While Planet Fashion's obsession with prefixing every autumn/winter item with the word “statement” (as in dress/coat/shoe) is undeniably irritating, there's something rather appealing about the “statement necklace” that is creeping into the style vernacular. Partly because - and I live in hope here - it may mean the imminent death of bondage platform heels in all their multiple strap/spike and studded glory, yet also because, in these straitened times, there's no more democratic way to update your wardrobe than slinging on a £20 wooden-and-plastic-disc choker. Nor, I should point out, as much fun.

The neck was last a focal point during the mid-Eighties, when girls in pearls reigned and costume jewellery mostly comprised naff, paste baubles. The good news about the necklace's reincarnation is that there are plenty of avenues to be explored. After something bold, chunky and with a reassuringly noisy clunk? Well look to Lanvin, or at least Lanvin-inspired jewellery. At Balenciaga, gutsy, Dynasty-style, bling chokers replaced bags as what fashion folk like to call the “must-have accessory”, while at Givenchy, girls were laden down in threads of gold and silver chains.

Whatever you choose, the advantages of this trend are tenfold. With all this activity going on around your neck, no one is going to be checking out the ply-content of your cashmere poloneck, thereby obviating the need to fork out on lots of expensive clothes. And don't underestimate its power to utterly transform an outfit. Averyl Oates, the buying director of Harvey Nichols, points out that an oversize necklace is the best way of lifting all that black and the gothic mood that is prevalent this season.

If you are looking to buy something special, a great neck-piece makes a good investment, something that can be pulled out of the wardrobe year after year. Another point to consider is that costume jewellery is so well made and designed these days that it's often hard to tell the difference between something that came from Topshop and the designer, upwards-of-£600 variety.

Inevitably, there a few pointers to making this all look effortless:

1) It's not called a statement piece for nowt: let this be the focus of your outfit. That's not to suggest that you shouldn't experiment with different-textured clothes or clashing, mis-matched colours, but leave shoes, bags, coats and dresses with embellished trims at home.

2) For a truly minimal (and modern) approach, work a necklace against block colours and plain court shoes.

3) Be comfortable wearing whatever you opt for. It needs to move fluidly with the rest of your outfit and if the jangling is going to irritate you or be inappropriate in your environment, consider something finer.

4) If plastic or large discs aren't for you then try layering fine, precious necklaces; different width strands can look quite dramatic together.

5) If you are making a long-term investment, be careful not to choose the “catwalk” piece as it might date quickly.

6) For those who like the home-made approach, there's nothing to stop you baking a few bits of Fimo in the oven. Dries Van Noten-style necklaces can be easily achieved by stringing together cheap plastic bangles. Stores such as The Bead Shop in Covent Garden, Central London sell everything you need to make your own necklace, from beads to thread to clasps. It's also worth looking out for second-hand pieces that you can take apart and adapt to suit new trends.

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