From chandelier to stud, how low will you go? Showstopper earrings are back. ALICE HARE shares how to find the perfect pair for you
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The ‘curated ear’ — that is, the trend for multiple ear piercings — is dead. Instead, statement earrings are back. It’s time to knock it out of the park with a pair of big, powerful earrings.
If I had to choose between statement earrings and mascara, I’d take the former every time. Their face-framing ability trumps the beautifying effect of mascara, as does their ability to make even the simplest outfit elegant. But how low should you go? For some, the idea of a dazzling chandelier-style earring will conjure panicked thoughts of aching lobes, while others will attest to the philosophy: go big or go home.
Luckily, there are plenty of lengths and sizes to cater to all tastes, so everyone can find something that’s glamorous, comfortable and suits their face shape. Read our guide on how to make the showstopper earring trend work for you . . .
The Princess of Wales attending the 76th British Academy Film Awards held at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. Picture date: Sunday February 19
Chandelier
A shortcut to instant glamour, chandelier earrings can transform any outfit, but eschew all other jewellery to avoid looking over the top.
The key to a modern approach is pairing them with jeans for a casual-meets-glitz contrast. That said, a chandelier is still the perfect option for occasions when you want to go all out.
You can find wearable, bargain styles on the High Street at Mango and H&M. Indeed, the Princess of Wales turned to Zara for her Baftas bling earlier this year, letting her £18 cascading floral earrings (pictured) take centre stage.
While you may think that long earrings need to be balanced out by even longer hair, chandeliers are great at providing elongation to round faces, so don’t be scared to wear with your hair up to show off them off to maximum effect.
£150, patspats. org, £224, nicola bathie.com, £90, lara heems. com, £7, accessorize. com
Gobstopper studs
Seen on Alessandra Rich’s SS24 catwalk, 1980s-style oversized studs have also enjoyed a revival of late thanks to The Crown — Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana wears numerous pairs of gigantesque gold and pearl studs, sourced from vintage jewellery haven Susan Caplan.
Their roundness is particularly good for balancing out square faces. The best bit? Even those with non-pierced ears can join in, as many giant studs are clip-on. Patricia Cobiella (patspats.org) handmakes hers from scratch, with prices starting from £80 and the option to choose a clip-on or pierced back.
Take your cue from Margot Robbie (pictured), the star of this year’s smash-hit Barbie, who paired her pearl studs with a matching multi-strand pearl choker for an 1980s homage that’s decidedly 2023. Head to Zara and Mango for retro-inspired studs on the High Street.
Margot Robbie attends The European Premiere Of “Barbie” at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 12
£55, susancaplan.co.uk, £85, pinarozevlat.com, £17.99, mango.com
Cluster earrings
Consider this the least daunting approach to oversized earrings. If you usually wear diamond or pearl studs, a cluster style — which consists of several stones grouped together to make one bigger earring — provides a glamourous update.
Cara Delevingne (pictured) wore diamond clusters shaped into snake heads to this year’s Oscars, while Michelle Williams chose a more classic floral cluster for the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
If you’re a necklace fan, clusters are a great option — they’re minimalist enough to stop them looking ‘too much’ when worn together. Their comparative small size means they suit all face shapes, too. Tuck your hair behind your ears so they poke through and catch the light.
Cara’s earrings may have been Bulgari, but you needn’t break the bank — Betty & Biddy have a pearl and diamond pair for £19.
Cara Delevingne attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12
£9.99, hm.com, £79 ,vbylauravann.com, £19, bettyandbiddy.com, £119, heavenly london.com
Mid-drop
The middle ground between giant studs and chandelier, mid-drops are generally tear-shaped. This makes them perfect for providing proportion to heart-shaped faces that have a wider forehead and narrower chin.
Generally not as heavy as their older sister the chandelier, they are an easy option for all-day wear. High-necked clothing and hair worn partially off the face allows them to be the focal point of an outfit, as shown by Rihanna (pictured), who complemented her polo-neck gown with brown and yellow diamond and emerald drop earrings at this year’s Oscars.
If you prefer a lower neckline, take a style note from Michelle Yeoh and complete your look with a necklace that matches your earrings, as she did with coordinating Cartier jewels at the Met Gala.
Rihanna attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California
£110, carouseljewels.com, £45, chokerbali.com, £95, amelia-scott.com
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