Lycra -- flatters the slim/athletic-bodied by accentuating their curves, no matter how small they are. When paired with classic pieces -- like khakis -- the overall look is "cultivated sophistication" rather than "unkempt skinniness."
  Image credit: Liz Linder

• Shape Your Style

  BEFORE
  
  This is Sara's favorite turtleneck. Sure, it's warm and cozy, but the fit makes her look far thicker than she is, as well as top-heavy.
  Image credit: Liz Linder

• Shape Your Style

  AFTER
  
  Sara successfully softens her angles in this fitted number, accented by a sleek mock neck and button detail (with matching detail on the sleeve). The torso-hugging fit helps create a waist and suggest the curve of a bust. Combined with a tidy up-do, trouser pants and classic pumps, Sara looks completely put together.
  Image credit: Liz Linder

• Shape Your Style

  BEFORE
  
  Yvette has some thyroid swelling in her neck and doesn't like to wear anything that may emphasize it, thus the roomy cowl neck she's wearing here. The giant swath of fabric makes her top look like one big torso, hiding what could be a shapely midsection.
  Image credit: Liz Linder

• Shape Your Style

  AFTER
  
  This V-neck wrap top opens up Yvette's face and chest and keeps extra fabric away from her neck. The empire style cinches at the narrowest part of her torso and skirts out to mask her belly.
  Image credit: Liz Linder

• Shape Your Style

  BEFORE
  
  Lily is full-figured with a larger bust, rounded broad shoulders and a tummy. She wants one thing from her turtleneck -- coverage. But the style she wears here gives the appearance of a floating head and round face, an even more rounded shoulder and no waist at all.
  Image credit: Liz Linder

• Shape Your Style

  AFTER
  
  Fight the instinct to cover and try a fitted v-neck instead. This one on Lily draws our eye to her face and neck, and its tighter fit flatters her chest (without overemphasizing it) while accentuating her waist. Firmer fabrics with design details -- like darts at the torso and bust -- are a better option for a heavier chest and thick middle.
  Image credit: Liz Linder

• Shape Your Style

  BEFORE
  
  Morgan is tall and what you might call big-boned. Her overall proportion works well with a fitted turtleneck. The extra fabric and bulk of this "comfy" sweater doesn't work for her at all. It's way too short and has no design detail. The cowl neck adds to an overall baggy appearance that makes her face look heavier than it is.
  Image credit: Liz Linder