I have a new theory about what we women should wear when it comes to earrings. An obscure observation… perhaps… but as I spend far too much of my time looking at fashion websites and magazines… and as fashion is one of my greatest loves since forever… I wanted to ask you what you thought about the subject…
Lately I have been seeing a lot of ‘drop’ earrings on models, on celebrities and on the street… and I have noticed that they really add that certain je ne sais quoi to a woman’s look… and the best thing about ‘drops… is that they are ageless… rules don’t apply… I find that they add a youthfulness without looking ridiculous… they can highlight a woman’s facial features without presenting as, ‘too much’ or ‘too over the top’… They are the perfect way to be playful, to be fashionable, to remain individual and stylish without looking foolish. I think there is something light hearted about an earring that swings and moves as we do… it’s so much less serious than the more classic ‘stud’ style… I still like studs, very much, but a new pair of well shaped ‘drops’ can really pep up a classic look or re-invigorate an old outfit.
This season there is a much black to be had… I am a big fan of black… it is elegant and it covers a multitude… and black suits nearly everyone… I will be wearing black but I want to accent it with fabulous drop earrings… I am going to be brave and highlight my ears… much the safest place to draw attention to. Drop earrings, for some reason, make me feel more put together… as if I have made more of an effort… they make me feel much more à la mode… Drops are also a less expensive way to re-vamp an old outfit… Sometimes we women need a new look but can’t necessarily go all out…
A new pair of earrings… especially ‘drops’ can do wonders… Have a brilliant weekend… See you next week… xv
For this season, I am loving these…
From Max&Chloe… these Four Pearl drops… here
and these Cherry Quartz drops… here
From Kate Spade, these crystal clusters… here
From Chan Lu… these fabulous turquoise drops… here
and these mother of pearls… here
Onyx Double drops from Miguel Ases.. here… (in my shopping basket)
and Green Chandeliers… here ( these are my greatest temptations…)
Click on the arrow to browse all my favourites below
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I love the examples you have shown. Am not sure that dangly earrings suit my face shape but you have inspired me to try again. They certainly would liven up my black dress.
Do try… you will be surprised how fabulous they make you feel… xv
I agree with everything you say, but strangely enough I don’t have pierced ears! When I was young I was desperate to get my ears pierced but my dad said no. He wouldn’t allow me until I was 16. Well, twenty something years on I still haven’t. I have a few clipons and screw ones but I feel like a bit of a cheat! Silly, I know. Maybe one day I will do it, but it will make like expensive as I fullfil my earring wishlist… Pretty pearls, diamond solitaires and of course some spiffy drops!
Now there are lots of fantastic clip ons… so no excuse …
P.S… I wasn’t allowed to have mine pierced either! I found the courage later on… the lure of a jewel I suspect…
This may seem an odd response … but how refreshing to see a fairly ‘real’ looking face. Not fully airbrushed and botoxed to the hilt … some expression lines which make her even more interesting. And yes – the earrings are wonderful … the older I get the more creative my drop earrings are!!!
That’s what I thought too! She is so pretty and natural… Do you know how long it took me to find an image that I felt was right.. Not many natural beauties left…
You did well … is it Naomi Watts? Yes, very pretty and natural. Even if a little work is done at least she looks real so we can relate. More natural beauties please world …
Yes it is Naomi Watts…
Wait till we see her as Lady Diana in the upcoming movie. Naomi is just beautiful!
I thought the same thing! And of course she is still completely and utterly beautiful…
Like an idiot, I finally went against my paren’t appeals to not pierce my ears only to immediately realize that earrings don’t suit me. Sigh. But these are so gorgeous I just might try again!
They would definitely suit you Heather… I have no doubt… You would look gorgeous in them… You must try….
Oh the paisley looking ones and those aqua numbers are my faves. I actually dug out all of my drops earrings to take with us on holidays. I love them with a strappy, full length dress and even casually with a boat neck shirt and jeans.
Ness xx
They do dress everything up.. don’t they?
Feeling a bit more glam just looking at all your choices–as to your greatest temptation–there are only 2 left–Charge! Now I will look thru the “jewel” boxes, and see what I need.
I better hurry up… deliberation is always a dangerous game!
I do wear drop earrings with my hair styled up. I think paying attention to details always make you feel well put-together.
