15 Best Statement Earrings That Bring the Wow Factor

Jul 18, 2023

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For maximalists, the art of accessorizing actually is an art. They can pile on baubles aplenty with effortless skill. They make over-the-top ear stacks and layered neck parties look easy. And I’m just not one of them. Never have been.On a day-to-day basis, you can find me wearing a thin chain necklace, a signet ring, and a pair of simple gold hoops. But maximalists everywhere would be pleased to know my go-to party trick—if you will—is a statement earring. I love a bold, in-your-face bauble.

Why? Well, as a fashion editor, I think the best statement earrings make dressing up a simple outfit easy. But I also click “Add to Cart” only if a pair meets a couple of very important criteria. The first thing I look for is versatility. Can I wear them to weddings, brunches, or market appointments? Can they be worn just as easily with a T-shirt and jeans as with a cocktail dress and Manolos? And most importantly: Will I get bored of them over the years?

No ordinary statement earring will do, either. I like to shop with purpose, so I look for up-and-coming, contemporary brands that focus on craft and material. I also have sensitive ears, so attention to material is key. I look for pieces that are plated with true gold or silver, so they don’t irritate my skin. And to that end, weight is also a big part of the trial-and-error process. A pair that is too heavy can totally spoil a night! The best statement earrings look big without making me feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my earlobe.

With all this in mind, I’ve searched the internet for the 15 best statement earrings below, for both maximalists and minimalists—or at least those who like a good maximalist accessory every now and then.

I am a big fan of Completedworks. The brand makes chic styles that read “statement” but don’t feel too out there. I wore these pearl and rhinestone-encrusted baubles with a floaty, floral dress to a recent wedding upstate. And then I wore them again a week later, with a silky slip, to another wedding in Sicily. I received so many compliments—and they didn’t irritate my sensitive ears after hours of wear.

I met designer Monica Sordo a few years ago through a mutual friend, and instantly was taken with her sculptural jewelry shapes. Her pieces are all inspired by travel, art, or architecture, and they’ve become a favorite of mine due to their unique geometric designs. Natural mother-of-pearl, red jasper, and black onyx are set on 24k gold-plated brass and handcrafted by Peruvian artisans and jewelry masters, creating an ideal finishing touch for everything, from simple outfits to cocktail attire alike.

Roxanne Assoulin’s bold jewelry is designed to make a splash. And these gold-tone hoops made from enamel and cubic zirconia are sure to add a pop to any outfit. I would wear them with a simple button-down and jeans to add a little oomph to my everyday wardrobe, or alternatively, for a night out with a slinky dress and strappy heels.

When I dress up, I want something bold, and I like to switch up the metals. The silver on this pair by We Dream in Colour complements the foliage-inspired design, a trademark look for the female-owned brand. To make the silver pop, I would wear these with a red dress.

When searching for statement earrings for dressier events, most fashion editors will advise a look at Oscar de la Renta. The brand consistently offers over-the-top baubles perfect for weddings, or black-tie events. I like the feminine nature of this particular pair with the adorable bows encrusted with baby pearls, and pretty pink gemstone droplets. I’d style them with a clean, strapless gown for my next formal outing.

If “all things dangly” isn’t your thing, a chunky, modern bauble can fit the bill as a statement just the same. These hoops from Jenny Bird are a regular go-to for when I want an earring that will pack a punch but that’s still casual enough for a simple date night. I wear these with everything, from my favorite tee-and-jeans combo to an LBD.

Simone Rocha’s jewelry collection is as awe-inspiring as her ready-to-wear. These beaded drop earrings are a signature for the brand and create a statement with their long icicle-like shape. I particularly love the differentiation in bead size, which creates a cool texture, like random paint drops spattered on a canvas.

Over-the-top crystal earrings are my go-to for special occasions and dressed-up affairs—and in my opinion, Isabel Marant makes some of the best. The dazzling strands of stones are dripping with sparkle, which I like to pair with a black, tuxedo-style blazer, lace bra, and trouser pants. It’s an easy and elegant evening look that has that little bit of extra edge.

While my everyday wardrobe consists of neutral clothing, I do like to play with color in my accessories. These Mondo Mondo Acme earrings are simple in style, but have a unique quirkiness due to the mismatched color pairing and glittery ball droplet.

Red is one of my favorite colors so I can’t help but fall for these Johanna Ortiz earrings. This pair is handwoven by artisans using delicate iraca palm and glass beads, mimicking a basket overflowing with luscious coral. I would bring these with me on vacation to style with my favorite crochet dresses, silky pajama sets, and cotton poplin shirting.

Since launching in 2021, Julietta has become a cult jewelry brand amongst those in the know. As a water sign, I feel drawn to this pair of starfish earrings. Handmade in NYC, they’re fashioned from resin and synthetic pearls. I consider them the ideal statement earring for European summers or weekend getaways by the water.

Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo, the late designer and mastermind behind Paco Rabanne, actually began his career designing jewelry for major couturiers in Paris, before starting his own fashion house in 1966. His work with metals made him famous and became the brand’s signature. I can’t help but gravitate toward these mesh chainmail earrings that feel modern while still paying homage to Rabaneda’s legacy.

I recently discovered Fatma Mostafa’s line of extremely special jewelry, which effortlessly mixes fashion and traditional craft. This mismatched pair of earrings features the brand’s signature embroidery technique, fashioned into a delightful water lily pattern, reminiscent of an Impressionist-era painting. A true work of art, these earrings have shot straight to the top of my wish list.

Who says statement earrings are reserved only for evenings? This dangly pair by Daphine feels made to wear all day. They’ll look great with a chic black turtleneck or a crisp white button-down. But they can also easily transition to a night vibe with a sheer blouse, trouser pants, and heel.

These clip-ons from Sylvia Toledano will certainly help anyone without pierced ears steal the show. The French jeweler aces maximalism with her affinity for glamour and keen eye for vintage. I like to imagine myself wearing these with something that shows off the neckline, with my hair pulled back in a bun and a bold red lip.

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