If we could round up 2018's earrings into one, overarching trend, it'd be Statement Earrings. But seeing as that term doesn't hold too much clout since anything and everything today seems to fall under the "statement" category, we're breaking them down into micro-trends that'll but you on the right shopping track. From faces to rainbow jewels, this year's bold must-haves are proving your earrings are a new measure of personality.
While the spring 2018 runways saw abstract shapes using bent metals and over-the-top drop earrings (which still top this list), indie jewellery brands have been the real champions for the must-have trends emerging via street style and Instagram. Pushing playful, unique takes on an otherwise subtle category, it seems like the '80s (and '50s by way of the '80s) really are making a proper comeback.
We've been complacent with our basic studs for far too long. To join in on the ear party fun, click ahead for 2018's top earring trends.
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Familiar Faces
Whether you find it creepy or cute, faces are huge this spring. Art lovers can rejoice over this one since most takes on the trend run down the abstract trail.
All Linked Up
Proving just how far the fashion industry has come with normalising hardware, the best dangle earrings of the year come in the form of metal chain links. Their toughness makes them the perfect partner the next time you find yourself with a black-tie dress code.
Rainbow Gemstones
We've been waiting for a good colour revival. After the minimalist of wave of simple metals, seeing jewellery dripping in a kaleidoscope of rainbow gemstones was just what Dr. Extra ordered.
Larger-Than-Life Florals
Where kitschy symbols like lightning bolts and cats once adorned our ears, large daisies and generic floral cut-outs are taking their place. A little retro, a lot cool, these are about to overtake your Insta-feed all summer long.
The Plastic Crew
Resin, acrylic, lucite, whatever it is the brand wants to go by, plastic earrings are on the rise. They come in fun, unexpected shapes and colours that immediately transport as back to the '80s — just in time for the decade's style revival.
Hoop de Hoop
Hoop earrings are good, but drop hoop earrings? Even better. Double up with these hoop-on-hoop babies.
Gettin' Squiggly With It
Little doodles are taking over our trend-loving hearts this year. Often found in the form of dangly earrings, these little squiggly guys are the perfect swap for a stale pair of chandeliers.
Sweethearts
Wear your heart on your sleeve, err ears, with this sweet little trend. After falling in love with a standout pair of heart locket earrings that made us long for our middle school days, we noticed they weren't the only ones promoting love for 2018.
Beaded Hoops
If only we would have put a little more effort into those kid DIY beading kits we had ages ago, we could have been successful jewelry designers by now. These whimsical earrings are your new go-tos just in time for sundress season.
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