Remember back in 2016 when a simple piece of black thread was the hype and it became indispensable to have it in your accessories collection? The fashion trend that came back from the 90s- Chokers!
What are Chokers?
Chokers are necklaces that are close-fitted and are made of fabric, leather or chain. However, the history of chokers does not stop in the 90s. You can trace it back to 2500BC. According to the Jewelry Museum of Fine Arts, Sumerian artisans used to make golden chokers in 2500BC. Thus proving its existence during the world’s foremost civilization.
The Sumerians in Mesopotamia was not the only early civilization to craft chokers, the royal people of Ancient Egypt were also known to wear chokers. Those chokers were mostly made of gold and were believed that those necklaces were ingrained with special powers that protected the ones who wore them.
It is satirical how throughout the history of fashion, chokers have been an expression of both power and acquiescent. We have seen how the symbolism of the choker has changed along with its forms.
The Victorian Era
It was during the Victorian Era when the choker necklace showed expression of both power and submission. A simple ribbon around the neck depicted submission but adding few diamonds and jewels made it a fashion statement and expressed power.
Princess Alexandra of Denmark.
Several paintings of Princess Alexandra of Denmark showed her wearing heavy layered chokers embellished with jewels. It was said that she wore the chokers to hide a scar on her neck. It was merely used as a cloak but it soon became a fashion statement.
The 90s & Early 2000
The 90s was the epitome of the fashion era. The trends that were set in the 90s remained iconic still today and the choker necklace was at the top of the 'must-have' list. Celebrities were spotted with an accessory around their neck in award functions and event but our beloved Cher from the classic chick flick, Clueless (1995) made the trend official. But no one knew that chokers could be glamorous until Paris Hilton showed up on her 21st birthday with three inches of Swarovski around her neck and Rachel Green looking stunning in a red dress and a gold choker necklace in F.R.I.E.N.D.S episode 'The One with Joey's Award.'
Thanks to Rachel Green because of her we were never on a break with chokers.
The Comeback In 2016 And So On...
With all the hashtags it did not take much time for the chokers to reach the top of the trending list. It was time for Gen Z to show how they can slay and play with this new accessory and it was all over social media.
At present, the choker's wide-range of varieties is blowing everyone's mind.
1. Classic Black Choker
The simple black thread (left) and the tattoo choker (right) that originally a hype among the Gen Z.
2. Lace & Leather
Two of the classic styles. It is not surprising that the leather and the lace chokers developed into goth chokers, they do give the dark and mysterious vibes.
Also, who knew that something as subtle as lace could be this appealing?
3. String and Ribbon
Previously a symbol of submission but now they are nothing but high-end fashion.
4. Velvet Chokers
Velvet has always been deemed as one of the most sophisticated and luxurious material because of its sumptuous looks.
The velvet choker necklace first came into the market as the 'classic black choker' but as fashion doesn't stick to color or style, the velvet chokers also evolved into different colors and stones and charms were added to make its glitz and glam.
5. The Elegance - Gold and Silver
These are the chokers that give a little touch of elegance to your outfit and like any other single-layered choker, the gold and the silver also got more alluring as the style kept changing and people got innovative.
The broadening of the neckpiece with more details, colors, and tassel make the silver chokers look so retro and give an ethnic vibe. On the other hand, the detailing in the gold chokers made them very high-fashion.
6. The Shimmer and Shine
What is it, that is every girl's best friend and shines? Diamonds, duh!
Diamonds and pearls are always going to be the showstoppers. The chokers that will turn everyone’s head towards you. But the shimmer and shine are not only limited to diamonds and pearls.
7. The Ruby and The Emerald Chokers.
The pearl choker with the emeralds (left) is as gorgeous as the polki choker (right) which looks so royal with the precious jewels that are arranged beautifully with the diamonds and the pearls.
8. Cowrie Choker
The style of choker that was just born in 2019 and although the youngest still on top of its game.
9. Alphabet Chokers
Thanks to our 'Suicide Squad' icon Harley Quinn for bringing the alphabet chokers in the game.
It is twenty-nineteen and girls don't shy away from expressing what they feel. "Babygirl' and 'Angel' are the most famous chokers in this category and they come in both dangling and studded forms.
10. Beaded Chokers
The idea of beaded chokers came from African ethnicity.
Handmade African Masai Set.
The chokers in vogue
11. À la mode
The style that is trending on the top is to layer the choker with other necklaces. I know, the idea sounds like too much is happening, but it isn't. It is very simple and yet the chicest.
20 more chokers you must try
Here are 20 more styles of chokers you can try out to your look:
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Pearl Choker Necklace
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Diamond Choker Necklace
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Silver Choker Necklace
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Black Choker Necklace
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Gold Choker Necklace
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Leather Choker Necklace
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Tattoo Choker Necklace
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Velvet Choker Necklace
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Lace and Dusty Hues
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Ultra-Thick Choker Necklace
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Layered Choker Necklace
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Leather and Metallics Mix
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Seashell Choker Necklace
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Feather Chocker Necklace
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Multi-Layer Leather Choker Necklace
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Low-Cuts and Drop Chokers
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The Beaded Choker Necklace
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Boho Choker Necklace
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Wrap Choker Necklace
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Sparkling Choker Necklace
CONCLUSION
The choker necklace is the only piece of jewelry that has so many controversies behind. From being a symbol of femininity to just being an ornament, it made its name in the history of fashion. At first, it was hard to understand why most women loved a piece of ornament that hugs ones’ neck so tightly, so much. But come on, fashion is torture.
If women can love walking on high stilettos that make the feet numb after one point and walking with them on is no difference then walking on sharp nails then chokers are no difference. A little bit of pain is fine as long as the outfit is on point.
It is good to see that the choker trend is back in the game and honestly it is back for good. Leather, lace, chain, ribbon, everything works. There is always a choker necklace to match the outfit and thus the trend is still as iconic as it was in the 90s and with more change it the form of its style it is not going to worn out anytime soon.