How to wear a choker necklace

In this guide

This guide uses the Feather Moonstone Round Choker Necklace from our shop as its example. Everything said about the piece itself comes from its listing.

Which necklines suit a choker, how to layer one, and how to wear it every day.

Necklines

A choker sits at the base of the neck, so it looks best with crew necks, scoop necks, V-necks, square necklines and off-the-shoulder tops. With high necks, skip it or wear it over the top.

Layering

Chokers are the ideal first layer. Add a fine chain at 18 inches (45 cm) and a pendant at 20 to 22 inches (50 to 55 cm) for a classic three-layer look.

Every day

A fine choker in metal is easy to wear daily; a wide or embellished one is better for evenings.

About the Feather Moonstone Round Choker Necklace

The Feather Moonstone Round Choker Necklace is a silver-tone necklace with a choker length. It is the kind of piece you put on in the morning and forget you are wearing until someone asks about it.

• Design: a choker length.
• Material: 925 sterling silver.
• What arrives: One necklace.

See the Feather Moonstone Round Choker Necklace →

Styling any necklace like this

A good rule for any necklace is to look at your neckline first. Crew necks suit pieces that sit above or well below the collar; V-necks frame a pendant; open collars and strapless tops leave room for anything. Keep the metal the same as your earrings and you can hardly go wrong.

If you wear more than one necklace, give each one its own height, about 2 inches (5 cm) apart, and vary the texture: a fine chain, a pendant, a bolder link. Fasten each clasp before you put the next one on and they are far less likely to tangle. For work, one or two quiet layers; for evenings, one standout piece is usually enough.

Wearing silver-tone jewellery

Silver-tone pieces look cool, clean and modern. They suit cool and neutral skin tones and look crisp with grey, navy, black, white and pastel colours. In winter, silver against a dark knit is one of the simplest ways to brighten an outfit.

Choosing a necklace that suits you

When choosing a necklace, check three things on the product page: the chain length (16 to 18 inches, 40 to 45 cm, is the most wearable), the size of the pendant, and the material. A pendant that is a little smaller than you first imagine is usually the one you end up wearing every day.

What to wear it with

Pieces from the shop in the same tone that complete the look: - Geometric Dangle Wear Hoop Earrings: earrings, $17.85. - Belt Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver: bracelet, $17.85. - Rotatable Open Double-Layered Ring: ring, $13.60.

Wearing it all year

Through the year: in summer, a necklace is often the only jewellery you need with a vest top or a linen shirt, and shorter lengths show best against bare skin. In autumn and winter, wear it over a fine knit or a polo neck, or let a longer chain sit on top of a jumper so it is not hidden by coats and scarves.

Caring for sterling silver

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, so it darkens slowly when it meets air and moisture: that is tarnish, and it polishes off. Wear it often, which keeps it bright, wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing, and store it in a closed pouch or bag. For darker tarnish, a silver polishing cloth is all you need; skip toothpaste and baking-soda tricks, which scratch. The listing adds: Keep it dry, wipe gently after wearing and store it flat or hanging so the chain does not knot.

As a gift

A necklace is one of the easiest gifts to get right: no size to guess, and it is seen every day. Check the delivery dates on the product page before you order if you are buying for a date, and add a short handwritten note: it turns a pretty piece into a message.

Buying from Liravelle

The product page lists what the piece is made of, what arrives and the delivery dates before you order, and the confirmation email repeats them. Free US delivery over $50. 30-day returns. Tracked delivery.