(Fashion)

This It-Girl Accessory Will Transform Your Outfit In 2 Minutes Flat

by Aemilia Madden and Mecca James-Williams
Cornel Cristian Petrus/Shutterstock

Shoes and bags get all the attention when it comes to runway accessories — and though larger accessories may grab your attention first, it's time to stop underestimating the power of great jewelry. And for Spring/Summer 2019, it was the statement earrings trend that quickly distinguished itself as the style to try for the year to come.

Across runways in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, eye-catching earrings were the perfect exclamation point to the ensembles that showed at shows like Missoni and Dior. But, as with most overarching trends, next year's must-have earrings can be broken down into a handful of distinct categories: For the coming months, there are seven key takes on the statement earring that you should consider adding to your own jewelry box.

Some of the takes on the statement earring touch on the historical references we've seen criss-crossing the runways. Dripping rhinestones hearken back to the grungy glam of the '90s. Meanwhile, other iterations, like the artistic (and sometimes comical) sculptural earrings sit more squarely in the present. What makes such wide-ranging sources of inspiration ideal is the fact that no matter how you define your personal style, there's a take on the trend that will work for you. So, find a break down of all the ways you can embrace the statement earring in the year to come.

High-Style Hoops

You may already have a pair (or two, or three) of simple, sleek hoops in your earring collection, but try taking things a step further: Whether it be an angular take on the usual hoop (as seen at Dior and Area) or the imperfect circles at Jacquemus, hoops will be bolder than ever in 2019.

Jacquemus Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree
Hellessy Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Pixelformula/SIPA/REX/Shutterstock

Un-Subtle Sparkle

Touching on the resurgence of all things '90s, designers are bringing back crystal-encrusted earrings. Between the shoulder-dusters at Gucci and the mismatched earrings at Area, high-sparkle styles are back full force.

Area Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree
Jacquemus Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree

Chain Me Free

This is one take on the statement earring that works just as well for women with minimalist style as it does for those who go for more daring ensembles. Escada showed sleek, heavy-metal chains, but show-goers could see the over-the-top styles at Dsquared2 from a mile away, so you can opt for the level of commitment that suits you best.

Escada Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree
Missoni Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree

All-Out Art

Cool sculptural earrings have dotted runways over the past few seasons, but for 2019, they take on a new level of artistry. At Coach, earrings doubled as kitchen utensils. Meanwhile at Chloé and Ellery, abstract creations added a whimsical flair to the romantic clothing. The key to mastering an over-the-top statement earring is to keep the rest of your ensemble simple and let the earring stand out on its own.

Coach Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree
Rodarte Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree

Off The Cuff

A trend that even those without pierced ears can pull off: the ear cuff. Whether it's a simple singular hoop or a claw-like design, as seen at Mugler, you can expect to maximize your earring real estate with the addition of one cuff (or many).

Fendi Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree
Mugler Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree

Punk Pearls

Pearls may have a reputation for being a bit stuffy, but the runways prove that they don't have to be. At Dior and Marc Jacobs, models walked in updated versions of the classics. Meanwhile at Beaufille, rough pearls perfectly toed the line between cool and sophisticated.

Dior Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree
Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Pixelformula/SIPA/REX/Shutterstock

Shells Yes

If you didn't jump on board the shell jewelry craze this past summer, 2019 will be your chance to finally try the trend. On the runways, models sported funky takes on shell embellishment. Here's the truth: This all-natural accessory isn't just for the beach anymore.

Missoni Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree
Etro Spring/Summer 2019. Photo: Imaxtree