Chokers: how to choose and wear the sexiest piece of jewelry of the season

Jewelery and bijouterie

It seduces and hints, fits snugly, attracts attention and ignites the imagination ... You can hardly find a more sexy piece of jewelry than a choker. We will tell you how to wear this short necklace so as not to look vulgar, and with what basic wardrobe items to combine it.

Choker - a kind of necklace that fits snugly around the neck and is equipped with a size regulator. From the English. "Choker" - "strangler." Today there are many models that, with some additions, repeat the shape of a choker: collars (or collars), short necklaces, collars ... The main thing that characterizes a choker is its length. Usually it does not exceed 35-40 cm. There are chokers in the form of chains or metal structures, decorated with inserts, pendants and no decor at all. Others are made from leather, lace, velvet, plastic, and even fishing line. In general, there are many styles and combinations.

What did chokers mean in ancient times

The first chokers, the mention of which has survived to this day, were rigid, made of precious metals. With their help, the ancient Egyptians in the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. emphasized their position in society and closeness to its influential representatives. Often, such an adornment was very massive, it covered not only the neck, but also the shoulders and was worn like a shortened precious cape.

Scientists also found samples of chokers belonging to the representatives of the Mayan civilization, they are dated to the II century BC.

The ancient Indians endowed chokers with a sacred meaning, considering them to be amulets that protect against evil spirits.

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These jewelry carried an absolutely opposite meaning for the ancient Greeks and Romans. Chokers with heavy hanging medallions were worn exclusively by slaves, and the medallion indicated who their master was and to which “house” they belonged.

When the choker became a fashion accessory

In the 16th century, the choker, discarding the symbolism of the past, became one of the most popular and fashionable accessories. It got into the current trends of the century thanks to Anne Boleyn - Queen of England, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England Tudor. She adored chokers, especially those that were encrusted with pearls. She rightly believed that these necklaces emphasize her status in society and glorified sexuality, and the obsequious retinue only strengthened her confidence in this.

Another grand dame of that time, Queen Elizabeth I, did not lag behind. In almost all portraits, her graceful neck is decorated with multi-tiered chokers inlaid pearls and precious stones (in particular, the queen loved rubies).

This and the next century were characterized by massive chokers made of gold and silver, inlaid with precious stones and worn, as a rule, complete with more delicate accessories - long pearl beads and pendants that go down to the chest (by the way, this mix & match is still in vogue today ). Often, chokers were worn directly over a voluminous stand-up collar (and this is also a current trend now).

As for the 18th century, the feminine ribbon chokers and bow chokers just fit perfectly with the high hairstyles and plunging neckline dresses. Chokers characteristic of this period were predominantly textile and limited in color - either pastel shades or classic black. And the real star here, of course, was the main fashionista Marie Antoinette. She wore chokers all the time, making them a flirty element to most of her outfits.

Still from the film "Marie Antoinette" (2006)

Signs of the courtesans

In the 19th century, chokers gained scandalous fame, but, at the same time, they acquired even greater sexual overtones. And all because this accessory came to the taste of courtesans and women of easy virtue - they decorated their necks with a thin black ribbon. Some ballerinas were also fond of decoration, wishing to find a rich patron.

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The only exception was, perhaps, only a brilliant fashionista, wife of Edward VII Alexander Danish. She wore luxurious tiered chokers that covered almost the entire neck and were decorated with pearls or wide black velvet ribbons with diamond inserts (it looked just stunning).

Decoration style icons

In the 20th century, the popularity of chokers did not fade, thanks primarily to Hollywood actresses. Lana Turner, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor. Chokers on iconic actresses and beauties of the century could be observed with enviable regularity.

The unconditional style icon, Princess Diana, was also not indifferent to chokers, whose images are still the inspiration for many fashion houses. With her submission, chokers with pearls and precious stones have become one of the most popular trends in jewelry fashion.

However, in parallel with the emergence of subcultures, chokers became a symbol of a particular musical movement. That there are only leather collars with spikes, embodying rock culture.

What chokers to wear today and with what

With sweaters and turtlenecks

Bulky sweaters, turtlenecks with a closed neck, sweaters and chunky-knit cardigans - most of the winter wardrobe will only benefit from "meeting" a flirty choker. We especially love the combination of thin, almost sheer basic jumpers with lace chokers over the collar.

With denim

Patchwork-style shirts from denim inserts of different shades or from very light worn jeans (which was previously called "dumplings") look ultra-fashionable. Choose a deliberately simple choker for such a shirt - from black fabric with the most laconic decor. You can complement the look with simple metal jewelry to match the fittings.

Teen style

Trendy, like children's jewelry made of bright plastic and beads are still in trend. Chokers in a similar style can be worn with multi-colored knitted jumpers, as well as with more "adult" outfits in the spirit of modern hippies. In the cold season, such an image is also relevant. Add a long knitted cardigan and the trendy outfit is ready. The more funny pendants in the form of shells, flowers, hearts on your choker, the better!

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With men's jackets

The contrast between a deliberately tailored cut, an oversized silhouette (as if a jacket had been taken off your boyfriend's shoulders) and a feminine, flirty choker is perfect. You can wear a feminine silk top or blouse under the jacket, then the outfit will become almost cocktail. Here, both massive chokers and more elegant options in the form of leather laces will be appropriate.

With bomber jackets and sport chic outfits

Whether it's classic white T-shirts or oversized dress tees, bombers, hoodies, sweatshirts, hoodies and crop tops, any catchy, sporty chic is the perfect backdrop for a choker. Choose a decoration depending on how effective you want to make an impression. A simple black choker made of fabric or fishing line - for every day; multi-colored choker - for an image for a concert, party or festival; a choker in the form of metal chains is an “afternoon” option for those who like to be the center of attention.

With white shirt

Massive collars, thin ribbons, elegant metal necklaces or ethnic chokers made of multi-colored beads - whatever jewelry you choose, it will look spectacular and appropriate with a white shirt. A choker in tandem with a V-neck will accentuate the grace of your neck and collarbones, while white will serve as a neutral backdrop for an accent piece.

With a minimum of clothes like the Hadid sisters

Ok, in the winter season, on top of an outfit made of tiny stripes, we allow you to put on a fluffy fur coat made of faux fur. Chokers choose either classic black or shiny, completely decorated with stones and rhinestones. But judging by the cozy blizzard outside the window, it is better to save this outfit to a frankly positive temperature. It will definitely not go out of fashion until the summer of 2022.

(bonus for those who have read to the end) And it is also so beautiful ...

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