Sheanah Rivers of Columbia frames her face with striking and bold fashion statement earrings from Mainstream Boutique.
“Women should never go without earrings. Passing on them is an opportunity missed.” — Jennifer Lopez
A simple white blouse, a wispy updo, a smear of lipstick, and a swipe of mascara. Meet the classic female “casual chic.” But wait, add earrings … and behold, a striking fashion statement.
So why do earrings prompt women to immediately “ooh” and “ahh” over the shiny bobbles dangling from another lady’s ear? The pop of decoration immediately draws attention and procures compliments as it sways to and fro, dancing its jaunty jig as the wearer moves about. The better question should be, how could any female refrain from commenting on such jazzy jewelry? (Extra points if a man notices.) However, not only is this jewelry a centerpiece of conversation, it is also the queen accessory for fashion.
Earrings possess the power to transform a simple outfit into a bold fashion statement or dress up a casual frock into elegant evening attire. The position of the earring framing the woman’s face, enhancing the neckline, and adding a “shimmer n’ sparkle” makes this piece of jewelry the perfect pop. In particular, oversized earrings add a unique flair to the outfit, creating a striking look that effortlessly blends fun and elegance.
Welcoming Back the ’80s
The resurgence of large earrings is a nod to ’80s fashion trends that pervade clothing lines today through puffed sleeves, shoulder pads, and yes, scrunchies. However, let us hope that bright blue eyeshadow and neon fanny packs stay where they rightfully belong in the films of Working Girl and Big. This large earring fad has the power to determine the tone of the outfit. Feeling fun and flirty? Pops of color on large earrings make a lively statement and also pair well with silk scarves, purses, or shoes of the same color scheme. If you are feeling especially ’80s, you can even match the color of your large bobbles with a scrunchie. Hello, Goldie Hawn.
Oversized earrings radiate tailored elegance as easily as ’80s fun, and this look is achieved simply by allowing your outfit to be a blank canvas for the earrings to shine. Solid colors let the earrings pop by enhancing the jewelry rather than competing with a busy fabric, and a white linen blouse paired with statement earrings, particularly gold tones, pearls, or sparkly costume dangles, attains the “effortless elegance” look. An all-black outfit is an ideal backdrop for earrings and creates an edgy-chic, “big city” aura, perfect for an evening out or art gallery opening! A fitted black turtleneck achieves a particularly crisp look when paired with statement earrings. Audrey Hepburn was the fashion icon of black turtlenecks — before Steve Jobs unknowingly claimed the title — making this ensemble a timeless statement.
Cocktail dresses are another excellent pairing with elegant, oversized earrings. If the dress is patterned, select a solid-colored earring as an accent to the dress; however, if the dress is solid, the earrings have a true platform to shine and become the star of the show. You have more freedom in choosing the color scheme and style of your earrings against a solid dress. Be bold and accessorize with daring earrings that exude elegance and high fashion! Whisk your hair back into a low pony or updo to let the earrings have front stage and garner extra attention.
Hats, Sunglasses, and Earrings?
It is true, you can have too much of a good thing, and if you are trying to pair oversized earrings with your big Gucci sunglasses and a sweeping, large-brimmed sun hat, onlookers might think you are a celebrity attempting to walk “unnoticed,” but we must leave that look to our Hollywood friends who are vying for obscurity. Rule of thumb is best two out of three. Large sunglasses and daring earrings? Leave the hat at home. Enormous sun hat and oversized sunglasses? Wear studs or delicate, small dangles. Statement earrings and large hat? Opt for simple sunnies or none at all … your deep brim will likely shade the sun.
Mini, Midi or Maxi?
Yes to all three! No hem length is wrong when pairing bold earrings, and the airy, patterned sundresses in your spring wardrobe are aching to be complemented by fun, oversized pieces. Choose earrings that blend with the color scheme of the patterned fabric, picking out a jewel tone or bright primary color for an extra pop. A more subdued look can be achieved with gold, champagne, and pearl toned earrings, a safe pairing for most color palettes and patterns. Whether you are soaking up the spring sunshine with bare legs and a daring miniskirt or enjoying the spring air with a breezy maxi dress, throw on your statement earrings, grab your straw bag, and away you go … summer is just on the horizon!
No Piercing, No Problem!
Many statement earrings and costume jewelry are crafted as clip-ons to avoid the inevitable sagging of the pierced hole with heavy bobbles. This design allows all women to enjoy this fashion trend regardless of pierced ears. Beware clip-on earrings can slip off more easily than a pierced earring, something to be especially wary of while attending a party or wedding. Your new boogie move could leave your earring trampled on the dance floor. To avoid, purchase adhesive earring cushions that help “fit” the clamp to your ear and make them more comfortable. Or, a jeweler can tighten the clamp to the desired pressure.
History of Earrings
Different cultures have crafted and worn earrings for thousands of years throughout the history of humanity. The practice of wearing earrings is an ancient tradition, and the first human known to wear earrings lived 5,000 years ago, circa 3300 B.C. This man, named Otzi, is Europe’s oldest known preserved human, frozen in the Alps for more than five millennia. This decorative tradition was also common in Ancient Persia, discovered through carved paintings depicting soldiers wearing earrings as talismans for protection in battle, as well as Ancient Egypt, where earrings were first worn by pharaohs before spreading to the remaining populace. Earrings are first mentioned in the Bible by Aaron in the book of Exodus.
Throughout different cultures and centuries, earrings denoted different meanings of status, tribe, or religion. Earrings became a symbol of fashion and luxury during the Roman Empire, worn by both men and women. They fell out of fashion during the Middle Ages but appropriately experienced a rebirth during the Renaissance, when pearl earrings were considered the pinnacle of fashion for both men and women. During this time, earrings became popular with pirates as well and symbolized a pirate’s first crossing of the equator or first plundering of a ship.
Earrings came and went from the fashion scene during the Georgian and Victorian eras; however, the end of the Victorian era marked the final resurgence of earrings, never to be challenged again. Designs evolved, and the distinct fashion trends of the 1960s ushered in the era of “statement earrings,” which looked striking against the straight hairstyles and dress designs. The large earring trend exploded in the 1980s and proceeded to circle back in an exhilarating comeback for the “Roaring 2020s.” Flapper dresses out, oversized earrings in. Cheers, Old Sport!
