Chokers are one of the most amorphous trends we've seen, manifesting in nearly every material imaginable: metals, leather, velvet, lace, ribbon, and even bandanas. These unconventional textiles (at least for jewelry) have opened the floodgates. Now, to get in on the look, you can literally make a choker out of anything. Let me explain.
It all hit me when I was at the office and late to a post-work dinner. I'll admit, my outfit was a 7/10, and I was in need of some type of accessory to turn it up a notch. The only thing I had under my desk was a black gift bag with string handles, so I decided to remove said handles, tie them together, and put them around my neck. Scout's honor, I had three people ask me that night where my necklace was from.
That, my friends, was the inflection point. I needed to get this message out to the world, and show everyone that there's no need to spend your hard-earned dough to buy into this trend. What's more, the DIY versions are extremely easy to do (I'm talking a maximum two-step process here). Click through the slideshow ahead for six so-simple ways to make a choker out of stuff you probably have on hand right this second.
The Bag-String Choker
This is the version that started it all. All you need is a gift bag. Remove the handles, tie them together, and then tie it around your neck.
The Bag-String Choker
Just like that, you have a sick double-strand choker you can wear on the reg.
The Dog-Collar Choker
Repurpose an old metal dog collar as a necklace for yourself. There are really no steps here except for putting it on. It doesn't get much easier than that.
The Dog Collar Choker
Drape the long end down your back and wear it with an open-back top or dress.
The Key Ring & Ribbon Choker
Finally! Something to do with all those ribbons you've saved from parties past. Take any piece of sizable length and fold it in half. Thread the folded side through a keyring, and pull the ribbon through so the loop is big enough to fit over your head. Once it's on, pull the two loose ends taut so the choker is snug around your neck. Lastly, tie the loose ends together at the back of your neck. Voíla.
The Key Ring & Ribbon Choker
This choker is the perfectly cool touch you've been looking for (not to mention, nearly identical ones go for close to $100).
The Shoelace Choker
Do your shoes have cool laces? Even if they don't, you can still make a rad choker out of 'em. Undo a lace from your sneaker or hiking boots and wrap it around your neck twice. Then, tie in a knot in the front for a bolero-like choker.
The Shoelace Choker
This is an ideal way to tie up your look or add an extra pop of color.
The Asian Pear Choker
Now we're really going for the gold. Fine, I admit you'll have to spend money for this one, but where else can you buy a choker with the added gift of a delicious pear? Keep in mind that there are two sizes of Asian pear casing (look for the bigger one, so it can properly fit over your head). The only step is to slip it on and wear it. If all you can find is a smaller one, cut it, wrap it around your neck, and fasten with safety pins in the back.
The Asian Pear Choker
This look mimics the netted choker trend. While it's definitely a bold statement, the risk will be worth the reward. Wear with a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans, or with a plunging neckline. Nobody will ever know it came from the grocery store.
The Old-Undies Choker
Before you say "ew" to this idea, hear me out. Sometimes, our beautiful, lacy underwear becomes unwearable (you know those rips and tears that seem impossible to avoid). But instead of throwing them away, turn them into a choker: Cut off the bottom so you have just the waistband left. Next, trim the waistband so you're left with one long piece of lace (if the underwear happens to have a ribbed waistband, cut it open on one of the creases). Tie the remaining piece around your neck, and knot in the back.
The Old-Undies Choker
This choker will be perfect in transitional weather when you want the look of a turtleneck, without the bulk of another layer.
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