The right necklace can completely change an outfit, but choosing the right style often starts with the neckline.

Two styles that create very different looks are lariat necklaces and choker necklaces. A choker sits higher and closer to the neck, while a lariat typically creates a longer, more vertical line. Both can make a statement, but the way they frame an outfit—and the way you style them is completely different.

Whether you're accessorizing a wedding dress, getting dressed for an event, or looking for a necklace you'll wear again afterward, here's how to decide between a lariat and a choker.

What Is a Lariat Necklace?

A lariat necklace is a necklace designed to create a longer, vertical silhouette rather than sitting traditionally around the neckline. Depending on the design, a lariat may feature a drop, open-ended construction, or elongated detail that draws the eye downward.

That extra length is part of what makes a lariat so distinctive.

Instead of simply framing the neck, it becomes part of the overall line of the outfit—making it especially striking with open necklines and more minimal silhouettes.

What Is a Choker Necklace?

A choker necklace is a shorter necklace that sits closely around the base of the neck.

While the word "choker" can bring to mind very simple designs, modern chokers can include pearls, crystals, metal details and other embellishments. Depending on the design, they can feel minimal, romantic, bold or fashion-forward.

Because a choker sits higher on the neck, it naturally draws attention toward the face and neckline.

Lariat vs. Choker: What's the Difference?

The biggest difference between a lariat and a choker necklace is where each style sits and the shape it creates.

A choker sits high and close to the neck, creating a strong horizontal focal point. A lariat extends farther down the neckline, creating a longer vertical line.

Think of it this way:

Choose a choker when you want to frame your face and neckline.

Choose a lariat when you want to elongate the neckline and draw the eye downward.

Neither is inherently more formal or more casual. The materials, embellishment and way you style the necklace determine the overall effect.

What Necklines Look Best With a Lariat Necklace?

Lariat necklaces work particularly well when the neckline gives the necklace enough space to become part of the look.

V-Neck

A V-neck and lariat naturally complement each other because both create a vertical line. The necklace can echo the shape of the neckline rather than competing with it.

Plunging Neckline

A longer lariat can beautifully fill the negative space created by a plunging neckline. This pairing can create a dramatic look without requiring a heavily embellished dress or top.

Open or Low Necklines

Simple, open necklines provide a clean backdrop for an elongated necklace. If the clothing is minimal, the lariat can become the focal point.

Blazers and Tailoring

Lariats aren't just for dresses. Try one with a blazer or tailored look for a completely different interpretation.

The vertical shape of the necklace works especially well within the lines created by an open blazer.

What Necklines Look Best With a Choker?

Because chokers sit high on the neck, they work beautifully with necklines that leave some visual space around the necklace.

Strapless

A strapless dress creates an open canvas for a choker. The higher placement of the necklace can balance the exposed neckline and draw attention upward.

Off-the-Shoulder

An off-the-shoulder neckline already emphasizes the neck and collarbone. Adding a choker can make that area an even stronger focal point.

Sweetheart

A choker can provide contrast to the curves of a sweetheart neckline, particularly when the necklace has pearls, crystals or other dimensional details.

Deep and Open Necklines

A choker doesn't have to follow the shape of the clothing underneath it. Pairing a high necklace with a lower neckline creates contrast—and sometimes that's exactly what makes the combination interesting.

Should Your Necklace Match the Shape of Your Neckline?

Not necessarily.

Matching shapes can create harmony—a lariat with a V-neck is a great example—but contrast can be just as interesting.

A choker paired with a deep neckline creates separation between the necklace and clothing. A lariat can fill that same space and create one continuous vertical line.

The better question is:

Where do you want the eye to go?

If you want to emphasize your face, shoulders and collarbone, consider a choker.

If you want to emphasize the neckline or create a longer visual line, consider a lariat.

Can You Wear a Lariat Necklace With a Wedding Dress?

Yes. A lariat necklace can be especially beautiful with wedding dresses featuring V-necks, plunging necklines and other open silhouettes.

For a modern bridal look, consider a lariat with pearls, crystals or delicate metalwork that complements the dress without competing with it.

If your gown already has significant embellishment around the neckline, you may want to keep the necklace more streamlined. With a simpler gown, a more detailed lariat can become part of the statement.

And remember: bridal jewelry doesn't have to look exclusively bridal.

Choose a lariat you can imagine wearing with a dress, blazer or evening look again after the wedding.

Can You Wear a Choker With a Wedding Dress?

Absolutely. Chokers can pair particularly well with strapless, off-the-shoulder and open-neck wedding gowns.