All examples of drop earrings are so beautiful! I would love to have all of them as part of my jewelry collection.
Me too… but I have to stop at one… maybe two…
I’ve noticed people going more and more towards earrings over the last few years – and drop ones are the most popular with 90% of my customers. The sparklier the better and big is good – providing the stones/metal don’t make them too heavy (stretched ear piercings are not such a good look 20 years down the track). Italian Vogue had a great little history on the big earring recently you might find interesting.
Thank you Annette… I shall see if I can find that article…
Good morning, Vicki!
I love drop earring and I wear them with caution. I mean, if I wear them, I do not wear a collier, or even a bracelet. I will wear my drops earrings and my wedding ring and another ring on my right hand….DONE. I think that the WOW factor has to stay in one place of focus and not be spread out all over the place! That is just me….but if I am wearing a CHUNKY bracelet or collier, then studs are in place. BALANCE is for me! Anita
Absolutely right Anita… That is a great subject for another post… Thank you…
Less is best always!
I also do love drop earrings Last summer I brought a gorgeous silver pair and wore them as often as I could.
This year was my 30th anniversary Paspaley Pearls from Western Australia were on my wish list! But I resisted. Silly me! Now I am home I wonder why I didn’t buy them. But I really didn’t see a pair I really loved! They are magnificent pearls check out their website
Gorgeous suggestions Vicki. I LOVE a drop earring. I am in need of updating my collection. I’m loving the Chan Lu’s…I find all her jewels gorgeous!! Enjoy your new drops…they are divine!! Jx
Love the Chan Lu’s too… and good value compared to many others…
I think it has a lot to do with face shape, hair style and age.. I love drop earrings, but I don’t like them too big.. Think they look great on a younger person, but not on me..
Maybe you should give way to temptation and purchase those exotic looking Miguel Ases drops – they’re gorgeous! When I saw them, I immediately thought they’d look great with the new Tory Burch Dante dress. In her most recent blog about the color Malachite, she’s pictured wearing the dress with DROP EARRINGS to a dinner in exotic Marrakech. Blondes look great in dark green! Could replace the LBD.
On a side note…I rented two pairs of big sparkly 3″ long drop earrings for a wedding I attended last night and after taking an opinion poll (my family) on which looked better, both pairs lost to the delicate pair of David Yurman black onyx drops that I own. My son’s comment that they looked “gaudy” made me realize that “older” women like myself can’t always pull off a big chunky earring. Lesson? Try before you buy.
Chunky is difficult… that is why I prefer the finer selections… they enhance without weighing down…
I’ve never stopped wearing drop earrings. I have to be careful of the weight of them though, as I’m at an age where even the earlobes are starting to sag…
I wear them day and night. Lovely choices you’ve shown!
I love the Miguel Ases green onyx it make not look the best with black, but it will be the most complimentary to my eyes. Naomi is a beauty.
This is a good reminder for me. I tend to stick with studs because of their simplicity. But you are right. A drop earring does portray a certain lightness and happy go lucky attitude. Thanks. I think that I will pull a pair out to wear this weekend.
MC
I love the look of drop earrings and have tried them a number of times…what I find awkward is the proportion. There isn’t a lot of “space” between my ear and my shoulder…I don’t have a long neck, so when I put them on I feel “squished” and out of balance. That said, I’m going to put a pair on (still have them all) and see what I think. With my short, short hair maybe that will make a difference.
Do try Sherry… I think you will be pleasantly surprised… They don’t have to be too long… perhaps a tear shape would work well?
I’d say yes Vicki but, my holes have closed up !!!!! ….. if you’ll pardon the expression !! haha
I wear lots of silver bracelets and necklaces so, I have decided not to wear earrings……less is more as they say.
……. but, if I did, I would be wearing drop earrings as I used to do. XXXX
Clip ons… Jackie?? If you feel like a change??
A drop earring always makes me feel better! No matter what! They make me feel younger, prettier, etc…Love them and always wear them! Have a great weekend!
Love this post. I have been thinking the same thing. I used to wear drop earrings and I rarely do anymore. Thanks for all the beautiful suggestions and keeping us all on track fashion wise! We need it!
