“You're never fully dressed without a smile,” they said. We say, add a pair of statement earrings to that list as well. An impact-making accessory of the highest variety, this one is not for the faint-hearted. In fact, it can even be called savage, in millennial speak.
While evidence of the existence of earrings dates back to 2000 BC, its attention-grabbing sister is this year's must-have. Even if you follow Coco Chanel's ‘remove one accessory before you leave the house' diktat as the gospel truth, let that accessory not be the outfit-making statement earring.
Whether it's to give the classic white shirt an upgrade or simply to revamp that vintage Benarasi sari, statement earrings are the proverbial knights in shining armour every distressed damsel can count on. It's more than the ability to rescue your uninspired looks that give these earrings #FTW status, though. The solid Boomerang potential helps, for one. And its self-enhancing quality doesn't hurt either.
Let's call statement earrings the Ma Anand Sheela of the accessory world—a lasting impression is a given. And while there is a pair of statement earrings for every mood, it's not a case of one-style-fits-all here. From sculptural and geometrical to mismatched and embellished, pick from the plethora of options available to you. By all means, add several pairs to your jewellery box, but don't put the accruement in one itself. The only thumb rule to get it right? The more exaggerated, the better. When in doubt, just supersize.
Celebrities who swear by statement earrings
Bollywood's reigning style connoisseurs can often be seen embellishing their look with statement earrings. Take Deepika Padukone for instance. Whether it's oversized floral studs to complement a white shirt, more-is-more chandbalis to top off her traditional wear or cascading chandeliers to amp formal outfits, her statement earring game is always on point.
And then there is Sonam Kapoor, who is already way ahead of the curve. While everyone is fawning over hoops, she has moved on to dramatic disc-shaped studs. The doyenne has been seen adding flourish to her pantsuits with theatrical metal earrings and amping up her white shirts with silver jhumkas. Are you taking notes yet? You should be. Katrina Kaif makes a strong case for shoulder-dusters to accessorise bare shoulders, while Malaika Arora strikes gold in gilded vintage pieces.
The season's top statement earring trends
The disco decade's favourite dancing partner, hoops have made a definite comeback too, and how. Our advice? Go big or go home. Don't be afraid to pick an XXL option that will invariably leave onlookers gawking. If you're really brave, choose a mismatched pair. Speaking of well-rounded statement earrings, the geometric gold earring is another accessory every fashion girl worth her Misho pieces is racing to add to her repertoire. Here's a style that traverses that tricky terrain between clean lines and high impact.
RIP delicate pearls. If you thought these flag bearers of elegance could never venture beyond preppy territory, think again. Pearls have shed their demure avatar to assume a bold personality this season. Let Rhea Kapoor show you how it is done.
Been busy giving your wardrobe of a generous dose of the fringe and tassel resurgence? Don't restrict it to just your outfits. They also make for charming statement earrings, and can be perfect additions to your beach looks. Just imagine how fetching you would look as you laze on your beach bed with them on, watching the glorious sun sink into the sea on your summer vacay.
How to wear statement earrings at work
Resist your initial instinct to write off statement earrings as NSFW—all you need to do is choose wisely. Allow them to accentuate your corporate repertoire (even better when a Skype call is involved) rather than cause a distraction. There is something to be said about practicality as well. You don't want your gigantic shoulder-grazers to get caught in your shirt collar as you're pulling out a Filofax from your bag or come in the way during an important presentation. Light hoops and oversized studs with pulled back hair will work like a charm in the office space.
How to wear statement earrings to parties
In case you missed the memo, bold is your only option. Prepare to turn heads as you RSVP with this plus-one. Those form-flattering, shoulder-baring outfits could draw attention all by themselves, but will really own the partyscape with the addition of statement earrings. Jumbo hoops for your slip dress or embellished ear cuffs for free-flowing maxis, statement earrings are foolproof can't-take-my-eyes-off-you add-ons for every social butterfly.
How to wear statement earrings to weddings
Gone are the days when precious jewellery investments were only limited to solitaires. The savvy style maven of today is a patron of five-carat round solitaires and massive emerald drop earrings alike. She'll buy that opulent wedding set to appease her mother, but her jewellery conquests don't end there. Her preference is more flaunt-often, and less sit-pretty-in-the-bank-locker. As a result, she's bringing back diamond chandeliers, never-ending chandbalis, enormous studs and no-holds-barred jhumkas.
Whether you're building your trousseau or shopping for wedding season, statement earrings will prove to be the ultimate showstoppers. Add multi-coloured gemstone drops to your Chantilly lace lehenga at a destination wedding, jadau chandeliers to a silk sari for a pre-wedding puja or substantial polki studs to your dhoti pant and cape set for the glamorous reception.
