What to wear with a choker (and what kills it)

The choker frames the throat, so the neckline is the whole game. Scoop necks, square necks, off-shoulder and shirt collars worn open all give the collar room to breathe. The turtleneck trap is real — a choker over a turtleneck reads as a belt on a curtain.

Hair up doubles a choker's impact; hair down halves it but adds mystery. For photos, one side tucked. For gigs, tied — sweat plus loose hair plus velvet is a tangled trinity.

Five no-fail uniforms: black slip dress + velvet choker; white shirt, open collar + chain choker; band tee + O-ring choker; corset top + lace choker; all-black everything + all of the above.

Balance the bottom: a loud throat wants quiet ears and a clean wrist. One focal zone per outfit — the choker already claimed this one.