Necks are essentially extensions of our faces and therefore vital fashion real estate. Ever since 90s fashion trends made their way back into the fold, easy-to-wear chokers have become our throats’ best friends — and with good reason. They were born to be worn with the off-the-shoulder trend, you can easily DIY one from any length of leather or ribbon, and more often than not they come in neutral monochromes or metallics that go with literally everything.
Neckpieces come in all shapes and sizes, as exemplified by the Fall 2016 runways of Alexander Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent, Loewe, Givenchy and many, many more. They can be rebellious, chic or somewhere in between, as proven by the fashion front-runners who rock them on a nearly daily basis. (Here we refer to Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and FKA twigs, to name just a few.)
Chokers made appearances at several Fall 2016 runway shows, including that of Loewe; Image: Imaxtree
Whether you choose to Nefertiti-out or not, one thing’s for sure: Everything south of your clavicle looks a touch more polished thanks to these inherently feminine bands. Behold:
A sparkling neck elevates even the most exaggerated ensembles.
Simple bands add interest to a minimal look while keeping things streamlined.
On more formal occasions, sparkly neckpieces make for classy plus-ones, especially when accompanied by slicked-back hair.
Layering multiple chokers stacks the sartorial odds in your favor.
Those who abide by the “go hard or go home” rule of accessorizing have no shortage of statement-making options.
They’re truly timeless add-ons.
Jennifer Lopez, arbiter of 90s fashion, wears a choker at the 70th Annual Academy Awards; Image: SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images
Click through the slideshow below to shop some celebrity-sanctioned options along with our personal favorites.
