The summer’s must-have: The floral choker

I’ve never been a choker fan, but the revival of the floral choker has totally won me over. Like everything else in fashion, it’s all about the context and styling. This summer, the floral choker is back, bringing with it a fresh dose of romance and positive vibes.

The choker’s roots go way back, tracing its lineage to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. During the Renaissance, queens like Alexandra of Denmark rocked chokers adorned with pearls and diamonds, setting trends that echoed through time.

Over the centuries, chokers have symbolised power, grace, and wealth. Flower chokers, in particular, emerged as emblems of bohemian spirit, rebellion, and freedom. Fast forward to the roaring ’20s and the ’90s when chokers were the go-to accessory for celebrities and rock stars alike, making bold statements on red carpets and TV screens.

Now, the flower choker is making a big splash again, and I’m all in. It’s a statement piece that’s impossible to ignore.

If you’re wondering how to match this summer’s accessory with your predominantly Eastern wardrobe — don’t stress. It’s easier than you think. First off, invest in a neutral floral choker that you can pair with almost anything. Maybe a white, beige or black. This way, you can dip your toes into the trend and see whether or not it’s for you without clashing with your vibrant kurtas and printed co-ords. They look better with lower necklines so keep that in mind when purchasing future outfits.

The most common (and kind of basic) style is the rosette choker but once you’re feeling confident, play around with different colours and flower styles. A hibiscus choker, for instance, is perfect for a day at the beach or any summery event.

When styling around this statement piece, keep accessories minimal so the choker remains the star of the show. Think stud earrings and a simple tennis bracelet. If you’ve decided on the flower choker as your go-to accessory and can’t part with it even for more formal occasions, guess what — you won’t need to. There are countless options in silver and gold too, mostly in metal, that amp up the dressiness of any outfit.

You can even pop into your local jewellers and ask them to fashion you a custom piece out of silver or gold, a real investment in your style. All you need is a reference picture for them to follow and you’ll have yourself something that you can wear to a wedding with a lehenga or saree.