Face type means a great deal when looking for earrings-long dangling- don’t serve me well, have a long + oval face. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
I love your taste in these. Drop earrings mimic sculpture. And when it’s great sculpture you don’t need anymore adornments. I wear lots of black so the right design and color of a pair of drops cheers it all up. I also agree with Anita’s comment. I avoid wearing a necklace or bracelet in combination with great drops. Too symmetrical and one too many visual distractions. Your image choice works so well.
All of these that you’ve shown are gorgeous! I especially love the Kate Spade drops. Have a great weekend!
http://www.donnaviningblog.com
They are pretty… I agree… too much temptation…
I have many pairs of drop earrings – some very simple and others that are true show stoppers. I enjoy wearing earrings and large stone rings, and tend to be more uncomfortable with necklaces and bracelets.
Me too about the necklaces… but bracelets… I love those as much as earrings..!
I love the look of drop earrings BUT I remember talking to the owner of an exquisite jewellery shop who used to be a stylist at Harrods, and he warned that as you get older, a drop earring can make the face look droopy because of course they hang down and women of a certain age need anything that makes their features swoop upwards. That’s why hair looks better swept off the face. Worth considering!
I understand this thinking but I do think that a little flair can conceal a multitude… and drops… if worn well, are youthful… or at least flamboyant…:)
I must be the only one here against those hanging earrings. They might look ok on some. But worn on women of certain age, but I feel, that they work like the earth´s gravity, pulling the facial features down.
Never, ever could/ would I wear a pair of hanging earrings.
At a certain age, we need jewelry that lifts the glance of the viewer upwards.
For the same reason, I find pendants and long necklaces impossible to wear.
Brooches are so much more suitable.
I LOVE drop earrings, Vicki, and while I have pierced earrings, I wear clip-on earrings so that my ears aren’t pulled on or torn. They do add an extra something to everything we wear.
Hope that all is well with you.
Have a great weekend.
Teresa
xoxo
I wear clips when they are the heavy type too Teresa… especially the vintage styles…
I used to wear lots of drop earrings and it’s funny because I was just going through my jewelry this week, wondering why I stopped wearing them. I guess I got out of the habit once I designed my own every day earrings, but I am crazy about the Miguel Ases black onyx drops and those green chandelier drops too! Definitely tempting, and now you’re inspiring me to add this into my fall look.
xo Mary Jo
I think you should Mary Jo… I would love to see your ideas..
I love dangling earings. My problem is a very short neck so they get caught up in my blouse. C’est la vie.
I love the dangle earrings because they frame the face and elongate the neck.
But Vicky really…couldn’t you have found a pair on sale at Beladora.com that you liked?
Beladora is having a weekend only sale on selected products.
I am sure I could have… if I has known about that site…
Beautiful selection Vicki. The Chan Lu’s are so pretty. I have such sensitive ears that I’ve don’t often wear {heavy} drop down earrings (they are sore and red by the end of the evening sadly). These are tempting me though and I do agree that they will help frame the face. Women with long hair (shoulder or slightly below) might find the earrings get lost depending on how the hair is styled. A pretty look might be hair up or pulled back, and a small or bare decollete with drop downs.
Great post Vicki (got me thinking… I don’t wear much jewelry, other than my wedding bands and should experiment with a few pieces)
Enjoy your weekend!
leslie
Experimenting is such fun.. the joy of fashion and being female…
… a small NECKLACE or bare decollete…
Hi Vicki,
))
Though I love drop earrings, I agree very much with Anita’s above comment. It’s all about finding the right balance. Drop earrings are not for everyone and not for everyday AND they require minimalism on other accessories. Personally I think a timeless and always safe solution are button earrings (pearls, diamonds, or other). No risk of mistake.
Have a great weekend too
Anne
Yes, it is always how the total look is put together that counts… and too much can be disastrous… but the right pair of drops, worn simply can do wonders…
I’ve loved them for years.
And those Kate Spade ones are gorgeous!!
Perhaps I need a new pair?
xo,
p
Always, Pamela…
Vicki, you are sooooo pretty,the drops look really lovely on you. I so love them,but I don’t suit them too long although I love them,especially the chandi ones. xx
Not always! Try the shorter more rounded styles… they work well…
Vickie
I too love the photo! Huge fan of the website. I really enjoy it all the way from Kansas!
