Chokers, while still a hot fashion accessory, have a youthful vibe that may not suit everyone.
An alternative would be tying a plain or patterned scarf around your neck. A scarf is simple yet chic. It also serves a practical purpose, keeping your neck warm in cold offices and on public transport, says Ms Santhi Tunas, co-founder of home-grown scarf brand Binary Style.
She shares two different ways to style a square scarf:
As a knotted necklace:
- Fold a square scarf into a triangle and roll the point towards its base neatly.
- Make three knots along the roll and make sure they are evenly spaced.
- Put the knotted roll around your neck and tie the two ends at the nape of your neck.
As a twisted choker:
- Fold a square scarf into a triangle and roll the point towards its base neatly.
- Twist the roll neatly throughout the whole length.
- Put the twisted roll around your neck and tie it once at the nape of your neck.
Freelance fashion stylist Evon Chng says that choosing between a choker and a neck scarf is difficult because both are very different.
Instead, she suggests a way to incorporate the two styles: wear a bejewelled choker on top of a scarf.
"It adds texture and is a great way to bling up a casual day look," she says.
And for those who want to look like they have a slim neck, Ms Chng suggests not tying the scarf around the neck choker-style. Instead, use a thin scarf and tie it so it extends beyond the collarbone.
She says: "A scarf with longer ends and a deeper neckline will give the illusion of a slender neck."
Here are some styling suggestions:
1. Multi-coloured scarf with print of Tiong Bahru, $65, from Binary Style
This square chiffon polyester scarf with a print of the Art Deco flats in Tiong Bahru is a great keepsake. There are many ways to wear it, including in a knotted necklace style as shown.
2. White cotton silk pleated scarf with black patterns, $89, from Cos
Contrast the delicate pleats of this scarf with a black shift dress.
3. Printed scarf, $19.90, from Zara
An easy way to pull off this print is to style it with a white top and let it stand out.
4. Mustard yellow scarf with print, $148, Soi Paris from Kapok at National Design Centre
The print of this scarf, which is a top-down view of people swimming, is stylish and fun. Dress up a boring ponytail by braiding it into your hair as shown.
This article was first published on Sep 15, 2016.
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