How to Ace the Subtle Art of the ‘Olsen Tuck’ This Winter

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Photos: Courtesy of Getty Images

The Olsen twins are synonymous with three major things: Stoopside cigarette breaks, wearing their weight in vintage gold, and—by far my favorite—the infamous messy hair tuck. The Olsen twins’ signature hair tuck is a masterclass in studied nonchalance—flowing, center-parted strands, sometimes damp from a morning shower, tucked just so behind the ear, revealing the face without ever feeling styled. It’s the kind of quiet gesture that feels instinctive yet calculated, equal parts privacy and polish. A small move, perpetually replicated, that became shorthand for their brand of effortless, intellectual cool.

The Olsen Hair Tuck Essentials:

The Rigid Turtleneck
Cos chunky cashmere mock-neck sweater
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The Funnel-Neck Jacket
Banana Republic wool-blend top coat
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The Oversized Scarf
Toteme fringed appliquéd scarf
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Although one could argue that Le Tuck should be attributed to Phoebe Philo’s Celine, and Philo herself, the public eye has chosen the Olsen twins as the architects of this sloppy-chic hairdo. So, what does it entail, exactly? It’s air-dry waves slipped into a turtleneck, second-day straightened hair tucked behind the ear, and into a high-neck jacket. It’s tousled curls caught beneath an oversized scarf s heaviness—preferably wool, or cashmere.

There are a few key tools necessary to indulge, and excel at, the winterized Olsen Tuck. Discover those core elements, below.

The Cozy Turtleneck

The unsung hero of winter dressing: the turtleneck, unintentionally made just for hair tucking. You want a soft, fine-gauge knit with just enough structure to stand tall, skim the neck—no bulk, no collapsing, please!—to turn rushed mornings into intentional styling moments.

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Toteme

double-knit turtleneck

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Guest in Residence

cropped rib turtleneck

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Cos

chunky cashmere mock-neck sweater

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The Row

Essentials Kensington sweater

The Collared Jacket

Another ally for hair tucking? The funnel-neck jacket. Architectural, effortless, and fully functional (no scarf needed!), these collars rise just enough to frame the face and keep the hair swept away.

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Banana Republic

wool-blend top coat

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The Row

Temur coat

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Zara

oversized coat

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Róhe

Mandarin faux fur coat

The Oversized Scarf

Draped high around the neck, the right oversized scarf catches loose strands and bundled knots with ease, creating that lived-in, winter polish. Leave hair loose underneath, with just the base of the neck secured, or do a double-wrap for those frigid days that just arrived.

Cos

fringed scarf

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Toteme

fringed appliquéd scarf

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Uniqlo

Souffle chunky scarf

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By Malene Birger

Gam scarf

The Blouse

Looking for a way to embrace the Olsen tuck without relying on outerwear? The right blouse, artfully draped and all, should come in fluid fabrics, with a gentle stand collar or soft neckline that lets hair slip in and stay put. Romantic but precise, add a brooch for a final finishing touch.

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Toteme

high-neck twist blouse

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Rùadh

The Orbital turtleneck T-shirt

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Maria McManus

scarf-detailed blouse

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The Row

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