Meet your new ‘bad hair day’ coping mechanism. Nope, not a joke, I’m inviting you to get up close and personal with one of Spring’s biggest trends, the duster earring. It’s big, it’s bold and coming to a shoulder near you soon.  It’s easier to cite the designers who didn’t embrace this accessory trend than those who did, it was so prevalent on the catwalks. However, favourite exponents include Balmain for the tribal beauty that was on offer, Gucci for quirky, thrift-shop-style finds and Celine for strong, graphic pieces. I remember a jewellery designer once telling me that a sparkly statement necklace was the perfect way to reflect light into the face, a great way to draw the eye away from any areas you feel self-conscious about and the clever woman’s tool for adding va va voom to a tired outfit or simple t-shirt. It was good advice and, for the most part, the same applies to the bigger earring making it potential new best friend material. Like any new trend, make sure you start off in your comfort zone by test driving a comfortable, mid-length pair, and remember anything too heavy will play havoc on your lobes or have you filing the offending pair in the nearest draw (read ‘bin’). Sure they can look extravagant but they need to be light to last the day (or evening). Of course, I’ve had a little shop for you and by way of the catwalk added in a few tips on what necklines work best. Trust me, find the right pair and you’ll feel chic, modern and glamorous.

 

Shown here; my own pair of vintage Butler & Wilson coral drop earrings, a mid length compromise, but great by day with a black blazer and strong lip. These never fail to make me feel wonderfully dressed and bohemian, and I’ve often planned an entire outfit around them. https://www.butlerandwilson.co.uk

 

The Catwalk Inspirations. (photos Vogue.com) Bold statements all, but eight different takes on the trend from Celine’s geometric dusters, perfect with a scooped neckline; Balmain’s heavily ornate tribal numbers that demand a high ponytail and roll neck; Punky Victoriana at Wang that’ll look great with the seasons’ pretty blouses; a trippy take on the 60’s spiral at Marni that begs simple monochrome and a graphic neckline; sweetie drops at Gucci, which as the runway show illustrated, means the more eclectic the outfit the better; colourful layers at Proenza, perfect worn with chic, sharp black; pure glamour at de La Renta begging a strapless ‘take me out’ number and finally, metallic statement fishbones at Pucci to spice up the minimalist’s pale layers.

 

 

The New Users Guide:

Start Simple with a long, clean drop. Not too ostentatious and in sleek gold it’s a modern play on a classic drop…just a lot longer. These from Kenneth Jay Lane are affordable outfit updaters and will look as chic with a slick tailored work suit as they will with a sculpturally simple evening dress. http://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/676903/kenneth_jay_lane/gold-plated-earrings

 

 

 

Worried about being out of your comfort zone?  Check out this rocked up pair from Rosantica, combining  a sleek drop of pearls alongside a chain of spikes. They’re somehow still super elegant and a great way to dress up jeans, a white tee and leather jacket. Très LA.  http://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/638573/rosantica/contrasti-gold-tone-pearl-earrings

 

 

For an outfit transforming talking point, check out these jewell encrusted ‘earring branches’ from Marni, perfect salve to the tired lbd hanging in the cupboard and luxe with Spring’s pastel hues.  http://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/637772/marni/gold-plated-crystal-earrings

 

 

Don’t have pierced ears but still want to get in on the trend? Test drive these beauties, again from Rosantica. A neat little cuff with pretty pearl detail that simply hooks over your ear with a cascade of golden chains. Just add the season’s jumpsuit and a mid heeled pump. Job done.  http://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/638576/rosantica/fringed-gold-tone-pearl-ear-cuff

 

 

Dreamcatcher inspired, these intricate little works of art from Valentino tick all the boxes for the Bohemian soul. Delicate filigree beadwork, tiny feather details and a shoulder grazing length that will work well with floor sweeping hemlines or dressed up denim. Not cheap but an investment and personal favourite. http://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/646140/valentino/ruthenium-tone–crystal–bead-and-feather-earrings

 

 

Still not sure of the longer length? Try these pretty little things for size. Delicate and light enough to wear by day, luminescent enough for a quick fix desk to date accessory. Accessorise are a great pit stop for mid to long length earrings at accessible prices. http://uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_19,acc_2.9/9943918100

 

Accessorize (up close and personal)

 

Forget the quips about pulling yourself together, these almost-curtain pulls are the perfect way to embrace the trend, inject colour and find a lightweight way to wear large earrings. These from Lanvin are the holy grail of synthetic adornment, BUT expect a slew of copies on a high street near you soon.  http://www.matchesfashion.com/products/Lanvin-Bi-colour-tassel-earrings-1036923

 

If it’s a slither of colour you’re seeking to add a bit of oomph to  your day look, Aurèlie Bidermann’s gold plated and turquoise bead drops are just the stylish ticket. For the woman who wears top to toe black, here’s the perfect way to inject colour. Subtle. Classy. Cool.  http://www.matchesfashion.com/products/Aurélie-Bidermann-Gold-plated-turquoise-bead-earrings-1011530

 

 

Good Investments:  The high street boasts a plethora of bank balance-friendly beauties. From left to right; yellow and perspex tassel earrings £12.50, black tassel earrings £12.50, blue stone earrings £4.00 (SALE BUY), all Freedom at Topshop. http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/bags-accessories-1702216/jewellery-469/earrings-674/statement-circle-earrings-5080904?bi=0&ps=200

 

 

If the Valentino feathers are a little out of budget, try these from New Look. http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jewellery-and-hair-accessories/black-feather-hoop-earrings-_365002901

 

 

Fashion & Style Director / Main model photographs Shelly Vella

Hair & Make up Lisa Valencia using Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Make up Assistant Kylie Robyn

Models Ivana at Milk Model Management and Juul at Established