Pearl chokers can create a romantic look, while crystal and mixed-material designs can make the styling feel more fashion-forward.

A choker is also an easy way to add interest to a minimalist wedding dress. Instead of adding more detail to the gown itself, let the jewelry become the focal point.

Lariat or Choker for a Strapless Dress?

Both can work—but they'll create completely different looks.

A choker keeps the focus high and highlights the shoulders, collarbone and face.

A lariat introduces a vertical element into the open space created by the strapless neckline.

If you're deciding between the two, consider the rest of your accessories. Dramatic earrings paired with a dramatic necklace can sometimes compete for attention, while a more restrained earring allows the necklace to take center stage.

There isn't one rule you have to follow. The goal is for the accessories to feel intentional together.

Can You Wear a Statement Necklace With Statement Earrings?

Yes—but balance matters.

You don't automatically have to choose between statement earrings and a statement necklace. However, if both pieces have strong visual impact, consider how their proportions, materials and shapes work together.

If your necklace is the main focal point, a simpler earring can give it more room to stand out.

If you love a more maximal look, embrace it—but look for a connection between the pieces, such as pearls, crystals, metal tone or a similar design detail.

Your jewelry doesn't need to match perfectly. It should feel like it belongs in the same conversation.

How to Wear a Lariat Necklace After the Wedding

A lariat can transition surprisingly easily into a fashion wardrobe.

Try styling one with:

• A blazer and trousers

• A simple V-neck top

• A little black dress

• A silk or satin dress

• An open button-down

• A monochromatic outfit

One of the easiest ways to make a special-occasion necklace feel less formal is to pair it with clean, simple clothing.

Let the necklace do the work.

How to Style a Choker for Everyday Wear

A choker can change personality completely depending on what you wear with it.

A pearl choker paired with a wedding gown may feel romantic and bridal. Pair that same necklace with a blazer, black top or simple dress and suddenly it reads as fashion.

Try a choker with:

• A blazer and simple top

• A strapless or off-the-shoulder evening look

• A crisp button-down

• A simple black dress

• Denim and an elevated top

• A minimalist monochromatic outfit

It's the contrast that keeps the styling interesting.

Lariat vs. Choker: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the necklace that works with both your neckline and your personal style.

A lariat necklace may be right for you if you love an elongated silhouette, open necklines, V-necks or jewelry with movement and length.

A choker necklace may be right for you if you want to highlight your face and collarbone, love strapless or off-the-shoulder silhouettes, or prefer jewelry that sits higher and creates a defined focal point.

And if you love both? There is absolutely room for both in your jewelry wardrobe.

At Ariel Taub, we believe accessories should feel special enough for the moments that matter and versatile enough to become part of your style afterward. Explore our collection of modern necklaces featuring pearls, crystals and fashion-forward details designed to take you from wedding day to every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lariat and Choker Necklaces

What is the difference between a lariat and a choker necklace?

A choker is a short necklace that sits close to the neck, while a lariat creates a longer, more vertical line. A choker draws attention toward the face and collarbone, while a lariat tends to draw the eye down the neckline.

Which is better for a V-neck: a lariat or choker?

A lariat is a natural pairing for a V-neck because the vertical shape of the necklace can complement the shape of the neckline. A choker can also work if you prefer contrast and want to keep the focus higher around the neck and face.

Can you wear a choker with a strapless dress?

Yes. Chokers pair especially well with strapless dresses because the open neckline provides space for the necklace and helps highlight the shoulders and collarbone.

What necklace looks best with a plunging neckline?

Lariat necklaces are a popular option for plunging necklines because their elongated shape can follow the vertical line created by the clothing. The ideal length depends on the depth of the neckline and where you want the necklace to fall.

Are lariat necklaces only for formal occasions?

No. A lariat can be styled with dresses for formal occasions or worn more casually with blazers, V-neck tops, button-downs and other everyday pieces.

Are chokers still in style?

Chokers can be styled in many ways beyond trend-driven versions. Modern designs featuring pearls, crystals and refined details can work with everything from wedding dresses and eveningwear to blazers and more casual outfits.

Can bridal necklaces be worn after the wedding?

Yes. Choosing a necklace that reflects your personal style makes it easier to wear again after your wedding. Pearl, crystal, lariat and choker necklaces can all be restyled with eveningwear, tailoring and everyday pieces.

Find Your Perfect Necklace

Whether you're drawn to the elongated look of a lariat or the statement-making shape of a choker, the right necklace is the one that feels like you. Explore Ariel Taub necklaces featuring modern pearls, crystals and fashion-forward details designed to be worn from wedding day to every day.

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