You can make any outfit look chic with a choker necklace. Chokers will help give any simple dress an upgraded look, whether you’re aiming for a trendy or minimalistic vibe. Chokers accentuate the neckline, making a statement without overpowering your look.
Chokers have been popular for ages, but styling them can be tricky if you're unsure. These close-fitting necklaces, often linked with punk and grunge styles, actually boast surprising versatility due to their long history. A choker snugly encircles the neck and sometimes features pendants.
Women have worn chokers for centuries, symbolizing both fashion and protection. Dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, chokers were believed to offer safety and empowerment. They were also favored in Western high societies like during the Renaissance, famously worn by figures like Alexandra of Denmark to conceal scars.
Continue reading this article so you will know the dos and don'ts of wearing a choker necklace.
Key Takeaways
-
Choose the right neckline for your choker and balance it with smaller earrings to avoid a cluttered look.
-
Experiment with different lengths, materials, and layering to find a choker style that is uniquely yours.
-
Don't pair a choker with overly busy outfits or large, bold accessories—try to keep the dress as the focal point of your look.
What to Do When Wearing a Choker Necklace
There are many things you can do while wearing a choker necklace if you follow these easy tips:
1. Consider Your Neckline
When choosing a choker, consider the neckline of your top. Wider chokers look great with strapless or single-strap tops, V-neck or off-shoulder styles, and sheer blouses. The bare skin keeps the look from being too stuffy. In contrast, thin chokers go well with higher necklines like a boat or crewneck tops.
A deep V-neck or strapless top that shows off your chest makes a choker look especially appealing. A one-shoulder neckline that reveals the collarbone also pairs nicely.
Also, think about the color of your neckline. Matching the colors is an easy way to create a coordinated look. For example, wear a sterling silver choker with blue stones over a blue top for an elegant and cohesive outfit.
2. Mind Your Balance and Focal Point
When styling a choker, think about the main focus of your outfit. Since the neck links the face and upper body, it naturally draws attention when adorned. A choker necklace will stand out, so opt for small and simple earrings if you choose to wear them. Since the neck extends from the face, large earrings may cloud the choker and create a cluttered appearance.
This doesn't mean you can't wear multiple earrings or bold pieces, but oversized statement earrings can overshadow the choker and give your face a boxy look. You can still wear multiple earrings if you have several piercings, but studs and short-drop earrings pair best with chokers. Therefore, avoid going overboard when selecting earrings to wear with a choker.
3. Choose the Right Choker Necklace for Your Style
When picking a choker necklace, consider your personal style. While fashion trends and influencers can offer ideas, choosing a choker showcasing your individual taste and personality is key. Many options fit every style, whether you're into subtle, delicate chokers or bold, eye-catching ones.
Also, learning the history and cultural background of choker necklaces may help you make better choices. From the chokers worn by ancient Egyptians to the 1990s tattoo chokers, they have a history that can add meaning and depth to your style.
4. Experiment With Lengths, Widths and Layers
Don't let previous advice limit you! You can still rock other accessories if you style your choker properly. Ultra-thin chokers are great for layering since they are subtle and light on their own.
Try stacking several slim chokers of similar shades instead of wearing one wide choker for a relaxed vibe. Thin to medium-width chokers also pair nicely with lariat necklaces, which are slim chains that hang down with a pendant.
Feel free to experiment with various widths. While a thick choker makes a bold statement, a thin leather band wrapped around the neck multiple times also looks fantastic.
What Not to Do When Wearing a Choker Necklace
For the choker necklace, as in anything in life, knowing what not to do can be as good as figuring out what to do. Avoid these mistakes below:
1. Don’t Wear It Too Tight
The best thing about the choker necklace is its simplicity. If you are new to wearing chokers, then choose an adjustable one so that you will find the most comfortable fit.
One shouldn’t think that just because it’s a choker, it needs to be tight. A choker should fit snugly but not so tight that it strangles or chokes you. It shouldn’t cause bulges on your skin, pinch, or be so loose and keep slipping off your neck.
2. Don’t Wear a Choker With an Overly Busy Dress
Avoid pairing a choker necklace with an overly busy outfit. Chokers are statement accessories. Hence, they should be styled with plainer clothes that make the choker pop. A detailed or busy outfit contrasts with the choker, making the whole look chaotic. Instead, choose a more understated ensemble to make your choker stand out and make a statement.
3. Don’t Over-Accessorize
Since choker necklaces are bold, you should pair them with subtle accessories. Do not wear large dangling earrings or chunky necklaces, which fight for attention with your choker and make you look messy. So, do not go for oversized accessories with a choker; try to maintain some refinement and elegance in the look.
This doesn’t mean you can never layer a choker or even wear it with other jewelry. Acceptable layering would be pairing your choker with delicate necklaces that complement it. For instance, you’ll want to layer very thin chokers with other slim necklaces at different lengths. Thin to medium-width chokers also look nice with lariat necklaces, providing a little sophistication without overpowering the choker.
On the other hand, over-accessorizing includes mixing too many bold or large jewelry pieces. Wear wider chokers alone so they are the focus around your neck and collarbone. Keeping your accessories simple and coordinated will ensure the choker is the star but doesn’t overshadow the rest of your outfit.
Conclusion
A choker necklace is cute and versatile if done right. You just have to remember which kind of neckline goes with which type of choker. For instance, strapless or V-neck dresses will go well with wider chokers, while dresses with a higher neckline will go well with thin chokers. Make sure to use smaller earrings to balance your look.
Experiment with different lengths and materials to see how they work for you, and then try layering them to find what works best. However, be careful not to over-accessorize or wear your choker with very busy outfits.
To get started, you can check out the Petite Chokers collection at Be The Light Malas and find the perfect choker to compliment your look.
