The Statement Stud Trend Will Help You Channel Your Inner Golden Girl

Give your hoops some rest.

I’ve probably seen every episode of the seminal ‘80s classic The Golden Girls 10 times at least. From catching episodes at my grandma’s as a toddler to watching the entire series in its entirety on Lifetime as a teen to queueing it up when I need something comforting and easy, it’s a mainstay in my life. I’ve memorized the show, but I’ve also gleaned quite a bit of fashion inspo from Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and even Sophia with her signature wicker purse, glam eveningwear, flowing nightgowns with matching robes, lots of color and big, bold gold earrings.

Maybe the fine folks at Khaite, Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta were deep in a GG binge when conceiving their jewelry collections, as the chunky posts and hoops look suspiciously similar to those beloved by my fave Miami ladies. (Remember, Dorothy, Rose and Blanche were not actually elderly, but rather in their fifties and early sixties, so basically Carrie and company’s ages in And Just Like That!) The gals loved to accessorize their many looks, whether they were lounging on the lanai or out for a hot date, and they often opted for the oversized statement earrings that were beyond popular in the opulent ‘80s. And just like that (sorry), the very same over-the-top earrings are back again, making the OG Golden Girls proud.

The Trend

Jewelry trends are exceptionally cyclical, and after years of more delicate ear stacks and minimalistic studs and hoops, the chunky vibe made its predicted return. It makes sense that the ‘80s-inspired style would come back in fashion once more, given the ‘80s-esque oversized outerwear, relaxed glam gowns and slouchy suiting trends from brands like Toteme and Saint Laurent. It also makes sense that said earrings would be embraced by the queen of the enormous leather blazer, Mrs. Hailey Bieber herself, as well as her pal Kylie Jenner and the rest of the cool girl crew.

One of the most beloved styles is Bottega Veneta’s Drop Earring (or its many, many dupes), a majorly oversized gold or silver teardrop-shaped post earring, but anything that takes the humble gold earring up a few notches would work well here. Khaite’s Julius earrings are a super chunky design with a sophisticated shape and texture that blends the maximalism of the ‘80s with the more streamlined, polished vibe of today, and the popularity of these pieces means that similar designs have trickled down to more affordable retailers like H&M, Urban Outfitters and COS.

Get the Look

Thankfully you don’t have to spend Khaite or Bottega money to rock a Blanche-worthy earring. Because this trend was so prevalent in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, your best bet is to head to your local thrift and vintage stores, as they’re probably packed with said bold gold. (And if silver is your thing, go for it! Dorothy Zbornak looks splendid in silver.) Look for shell shapes, fans, puffy huggie hoops and teardrops. Just remember, the bigger the better!

If you’d rather buy new but aren’t ready to splurge, Anthropologie’s Petra Mini Drop Earring is a trendy teardrop shape for under $50, as is this super inexpensive pair from Amazon, while Madewell’s Wavy Statement Earrings could easily jazz up any simple fall ensemble with a little bit of Golden Girls pizzazz. Jordan Road has several '80s-inspired pairs, including a Miami-appropriate oversized shell.

You don’t have to go full sequin ‘80s party dress like the Golden Girls with your new accessories, though you definitely could if the mood is right! Instead, wear your big, bold earrings with oversized blazers and relaxed-fit suits, long-sleeved dresses a la Saint Laurent or a white T-shirt and Levi’s like Mrs. Bieber. They’re chic with a minimalist LBD or a sleek bodysuit and trousers and fun with a bright red dress or warm, rich brown cashmere sweater. Despite their chunky silhouette and attention-grabbing size, these earrings are ready for anything, including date nights, work days and girls’ nights over a plate of cheesecake. 

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Read the original article on Byrdie.