The most flattering turtleneck I've ever worn

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For someone who has a really round face, one of the many types of clothing I avoid wearing is a turtleneck. Mostly because I find it often making my double chin more obvious than it needs to look, especially in photos. I tend to reach for crew neck or v-neck sweaters to elongate my neck.

I recently received a surprise package from my friend Donna Zhong, the minimalist designer and founder of the namesake fashion brand Donna Zhong. Inside the package were several lovely pieces perfect for the fall to winter season, including a black turtleneck that features a sheer detail.

Initially, I was thinking to myself: “Oh no, I’m not going to be able to showcase this piece very well!.” As I held up the sweater, my husband happened to walk pass me and he complimented the design of the sweater. “That’s a nice top,” he said. I explained it most definitely won’t look nice on me because of my round face. But he suggested I should try it on anyway and since he usually never cares much about fashion, it was really a rare occasion — so I put the sweater on just to show him.

To my surprise, we both LOVED how the turtleneck looked on me!

Although it is indeed a turtleneck, the top part of the sweater features a sheer mesh fabric which allows some visual “breathing space.” It also is designed in a wide v shape, giving the illusion of it being a v-neck sweater.

I personally love that the v shape extends beyond the shoulders, almost like a dropped-shoulders design, making it sort of like an off-shoulder sweater! When worn, the sheer part isn’t wrapping around the neck too tightly, too, so it’s comfortable to wear and not suffocating.

The rest of the sweater is made with 100% wool. Overall, it’s soft to touch and keeps the body warm. I have the sweater in black, but the same style is available in an ivory color as well.

From the same collection, Donna also designed another turtleneck that has sheer panels on both sides instead of on the top part of the sweater. This style comes in both black and ivory, too. These pieces are great wardrobe staples that are not boring — but offer more character and personality.

When I posted the photo of me in the turtleneck on Instagram, someone asked me what bra I wore under it. So in case you’re wondering too, I actually wore my favorite adhesive nippies — they are amazing and I think everyone should own a pair!