How to Wear Chokers

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Chokers are a versatile, flattering accessory that can add the perfect touch to just about any outfit. To properly wear a choker, first choose a size, color, and style that you like, then put on the choker and adjust it to fit your neck. Pair your choker with longer necklaces and style it to suit different outfits, from office wear to a 90s look.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Finding a Choker that Suits You

PDF download Download Article
  1. Look for a material that will be comfortable against your neck and complement your outfit. You can choose from fabrics such as lace, velvet, ribbon, or a simple strip. You could also opt for a choker made of metal, leather, plastic, or beading. [1]
    • Fabric or leather are likely to be the most comfortable choker materials.
  2. While a standard choker length is 16 inches (41 cm), chokers can range in length from close-fitting to long strands or strips. Longer chokers can be wrapped multiple times around your throat for a layered look. Shorter chokers can be paired with other necklaces or worn by themselves for a simpler, more minimalistic look.
    • Measure your neck before shopping for chokers. Make sure to add 2 inches (5.1 cm) to your neck measurement in order to find a comfortable fit.
    Advertisement
  3. Sizes range from thicker, more structured pieces to thin, delicate strands. [2] For a more subtle look, go for a thin choker made of natural materials or a simple chain. If you want more of a statement piece, choose a thicker, heavier style with more room for embellishment. Large metal chokers are a popular statement accessory.
  4. Basic neutrals will likely match more outfits and give you more options. Colors like black, navy, or white are perfect for fabric chokers. Metals are often very versatile, so pick a metal that matches your skin tone. You could also choose a choker for in bright colors such as turquoise or red for a statement piece.
    • Silver jewelry often looks best on cool-toned skin, while gold looks best on warm-toned. Determine your skin tone to decide which metals will complement you best.
  5. For a simple, versatile option, go for a delicate chain or a thin strip of black velvet. If you’re looking for a more adorned piece, look for chokers with a pendant, charm, or studded details. [3] You could also choose a statement piece that accents a specific style.
    • For example, you could choose a geometric piece, such as something metal, structured, and more architectural. You could also opt for something more boho, such as a braided leather strand. [4]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Putting on a Choker

PDF download Download Article
  1. Many chokers will have a metal clasp or hook in the back. However, some chokers may use knots or wrapping instead of clasps, such as plastic, wrapped, or fabric chokers.
    • If your choker has a clasp, check for an adjustable chain with several loops to choose from, or just one loop to attach the clasp to.
    • Plastic tattoo chokers should be stretchy enough to fit over your head and around your throat.
    • Wrapped chokers should comfortably circle your throat several times, with the ends tied or left hanging.
    • Fabric chokers should wrap around your throat once and tie in the back, with the ends loose.
  2. Some chokers sit higher on the neck, such as stretchy or fabric chokers, while others settle over the collar bone. The fit will depend on the length of your choker and whether or not it has an adjustable chain. Close the clasp, if the choker has one, once you find a comfortable position.
    • To attach the clasp, you may want to turn the necklace around so the clasp is in the front, then look in a mirror to have a clear view. Close the clasp, then rotate the choker back around so the clasp is at the back.
  3. A good way to tell if your choker is too tight is fit a finger between the choker and your neck. If your finger doesn’t fit, your choker is likely too tight. You should also be able to rotate the necklace around your neck. If the choker won’t move or pinches and hurts when you try to turn it, then the choker is too tight.
  4. The choker should sit comfortably on your throat without feeling too tight or restrictive. Adjust the length or re-tie the ends, depending on what kind of choker you’re wearing, until the choker feels comfortable and sits where you want it to.
    • If your choker is not adjustable and continues to feel uncomfortable or too tight, it may be too small for you. Look for a different choker that you can adjust to get the perfect fit.
    • If you have trouble finding a choker that fits, measure your neck’s circumference with a tailor’s measuring tape or a piece of string, then look for chokers specifically in your size.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Styling a Choker

PDF download Download Article
  1. Choose 2 longer necklace with delicate chains—such as a bar necklace and a pendant necklace—to pair with a sleek, minimalistic choker that rests at your collarbone. Your choker should be a little thicker than the chains of the other 2 necklaces so it anchors the look.
    • Generally, you shouldn’t mix metals, so choose 2 longer necklaces made from the same metal as the choker. For example, pair silver with silver and gold with gold—this will make your necklace trio look more cohesive.
    • Vary the necklaces’ lengths for a more balanced, curated look. The second necklace should be around 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) and the third necklace should be around 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm).
  2. The stretchy black tattoo choker is a classic 90s accessory. To complete your 90s-inspired outfit, wear a plaid shirt, jean shorts, and dark lipstick. You could also wear a patterned dress and some knee high socks. [5]
  3. Wear an outfit in a head-to-toe neutral, such as all black, navy, or white. Add a tied fabric choker in the same color to make your outfit look seamless and cohesive. A monochromatic dress and jacket or pantsuit are great options for professional events or office wear. [6]
  4. Wear a single braided leather choker or a longer, wrapped leather choker to achieve a classic boho look. Pair the choker with a flowy dress and some ankle boots for a complete outfit.
  5. When you’re going out for the night, opt for a sparkly statement piece and choose a choker decorated with little diamonds or crystals. Pair it with a dress or V-neck top with a lower neckline to showcase the choker’s sparkling details. [8]
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What clothes should I wear with chokers?
    Joanne Gruber
    Professional Stylist
    Joanne Gruber is a Professional Stylist based in Los Angeles, California. She has worked in the fashion and style industries for over 10 years, specializing in educating people on the art of re-purposing existing clothing to freshen up a wardrobe. Joanne opened The Closet Stylist in 2007, a personal style service combining wardrobe editing with organization.
    Joanne Gruber
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Try out a layered look with a matching choker for an outfit that's really stylish.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Put On Cufflinks
      How to
      Wear a Brooch
      How to
      Wear a Lapel Pin
      How to
      Choose the Right Jewelry for Your Skin Tone and Face Shape
      How to
      Clean a Rusty Necklace
      How to
      Wear a Chain with a Hoodie
      How to
      Tie an Anklet
      How to
      Wear a Pin
      How to
      Use Beard Jewelry
      How to
      Identify Lab Grown Diamonds
      How to
      Keep Necklaces from Tangling When Traveling
      How to
      Start a Jewelry Business
      How to
      Test Jewelry for Lead
      Why Do People Wear Razor Blade Necklaces? Exploring the Trend
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/celebrity-choker-style
      2. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/celebrity-choker-style
      3. ↑ Joanne Gruber. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 July 2019.
      4. ↑ https://www.today.com/style/new-necklace-39-ways-wear-hottest-jewelry-style-now-t100597
      5. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-wear-choker
      6. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-wear-choker
      7. ↑ Kalee Hewlett. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 20 April 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-wear-choker

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to wear a choker, measure the distance around your neck, then add 2 inches to that measurement to get a comfortable length for your choker. You should be able to comfortably slip one finger between the choker and your neck. If you want your choker to have a more subtle look, look for a thin choker make of natural materials or a simple chain. If you want more of a statement piece, choose a thicker, heavier choker, or one with embellishments. Read on for some ideas of how to style your choker, like a cool monochromatic look!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 49,154 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Dec 25, 2017

        "How to put a wrapped choker on helped. "
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement