Wearing your choker as a headband is an underrated hack—here’s how you can pull it off!

When we think of Princess Diana’s iconic style, one of the first images that comes to mind is the emerald necklace she wore as a headband with a stunning gown. You might know this look, but what you may not know is that there is an interesting backstory to this—in fact, using the necklace as the headband was not always the plan. In a panel discussion for a magazine, her former hairstylist, Richard Dalton, later revealed that Diana had a sunburn on her neck, so they decided to place the emerald necklace on her head instead, allowing her to still wear the beloved piece. This unexpected decision went on to inspire countless looks ever since. 

Headbands have always been a fantastic way to complete a look, especially in Indian fashion—whether it’s bridal outfits, party inspiration, or more. Think of Alia Bhatt’s stunning wedding look, or the intricate headpieces worn by brides like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone at their weddings. Recently, even Seema Kiran Sajdeh, in Bollywood Lives vs. Fabulous Wives, showcased how headbands can elevate an outfit instantly. 

One creative way to incorporate headbands into your look is by turning your chokers into headbands—much like Princess Diana did with her emerald choker. This unexpected styling twist brings a modern edge while keeping things timeless (and chic). As celebrity stylist Akshay Tyagi puts it, “Using necklaces as headbands or hair accessories gives them a new lease of life. Clients love it, especially for weddings, and it's a practical, innovative way to style jewellery."

Seema Kiran Sajdeh, a fashion designer and businesswoman, says, “A necklace is so versatile—it’s unconventional to wear it on your head, but it instantly elevates your look. It adds a regal touch especially with loose waves or an updo. It’s a great expression of creativity too.”

Here’s how you can turn your choker into a headband in three easy ways. 

Find your inspiration

Finding inspiration is key when turning a choker into a headband. Look to fashion icons, red carpet moments, or even traditional styles for ideas on how to style it. Whether it's from celebrity looks or fashion trends, moodboards can give you a fresh perspective on how to wear your choker as a headband. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are full of creative ways to incorporate them into your look.

Secure your choker with elastic and bobby pins

Once you have figured out which choker you want to use, you will need to secure it to prevent slips. If your choker is too stiff or short to sit comfortably as a headband, you can secure it with an elastic band. Attach a small piece of elastic to the ends of your choker to make it more flexible and give it the right fit. Then, use bobby pins to secure the choker in place at the back or sides of your head to make it stay put all day.

Choose the right hairstyle

Pairing your choker-turned-headband with the right hairstyle can elevate your look, whether you're going for a traditional Indian ethnic ensemble, a red carpet extravaganza, or an Indo-western fusion style. For Indian ethnic looks, such as sarees or lehengas, a choker worn as a headband can add a regal touch, especially when paired with a sleek bun, high braid, or a voluminous low updo. 

For a more experimental or glamorous vibe, such as on the red carpet, pairing a choker headband with a sleek, polished hairstyle or a messy, textured updo can make a bold statement. Additionally, for Indo-western looks, a choker headband works beautifully with loose waves or a relaxed ponytail, combining both cultures in a chic and modern way. 

Lead image credit: Avani Rai 

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