How To Style a Choker Necklace

Love the look of a choker, but struggle to make it your own? Look no further, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of our top tips for styling ours Jon Richard chokers.

What is a choker necklace?

A choker is a short necklace, they are typically 14 to 16 inches. It should snug around your neck or rest at the base of your throat. Chokers were at their most popular in the 90s, however it has re-emerged back to the forefront of fashion trends.

When did the choker trend emerge?

The choker became fashionable in the 19^th century among British teens and Victorians. In the Victorian era, chokers were a symbol of wealth, social standing and modesty for Victorian women. Woman adorned their elaborate necklace pieces with precious gems at the time.

During the 1990s chokers became a key piece of fashion again. Many celebrities sported them, and they became a memorable accessory. One main trend of the choker during this era was the ‘tattoo’ choker: it was popular among trendsetters and goths.

Fast forward to 2015 and chokers remerged again, at the forefront of fashion. These chokers were a combination of textures, patterns, materials and colours. Chokers became statement pieces made with heavy chains, stripes and jewels. Many of these styles were popular on the catwalks during this year.

What does a choker necklace symbolize?

Although chokers in recent years have had a comeback as a fashion must-have, it is important to acknowledge the symbolism behind this jewellery accessory. Chokers have a deeper and darker history. Previously a symbol of violence and control, over time, they developed into a symbol of female ferocity and power.

Chokers date back thousands of years; they were first worn by the world’s earliest civilisations: Ancient Egypt. Women wore chokers to both hide and highlight the neck, the most vulnerable part of their body. Woman believed these necklaces were protective and infused with special power. In European culture, chokers were adopted into the fashion style at the time. However, they were seen as a symbol of danger and violence. A famous example of this includes Anne Boleyn’s painting, where she wears her famous ‘B’ choker. In the 1700s, women wore chokers as a political homage to those who died at the guillotine.

Later in the 1800s, chokers became a royal trend. Alexandre, Princess of Wales, was known to wear a thick row of pearls. This was to cover a scar that made her feel self-conscious. Queen Victoria also accessorised with chokers, and it became a symbol of wealth worn by the elite. In the 1970s chokers gained popularity again in the youth culture. They became a symbol of freedom and self-expression. It symbolized the long road woman had travelled from violence and oppression to freedom.

What are the different types of choker necklaces?

There are many different styles of chockers to add to your collection of jewellery. From delicate chokers to bold statement pieces, the styling options are endless. Whether you prefer a casual or elegant look, you can complete any look with a choker!

Delicate Chain Chokers

To adorn a classy chain choker, choose a lightweight and simple design that matches the rest of your jewellery and style. This fashionable look gives the ability to add more elegance into any look. This is also an easy and quick way to create a layered look with your other necklaces in your collection. Pair a chocker with a pendant necklace to create a more intricate jewellery look!

Chain chokers can be made from various materials such as, gold, silver or rose gold. Each metal can give a different aesthetic to your overall result. You can choose based on personal preference which material suits your style and vibe. We have a variety of chain chokers at Jon Richard for you to choose from.

Velvet Chokers

To create a luxurious look, opt for a velvet choker to add a touch of elegance to your outfit. Velvet chockers are a perfect choice for anyone who is looking to keep things sophisticated and classy. Velvet chokers come in different colours and thicknesses, allowing more possibilities to create the perfect vibe to match any look. Styling velvet chokers is easy, try styling with a classy black dress or pair with a blouse and jeans for a more casual vibe.

If you do opt for a velvet choker, we recommend keeping the rest of your jewellery simple. Let the choker shine and be the main focal point of your outfit. For example, style with delicate earrings or a simple bracelet to complement alongside the velvet choker. This means that the choker won’t be overshined and will steal the show!

Lace Chokers

Looking for a delicate look to match your style? Well, lace chockers are a perfect choice for you! Lace chokers elegance and femininity to any outfit.

When it comes to styling your lace chokers, there a few tips to keep in mind. Consider the colour of the lace you choose. White and black lace chokers are the most popular, this due to them being the most versatile when styling. However, if you want to be bold you can opt for a colourful lace choker. This will add a pop of colour to your outfit and make the look more fun.

More things to consider are the type of lace a width of the lace chokers. Some chokers have intricate patterns, while others have a simpler look. It is the same when it comes to the width. Some are dainty and delicate, while others are wider and bolder. Both the patterns and size of a choker can alter your look. It is important to understand and choose which design matches your personal style best.

Layered Chokers

To achieve a fashionable look, you could add a layered chocker into your collection. These styles of chokers are trendy and versatile, they can help elevate any outfit. Both casual and formal looks. They are an easy way to add elegance and sophistication to your look.

When styling layered chokers, you should keep a few tips and tricks in mind. First, it is important to consider the length of the choker and the thickness of each choker. This is to ensure that the necklaces you choose work and flow well together. For example, mixing thickness and lengths can add interest to the overall look. By doing this you will prevent the layered look from blending into one, it will also create a more dynamic and interesting look.

How long should a choker necklace be?

The length of a choker should be between 14 to 16 inches long, a good rule of thumb is to add 2 inches onto whatever your neck measurement is. This will be your comfortable choker length, and it is super important that your choker fits comfortably!

Layering Tips

Chokers upon chokers, a fun way to style your necklaces. Why wear one choker when you can wear multiple? Adding different lengths of necklaces to your look will create an interesting look. Choose different styles of chokers to add some dimension to your layered look: different thickness and textures.

What outfits to style with your choker

Need some outfit inspiration to pair with your choker? We’ve got you covered!

For a more casual look pair your choker with denim. Whether that is denim jeans or a denim jacket, adding a choker to your daily ensemble will instantly elevate your style game. You can go wrong with a classic tee, denim jeans and a delicate choker to finish off the look.

On the other hand, dressing styling your choker for a more formal look is just as easy. Take your favourite little black dress and pair it with your choker. For a wedding, a delicate and elegant choker, a dainty freshwater pearl choker.

For a party look, pair your LBD with a crystal choker. This will create an effortless night-time look to steal the show. You will feel fantastic and be ready to party the night away.

Style your choker with additional jewellery

Don’t be afraid to style your choker with other jewellery pieces in your collection. It can be daunting trying to figure out what works with what, but we have some tips to help you. We recommend keeping it simple, dainty earrings and bracelet. Allow the choker to have the spotlight while also accessorising your ears and wrists.

What not to wear with a choker necklace

Chokers naturally grab attention; this is why we would recommend avoiding other statement jewellery. For example, statement earrings or chunky bracelets. If you pair other statement jewellery alongside your choker the look could become distracting and take away from the main event, the choker.

Another thing to consider is the type of neckline to wear when styling your choker. When planning to wear your choker we would pair the necklace with a strapless or single strap tops, V-neck or off-shoulder necklines. The exposed neck will prevent the look from being overwhelming.

Chokers are back and here to stay! Not only are they a fashionable jewellery accessory but, they have their own history and meaning too. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to style your chokers going forward and if you don’t yet own a choker… No need to panic, you can shop our wide range of choker necklaces today at Jon Richard.