Definitive Proof That 2016 Was the Year of the Choker Necklace
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This year, choker necklaces arose from the ashes of the '90s, gripping fashionistas everywhere with flashbacks to the good old days of mood rings, chain wallets, and ripped jeans. Whereas the chokers of days past were typically stretchy and plastic (and thus not considered "high fashion"), this year's resurgence gave the neck-cessory a much-needed makeover. They've had time to mature and break away from being associated with the grungy band tees and chipped black nail polish that were so prominent 20 years ago.
The comeback started slowly, with simple versions, mostly in black, peppering the racks of stores here and there. But the trend quickly picked up steam as more and more fashionistas wanted in on the '90s nostalgia. We thought the trend took its final gasp of breath after Summer's tie choker trend came into the picture, but it appears as if all variations are here to stay — for the rest of 2016, at least.
Keep reading to see street style stars and some of our favorite celebs rocking the accessory trend of the year.
Ashley Graham proved that a simple look can still be showstopping with this classic all-black outfit.
Kendall Jenner opted for this dazzling choker necklace at the 102nd White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, proving that chokers can be paired with more than just casual attire.
Vanessa Hudgens's dress for the 2016 People's Choice Awards was beyond glam, but the addition of her statement-making choker made this red carpet ensemble one to remember.
Naomi Campbell stole the spotlight at the 2016 Princess Grace Awards Gala in her stunning white dress and gorgeous detailed choker. Cinderella who?
Zendaya's thick choker at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards is still giving us life.
We're loving how Selena Gomez amped up an otherwise simple outfit by adding a chic choker.
Model Soo Joo Park proved that graphic sweatshirts and cool chokers go together like peanut butter and jelly with this edgy New York Fashion Week look.
Zoë Kravitz opted for a thin necklace to match her crop top at the Calvin Klein Fall fashion show during New York Fashion Week.
This elegant embellished choker graced the runway at Ralph Lauren's Fall 2016 New York Fashion Week show.
We're loving how Chiara Ferragni swapped her usual black choker for this embellished variation, which she paired with a subdued floral dress.
Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello rocked this unique sheer choker at the Kids' Choice Awards this year.
Taylor Swift started 2016 off with a bang by pairing this orange and pink set with a fun beaded choker at the Grammys.
Gigi Hadid sported the tie choker trend to add some pizzazz to her graphic tank top.
The easiest way to spice up a plain black choker? Model Sami Miró layered hers with longer necklaces, a styling hack we've been stealing all year.
This Lanvin runway look at Paris Fashion Week proved there's no such thing as too glamorous when it comes to choker necklaces.
OK, we seriously need to know where Victoria Justice got this superglam choker.
Miley Cyrus is the champion of quirky style, and this fun look is no exception.
Blogger Chiara Ferragni doesn't seem to leave her house without her trusty black choker necklace in tow.
Chokers were a mainstay in music festival wear this year — and for a good reason. They stay put no matter how much dancing you do!
We loved how Alexa Chung topped off her silky dress and ankle booties with a glitzy choker.
Olivia Wilde looked beyond regal at this year's Academy Awards. Though her flowing dress was certainly eye-catching, we think her choker stole the show.
The best way to spice up an all-black ensemble? A choker, of course!
Alessandra Ambrosio sported two of our favorite trends — chokers and denim on denim — in one sleek street style look.
A shiny, thick choker is always a great alternative when you're sick of your go-to simple black choker.
We're still not over Chanel Iman's bold look at the 2016 amfAR New York Gala.
This is all the proof you need to see that chokers have an undeniably glam side.
This trio of Victoria's Secret supermodels amped up their otherwise casual outfits with the addition of chic choker necklaces.
Even Heidi Klum couldn't resist getting in on the trend!
We're still not over Diane Kruger's supersleek dress and simple necklace combo.
We still can't get enough of Jourdan Dunn's pendant choker.
Lea Michele kept it simple and classy with a thin gold necklace that added the perfect touch of glam to her black dress.
While walking the streets of Paris, Jennifer Lawrence opted for a sheer top and cool pendant choker.
Karlie Kloss's Paris Fashion Week street style ensemble was full of surprises.
Have an LBD that needs some spicing up? Take cues from Taylor Swift and add a thick gold choker for that much-needed oomph.
Plain black chokers peppered the runway at Dior's Spring/Summer 2017 show at Paris Fashion Week.
We need this ultraglam necklace in our wardrobe ASAP.
A fringe jacket, bright sunglasses, and a tie choker make for one kickass outfit, as demonstrated by this fashionista in Berlin.
This guest at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Australia showed us how a plain choker can add a laid-back, casual touch to a button-down shirt and skirt.
You can never go wrong with an all-black outfit, especially when a choker necklace is added to the mix.
Rihanna knows a thing or two about layering necklaces.
As does Katy Perry.
Jenner stole the show on the red carpet by completing this sleek look with a choker necklace.
Australian model Jessica Hart proved a simple necklace is all you need when you have other standout items in your ensemble.
This Milan Fashion Week guest had the right idea by topping off her colorful outfit with a plain choker.
By adding this layered choker, Selena Gomez took her fun orange jumpsuit to the next level.
This neutral outfit spotted on the streets of Paris makes us only want to wear gray — with a black choker, that is.
Keke Palmer's necklace gave her elegant dress a little edge to make it stand out from the crowd.
The tie choker trend strikes again!
Everyone needs a chunky silver choker like Serayah's in their wardrobe.
As if her stunning lipstick and power suit combo wasn't enough, Gigi Hadid's thick beaded choker made us fall head over heels for this look.
Bella Hadid's statement necklace took her subdued outfit to the next level with this glamorous choker necklace.
Chanel Iman's two-in-one necklace is the perfect mix of casual and elevated.
The queen of ponytails, Ariana Grande, became the queen of choker necklaces with this monochromatic look at this year's MTV Video Music Awards.
This gal knows a thing or two about killer street style.
Jaime King's tie choker has a surprising glitzy touch that elevated her already gorgeous look for the launch of Target x Who What Wear earlier this year.
The perfect way to tie together a black and white outfit? With red lipstick and a thick choker, of course!
Louise Roe proved that all you need to kick your casual floral dress up a notch is a shiny eye-catching choker.
Kate Beckinsale complemented her fiery off-the-shoulder dress with a shiny necklace that made this look one of her hottest yet.
This simple necklace is just what Anne Hathaway needed to give her sweet dress a slightly edgier feel.