Thanks kelly… Kansas… that does seem like a distance…
Isn’t the internet fabulous… I can’t believe I can talk with everyone from all over the world like this! It’s the best…
I love them! I wish it was easier to find them as clip-ons. Due to an overzealous de-cluttering incident years ago {I’ve had a few!}, I put a beautiful pair into the donations bag. I console myself with imagining the delightful score someone else had and the money given to my favourite animal cause in exchange! Bon weekend, Vicki…
I wish you could come to the local flea markets with me, Shell… they often have the best selection of vintage clip ons from French designers… and they are very reasonable too…
Hi Vicky!
I LOVE dramatic chandelier earrings and big hoops- as long as they’re not too heavy- a mistake I’ve made all too often.
I now test drive big earrings in the shop for a little bit before purchasing!
Happy September from Santa Barbara!
xx
Thank you… I adore hoops too… I had dinner with my Parisian friend last night who is ‘well of a certain age’… and incidentally one of the most stylish women I know… she was wearing hoops and looked totally wonderful…
I have been wearing drop earrings all my life I just adore them ! I have never worried about face shapes or necks being too long or short!I think that they add so much to an outfit and certainly give you a lift.
I just adore the Chan Lu’s and well so many of the styles that you gave shown.I have so many earrings I just love wearing them.For me it is like always wearing lippy to go out,I always wear drops. Forget the age and just embrace them! XxxTrish
Age is irrelevant … we must embrace life and enjoy all that it offers… ‘Drops’ included…
First of all, Naomi Watts is so darn beautiful!
As to your question, yes, do wear drop earrings. You have such a lovely neck and such a gorgeous face to show off. They are the perfect frame for you.
THank you Angie… I am not sure about that but I do believe we can all do with a little sparkle…
Dear Vicki, Drops are a fun and fabulous way to add sparkle near the face. But you said you would be wearing all black. Colour is in this fall my friend. I’m sure you would look lovely in that vibrant ultramarine blue that is on trend.
I have worn so much colour this summer Ingrid… that I am quite happy to dig out my black! Although I would not say no to a little ultramarine…
Vicki I adore your choices and really think that drop earrings can look good on everyone! Beautiful earrings really finish an ensemble; whether casual or dressy.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Exactly…
I so agree with what you’re saying Vicky! I have always loved drop earrings and wear them almost exclusively.
They have always been popular in the Russian culture and are a bit nostalgic for me as well.
The movement is very feminine too…especially weightier ones that you can feel…love it!
Enjoy your day!
Bises,
- Irina
It is so good to feel feminine… I always think I am so happy to be a girl!
Indeed!
Never met a drop earring I didnt’ love. Have tons of them in my collecition though I normally only wear them at night or to dressy events. They can really make a statement all on their own and I generally do not like to wear any other jewelry, maybe a cuff. Love the look!
Yes… cuffs! They are the best too… especially pairs
I’ve always worn drop earrings. They go well with Asian outfits anyway – just love them.
As one who favours the simplicity and minor sparkle of diamond studs 99% of the time, I must say I did pack a few longer favs for paris and I will be sure to wear them but only if you wear yours. No rules for wearing them, when they are “right” they look fabulous. Much love XO
I love “drops” and fully agree with you. But I wear glasses and find that earringsr and glasses just don’t get together. What a pity! What do You think about?
- S
It is more difficult when you wear glasses, I agree… a simpler style of earring is less conflicting… Contacts for evening??
Scarves hide a neck that’s less than perfect…long earrings call attention to it. A beautiful neck deserves attention.
I had to laugh with you and Sarah B. Like you, my Daddy would not permit me to pierce my ears. When I married I declared that now I could pierce my ears, to which my husband said, “Then next, I suppose, you’ll put a bone in your nose?” So, I didn’t– until I lost pair of custom made diamond screw-back studs while we we cavorting in the ocean. Then husband suggested, “Should we pierce your ears?”
I do like drop earrings when my hair is up, but admit they don’t drop very far.
Love them all , I like the top one best.
yvonne
My very next pair of earring will most certainly be drop…can’t wait to try those recipes ….the tomato tart thingys!
Sported my silver Stella & Dot drop earrings all week by the pool in Key West! A great look anyone can pull off!
Love drop earrings! Have been wearing them for like forever it seems! And I’m now 52.