Sexy Turtleneck Dresses Are Evening Wear’s Unlikeliest Trend

A turtleneck is a cozy fall staple—but is it the first thing you’d think of wearing for a glitzy red carpet? Likely not. Unless you’re Phoebe Philo or Steve Jobs, the sweater is something you’d typically wear on a nice crisp, casual fall day. However, in Hollywood, A-listers are now bringing the covered up silhouette to the carpet, choosing turtleneck dresses that are surprisingly chic. It’s one of the season’s unlikely trends.

The formal turtleneck trend kicked off back in March at the Oscars, when Zoë Kravitz attended the official after-party in a pristine white Saint Laurent turtleneck gown. The back was entirely exposed, making it feel decidedly sexier and more fitting for an evening event. Since then, turtleneck shapes have continued to creep their way onto the step and repeat. At the premiere of Bardo in London earlier this month, style star Jodie Turner-Smith wore Christopher Kane’s black dress with elasticized cutouts all over. The flashes of skin made it feel entirely fresh.

More recently, Kaia Gerber attended the Academy Museum Gala in L.A. wearing Alaïa’s slinky turtleneck gown with a ruched waist, making it more flattering and form-fitting. If you need even more convincing, the fresh look has also been trending on the fall runways. Dressy turtleneck gowns made a cameo at The Row, Fendi, and Saint Laurent. 

The key to pulling off the trend? Look for dresses that have an accentuated shape—or a flash of skin—to make it feel modern and gala-worthy. A pair of heels and a great evening clutch certainly helps. The vibe here is less “nice fall walk in the park,” and more “make the paparazzi go wild.” 

Below, more stars embracing the sexy turtleneck dress trend.