Monday, May 2, 2016

Spring/Summer 2016 Trend Report: Choker Necklaces

Collar Trend S/S 16 #2
Collar Trend S/S 16

Hello! There was one trend that walked down the spring/summer 2016 runway that I'm torn between loving and hating: the return of the choker necklace. Choker necklaces were all the rage in the nineties and have made a recent comeback through the past couple fashion weeks, taking over the runways for spring/summer 2016. Some of the most influential fashion designers such as Christian Dior, Saint Laurent, Etro and Versace sent this trend down their runways, establishing it as a key fashion element this season whether we like it or not. Celebrities such as Rihanna and Gigi Hadid have also been spotted sporting this trend.

Largely, I think that I'm torn about this trend because of its versatility. There are so many different ways that this trend could be styled, so many different directions that this trend could be taken. For example, I love how Rihanna rocks this trend, layering it with other necklaces and creating an edgy aesthetic. I'm also drawn to the long suede or leather cord chokers that emphasize the "Coachella" or festival style. I'm even attracted to simple velvet ribbons without adornment being worn around the neck, developing a retro essence.

But this trend isn't always fab. With the wrong styling, it could be a disaster. I think of those plastic chokers that were popular in the nineties and I can literally feel myself cringing and internally shouting "please no." Basic doesn't even begin to describe them, they feel infinitely boring and childish. I think that a choker must have some sort of more interesting texture whether it be leather or metal or velvet in order to be stylish. Also, some chokers border on emo (cringing again) or gothic and just feel outdated. Like retro is wonderful but 12th century gothic? Let's not go there.

What is wonderful about this trend though is its accessibility. You can easily DIY your own choker necklace for under $5 or purchase one for less than $20. This trend prevails throughout major fast fashion retailers but in particular, Urban Outfitters has a lot of fashion-forward options. 

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