Chokin’ Around: How to Wear a Choker

Kendall Jenner wears choker at Balmain
Chrisanthi Kaliviotis

Beauty Expert

Apr 07, 2016

It’s time to dust the body glitter off your spaghetti-strap slip dresses, crop tops and washed denim; the 90s revolution is well and truly upon us. The 90s has been rehashed by way of beauty and fashion, but perhaps the most noteworthy trend is the choker, now ubiquitous on every catwalk and corner. Perhaps its success is in part due to its versatility; an item which can be taken from sunrise to sunset, in a multitude of textures, materials and sizes, the variables are endless. And you look like a cool cat wearing it.

A reinvented twist on the 90s tattooed variety (which too has made a comeback for the younger generation), chokers add instant sartorial standing to any outfit. Time to tie up those necks and in the words of Clueless’s Cher, repeat: “I’m more fabulous than 5 minutes ago…”

Ribbon Ready

The staple choker; black, thick and ribbon-like, this is for the high-fashion fillies who look like they’ve just stepped out of Fashion Week. Pair with either theatrical silhouettes or uber chic, monochromatic ensembles, and for extra fashion cred, tuck your tresses in and bunch up hair for the ultimate street style savvy.

Hayley baldwin choker
Hayley Baldwin wears ribbon choker in Milan

Sparkle Sparkle

For an injection of high-octane glamour, twinkle your way through a crowd with a glittery neckline. Either reference notes of Old Hollywood and pair with a gown, or play it down with frayed denim and a tonal tee. Makeup should be in keeping with your bejeweled neck; think fluttery lashes and dabs of glitter.

Kim Kardahsian wears choker
Kim Kardashian wears diamond choker

Fancy Pants

To add a little pizzazz to a plain outfit, drape your décolletage with an adorned choker. Think vintage-inspired pieces; art deco, chain-linked, coined, irregular and more, perfect for retro ensembles and bohemian vibes. Go off the (beauty) beaten track a little, and play with pink swept lids or chunky coloured liner.

Bella Hadid choker
Bella Hadid wears vintage chain choker in LA

Gilded in Gold

One for the glam gang, think Cleopatra meets Kim K. Perfect for Red Carpet ventures and nights out on the town, this statement neckline will jazz up any ol’ frock. Mirror you makeup with glitzy overtones; a winged line and copper for eyes pared down with a nude lip. Go for gold.

Taylor Swift gold choker
Taylor Swift wears gold choker at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party

Fine and Dandy

A perfect entry level choker for the fashion fainthearted. Build up your choker confidence and try this simple, modest take for day, opting for a classic colour. Beauty too should be minimal with model-off-duty vibes. Good things come in small packages after all.

Zoe Kravitz wears choker
Zoe Kravitz wears fine choker at New York Fashion Week

Futuristic Fervour

Fashion bravery beckons with this futuristic take on the choker, as perspex and mod materials take centre stage. Pair this plastic fantastic variation with 90s beauty and add a swipe of gloss across lids and cheeks in pearlescent, icy hues.

Karlie Kloss Balmain
Karlie Kloss wears perspex choker for Balmain

Double Trouble Choker

Layering has long been a trend for the fashionable folk, time to apply this to your décolletage, by layering up two chokers in tandem. Either go for a same-same look, or mix it up by integrating different textures and fabrications. Mix your makeup too; fool around with a smoky eye using different colours and tones.

Kendall Jenner choker
Kendall Jenner wears double choker at Estee Lauder launch

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By Chrisanthi Kaliviotis

Beauty Expert

With her lyrical turn of phrase and penchant for uber-glamour, Chrisanthi Kaliviotis is in her element writing about beauty for The Carousel, while weaving in fun fashion and pop culture references. She also loves a road test, so we send many of the new hair tools that arrive her way (she actually knows how to use them). Have you seen that hair?

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