While the choker necklace of the past blatantly stirs up memories of tattoo-style versions that we paired with frosted lipstick and butterfly clips, today's designs are proving to be anything but juvenile. Celebs are officially reviving the '90s accessory, taking it from the streets to the red carpet and brazenly proving that the neck-tight trend is in fact a sophisticated staple. For ways to reprogram your thinking about the old-school trend, celebs like Rihanna, Ashley Tisdale and others demonstrate chic ways to wear chokers right now.
Ninties inspired? Absolutely. Rhianna pulls off her vampy, weighted version with a full-on, black ensemble. A large-sized, sliver-on-black strap that covers the entirety of the neck is best matched with a flash of décolletage to balance out its severity. Since the necklace itself is gaudy, dark lipstick and playful hair twists don't look too harsh, especially when the soft, neutral slip dress and coverlet don't try and compete.
Behati Prinsloo's signature style is consistently grungy-chic, and the choker is a natural add-on for almost any of the model's pared-down looks. For a like-minded airport ensemble, layer the thick, delicately-tied version with a second, thin chain necklace and a simple combo of jeans and t-shirt. Behati's ripped boyfriend jeans, off-duty sweater and white sneakers are a cool-weather take that achieves a laid-back vibe.
Hailee Steinfeld knows that a thick, metal hardware version is one style that's best reserved for evening wear. Worn with a tailored, white jumpsuit and smoky-eye makeup, this gold accessory is the main attraction. With a choker this eye-catching, other accessories like a gold clutch and platform metallic sandals in the same color streamline the look, keeping it from looking cluttered.
Ashley Tisdale is all of us when we were teenagers trying to make the choker happen. In reality, our teen selves never looked as pulled together as the celeb, who pairs her thin strappy cord with equally strappy sandals for a cohesive look. Black leather leggings and a graphic tee say glammed-up rocker chic and a faux fur leopard coat in a slimming cut keeps the look edgy but polished.
Leave it to Miranda Kerr to make the choker the only accessory you need to pull a model-off-duty outfit together. We know the beauty loves her casual black jeans, leather booties and a loose, white tee combo, but a metallic add-on is all you need to make sophisticated statement.