What is so appealing about a piece of jewelry that wraps around your neck as tightly as a boa constrictor’s snare? You guessed it, I’m talking about chokers. The name itself is enough to make one uncomfortable, as it implies it will invoke the very unpleasant feeling of choking.
Chokers; one of the many revivals of terrible 90’s fashion trends we all thought were long gone. Apparently, even chokers are not exempt from the saying, “history repeats itself.” There’s a reason jelly sandals, sky high platforms, overalls, and iridescent makeup all went extinct (or so we thought). Chokers are perhaps at the top of the list of things that should’ve stayed in the 90’s where they belong.
The comeback of the choker is about as offputting as Phoebe lunging at Chandler like this, (peep the purple, floral choker she’s sporting).
College girls are usually some of the most eager fashionistas to hop aboard a “new” trend. When chokers made their comeback, Collegiettes everywhere started fastening on anything just long enough to fit around their necks. Walk into any bar or party and you’re guaranteed to see an endless sea of choker-ridden necks.
The resurrection of the chokers really started getting out of hand when people began wrapping everyday objects around their necks and calling them chokers. Look online and you’ll find tons of DIY choker tutorials. Got a rubber band or a hair tie? That’ll do. Some string? Perfect! A simple Google search results in articles showing you how to fashion a choker out of anything: dog collars, shoelaces, bandanas, bag strings, key rings, ribbons, thongs and even the foam sleeves fruit is sometimes wrapped in. If ever you feel the need wrap your gullet in an old pair of undies or an item intended to cradle fruit, you’ve taken the choker trend too far.
To be fair, however, some how-tos actually teach you how to weave a traditional black tattoo choker out of jewelry cord. While these are perhaps the least horrific version of chokers out there, there are still many alternatives to chokers. You can still wear a fashionable necklace when going out, and not run the risk of gagging from jewelry that’s too tight around your neck. For example, traditional necklace lengths sit at collarbone level. Or, mix it up and go for the opposite extreme necklace length with a long necklace reaching all the way down to your stomach. Both of these can even be found in similar styles as some chokers, and most have charms like the ones on many chokers! No matter the type of necklace you choose, please make sure it’s ultimately not a choker…. And contribute to ending the revival of the choker trend!
Photo Credit:
http://giphy.com/gifs/dumbto-jim-carrey-dumb-and-dumber-flloyd-xWZPwTAh2wJfG
http://giphy.com/gifs/movie-silly-mean-exvOBzzrcHFte
http://www.popsugar.com/fashion/photo-gallery/38101496/image/38101505/Choker-Necklaces