How to choose earrings for your outfit and your day

Start with your day, not your jewellery box

Most of us choose earrings the same way: we put on the outfit, stand in front of the mirror, and then try three or four pairs. That works, but it helps to ask one more question first. What does your day look like?

A day of meetings, a long train ride, a family function and a coffee with friends all call for slightly different earrings. Once you know how long you will wear them and how much attention you want, the choice gets much simpler.

Studs or dangles?

Both are lovely. They just do different jobs.

Studs are small and sit close to the ear. They are easy to wear every day and almost never get in the way. Our Minimal Magical Studs are everyday studs that go with everything, which is exactly what you want from a pair you reach for without thinking.

Dangles hang below the ear and move when you do. They draw the eye, so they are a good choice when you want your earrings to be part of the look. Our dangles are made light and playful, to move with you.

A simple way to decide:

• Wearing a busy print, a bold neckline or a lot of jewellery already? Go for studs.
• Wearing something plain, in one solid colour? Dangles can be the highlight.
• Not sure? Start with studs and add a dangle on days you feel like standing out.

Think about how long you will wear them

If you will be out from morning to night, comfort matters as much as looks. Lightweight earrings are easier to forget about once they are on, which is what you want when the day is long.

Our dangles are light and playful, and the Brown and White Triple Heart Dangles are lightweight enough for all-day wear. Three cascading hearts in brown and white make a playful look that still feels elegant, so they suit both office days and evenings out.

If you are new to dangles, or you find some earrings heavy, begin with a lighter pair and see how it feels through a full day.

Pairing colour with your outfit

You do not need a colour wheel. A few easy rules cover most outfits.

• Plain outfit, bold earrings. A white, black, beige or denim outfit is a blank canvas. A bright pair, like the Ethnic Print Dangles in Pink, a round top with a triangle drop in vibrant pink, brings instant energy.
• Printed outfit, calm earrings. If your kurta or dress already has a lot going on, pick small studs in a colour that appears somewhere in the print.
• Match one colour. Choose one shade from your outfit, a dupatta or a bag, and pick earrings that echo it. The Purple Flower Dangles, with round purple florals on a white stud top, look dreamy with lavender, white or soft neutrals.
• Go for contrast. Warm yellows and pinks look striking against cooler blues and greens. Do not be afraid to try it.

If you have an outfit and a colour story in mind and cannot find the exact pair, we do take custom orders. Tell us the colours, outfit or occasion and we will send a quote, using the contact page.

Dressing for the occasion

Here is a quick guide you can adapt to your own life.

• College or work: studs or a light dangle in a calm colour.
• Casual weekends: anything playful. Comic prints, birds, leopard prints, whatever makes you smile.
• Festive days and functions: printed dangles that suit your outfit and add colour.
• Travel days: a small pair you will not need to remove, kept in a dry pouch when you are not wearing them.

One more thing: sensitive ears

Comfort is about more than weight. We choose hooks and posts that are gentle on skin. If you know you have a metal allergy, please message us before ordering and we will tell you exactly what each piece uses. We would always rather you ask than be uncomfortable later.

A last test before you leave home

Take a quick look in the mirror and ask yourself:

• Do these earrings feel comfortable?
• Do I like where my eye lands first?
• Would I be happy to wear them until evening?

If the answer to all three is yes, you have chosen well. And if you change your mind halfway through the day, that is what a second pair in your bag is for.

Looking for your next pair? Explore our dangles for a bit of movement, our studs for easy everyday wear, or browse all pieces.