From chandelier to stud, how low do you go? Showstopper earrings are back. ALICE HARE tells you how to find the perfect pair for you

The ‘curated ear’ – that is, the trend of 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, bold earrings.

If I had to choose between statement earrings and mascara, I’d take the former every time. Their ability to frame the face surpasses 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 up panicky thoughts of sore earlobes, while others will attest to the philosophy: go big or go home.

Fortunately, there are enough lengths and sizes to suit 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. . .

Chandelier

A shortcut to instant glamour: chandelier earrings can transform any outfit, but shy away from other jewelry to avoid looking over the top.

The key to a modern approach is pairing it with jeans for a casual-meets-glitter contrast. That said, a chandelier is still the perfect choice for occasions where you want to go all out.

You can find wearable, affordable styles on the High Street at Mango and H&M. The Princess of Wales turned to Zara for her Baftas bling earlier this year, with her £18 floral drop earrings (pictured) taking center stage.

While you may think that long earrings need to be offset by even longer hair, chandeliers are great at elongating round faces, so don’t be afraid to wear your hair up to show them off to their full potential.

Gobstopper studs

Seen on Alessandra Rich’s SS24 runway, 80s-style oversized studs have also seen a resurgence of late thanks to The Crown – Elizabeth Debicki, while Princess Diana wears countless pairs of giant gold and pearl studs sourced from vintage jewelry city Susan Caplan.

Their roundness is particularly good for balancing square surfaces. The best part? Even people without pierced ears can get in on the action, as many giant studs are clip-on. Patricia Cobiella (patspats.org) makes hers from scratch, with prices starting from £80 and the option to choose a clip-on or a back piercing.

Take inspiration from Margot Robbie (pictured), star of this year’s big Barbie, who paired her pearl studs with a matching multi-strand pearl choker for an ’80s tribute that’s decidedly 2023. Go to Zara and Mango for retro-inspired stud farm on Hoogstraat.

Margot Robbie attends the European Premiere of “Barbie” at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 12

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 form one larger earring – provides a glamorous update.

Cara Delevingne (pictured) wore diamond clusters in the shape of 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 chain fan, clusters are a good option; they’re minimalist enough to avoid looking ‘too much’ when worn together. Due to their relatively small size, they are also suitable for all face shapes. Tuck your hair behind your ears so they poke through and catch the light.

Cara’s earrings may have been Bulgari, but you don’t have to break the bank: Betty and Biddy got a pair of pearls and diamonds for £19.

Cara Delevingne attends the 95th annual Academy Awards on March 12

Mid-drop

The center drops between giant studs and chandeliers are generally teardrop shaped. This makes them perfect for proportioning heart-shaped faces with a wider forehead and narrower chin.

Generally not as heavy as their older sister, the chandelier, they are an easy option to wear all day long. High-necked clothes and hair worn partially off the face allow them to be the focal point of an outfit, as evidenced by Rihanna (pictured), who complemented her turtleneck dress with brown and yellow diamonds and emerald earrings at the This year’s Oscars.

If you prefer a lower neckline, take a style tip from Michelle Yeoh and complete your look with a necklace to match your earrings, like she did with the matching Cartier jewels at the Met Gala.

Rihanna attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California