Why does virtually every last character in AA wear something on their neck? I can understand the male lawyers wearing ties, but it seems like every woman who doesn't wear a necklace or magatama wears a scarf.

Here's a partial list from the Phoenix arc alone:

Tie: Phoenix, Gumshoe, Payne, Sawhit, White, Judge (though it's barely visible), Gant (cross-shaped), Meekins, cop Maggey, Dr. Grey, Godot.
Scarf: College Feenie, Mia (with Magatama on it), Lana
Scarf-like things: Vasquez, Dahlia
Bandana: Jake Marshall
Bandana-like things: Boat shop caretaker, Wellington, Juan, Armstrong
Circles: Max Galactica
Magatama necklace: Maya, Pearl
Collar thing: Starr
Collar ruffles: Moe
Bowtie: Ema, Russell Berry, Trilo, Atmey
Cravat: Edgeworth, Manfred
Bowtie-cravat hybrid thing with a stone: Franziska
Binoculars: Lotta
Stethoscope: Alleged Hotti clinic director
Brooch: DeMasque
Chains: Furio Tigre, Terry Fawles
Nun hood: Iris, Bikini



In contrast, there are only about four characters who don't wear something on their neck.

It's like overalls and ballroom dresses in the Mario universe. Some things are just mandatory.

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Well...most of those items are requirements/expected of their profession and choice of life.

A Doctor needs a stethoscope, police uniform probably requires a tie, Court proceedings also understandably require formal wear so as not to embarrass the profession considering how high profile the cases could be, having Phoenix show up dressed in a beanie cap and a hoody for a case would hardly reflect well upon his law offices or courtroom proceedings.



Plus some are simply fashionable choices.

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xD


The purpose of the design of the character is to tell us about the character and complement their personality, usually before we even hear a word of dialogue from them. The designers probably try to take as much advantage of the different possible articles of clothing and accessories that can be used to help convey this. Neckwear is clearly viewable, common, and has many many varieties, so I think it just becomes an accessory that they can often use.

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Also, Necks are boring in animation. It's an empty area that could be filled with something far more exciting.