The Detachable Collar

I first saw the detachable collar in Refinery29. The Man Repeller blogger Leandra Medine road-tested a spiked version by Eleven Objects, showing different ways to wear it. It was cool, but the collar, at $325, was a steep offering. Definitely not for Kat Dy Finds! In another feature, Refinery selected six different pieces, but I found that the best ones were still pricey, ranging from $295 to $640.

A few weeks ago, however, while browsing through Lucky’s July issue, I found a dainty, pearl-encrusted version by H&M.  I liked it so much that I asked my crafty sister, Nina, to make me one. Using one of my old tops, Nina cut off the collar and beaded on a simple pattern using a combination of round and rice pearls. She edged it underneath with a ribbon of lace. Finally, she sewed on a rhinestone button to attach the ends together.  Voila! A nifty, yet easy-to-make DIY piece that only requires rudimentary sewing skills. 

 

Up to making one for yourself? What’s great about the detachable collar is that there’s a multitude of designs and style you can execute. Instead of using pearls, you can also use metal studs, crystals or sequins. We used a pointy collar, but rounded, peter pan styles can also evoke that romantic mood.

ASOS collar, a cheap find at $9.15, but unfortunately sold out!

Eleven Objects leopard print collar made of pony hair, $295. Love the red collar stand peeking out.

Wondering how to wear it? Heavily detailed collars stand out best when given a plain backdrop, while a bold-hued collar pairs excellently with printed pieces.

Here are some suggestions:

1) Wear it to spruce up a simple tank or tee. I wore mine with a gray tank and suede skirt, but it'll also go well with a pair of lace shorts that I have.

Tank, Topshop. Suede skirt, bought at a Milan flea market. Shoes, Rachel Comey. Leather wraparound bracelet, H&M. Mesh bracelet, bought at a NY sidewalk store. Vintage shades, gift from my friend, Larissa.

2) Do like Hailee Steinfeld and accessorize a sheath dress with a fancy collar.

Hailee shows off an elegant Miu Miu dress. Photo courtesy of Fabsugar.

3) Leandra Medine chose to add edge to her embroidered tank with a studded pony hair collar by Eleven Objects.

Photo courtesy of Refinery29.

How will you wear your collar?