The vast majority of women don't have perfect bodies and we're all aware of that - however, it's universally acknowledged that even with the odds of age, cellulite or bad genes against us, all of us ladies can look great if we shop sensibly and wear clothes that flatter our figures. The point, as we all know, is to make the most of what we already have - while of course doing our best to always look better and try to expand the list of things we like about ourselves. However, we all try and we all have moments when we just fail - whether it's a top that's too low cut or a skirt that's too long and frumpy, fashion faux pas are not just for celebrities. There are, however, things that no woman should ever put on, and in that category, stylist Emily Neill includes turtleneck sweaters.

We all own at least one and we've all put them on confidently at least half a dozen times in the past year, thinking to ourselves "I look great in this". However, the infamous turtleneck sweater is not a lady's best friend - on the contrary. In fact, as Neill herself remarks in her book "Wardrobe Secrets", if we were to know for sure "that something is good and something is most likely bad for everyone, then V-necks are good and turtlenecks are bad". Which is something all of us should keep in mind. Why? It's quite simple, actually. A turtleneck hides one of the most important and feminine (not to mention one of the slimmest) areas of our bodies, namely the portion between the neck and the bust.

Also, when you put on anything with a high neck - particularly a sweater, no matter how light, colored or summery you think it is - you will automatically distort the upper side of your body and make your torso look bigger or chunkier. If you've got a more generous bust, turtlenecks are even worse news and should be avoided at all costs. They will make you look short and stocky, and while you may argue that they help you hide any unsightly bulges, the truth is they actually make them more visible. Unless you're extremely thin and have a flat-chested, boyish shape, turtlenecks are not to be found in your wardrobe.

Famous British TV fashion gurus Trinny and Susannah also believe turtlenecks are bad news for all the ladies. "High necks make women look like balloons semi-filled with water� and they take on the roll of a third chin". It sounds slightly more convincing than "turtlenecks are bad for your shape, don't wear them", which is why you should take a reasonable amount of time to consider all this the next rainy summer day when you're thinking of donning such a garment. As opposed to turtlenecks, V-neck sweaters will give your outfit a more classic touch - plus, there are always the added bonuses of showing a bit of cleavage and being able to choose just about any color that crosses your mind.