In the talk of seasonal trend roundups, it’s usually the clothes that dominate the conversation but 2023 has seen quite a shift: accessories have arguably stolen the show, with big, bold jewelry leading the charge. One of the most defining trends to emerge has been ginormous earrings, ranging from 80s-inspired button earrings to geometric baubles that look like mini sculptures on the ear. Despite the difference in variation, the throughline seems to be ginormous XXL-sized pieces that cover the entire earlobe.
Although a “trend” that has maintained the spotlight off and on since the 80s, in the context of its most recent resurgence designer labels like Saint Laurent, Khaite, and Bottega Veneta have assisted its push back into the mainstream. After its debut on the runway last fall, Matthieu Blazy’s caused a frenzy with Bottega Veneta’s teardrop earrings. The piece was an immediate runway hit—spawning a long waitlist and TikTok videos explaining how to get the look for less. Around the same time, Anthony Vacarello’s sleek twist on 80s glamour was buoyed by incredibly large earrings that everyone couldn’t stop talking about. Into the new year, designer Catherine Holstein kept up the momentum debuting more big earrings within Khaite’s accessory lineup. The overarching theme? The time for conspicuous earrings is now, and if you’re looking to join in, you don’t necessarily have to commit to the designer versions to do so.
After much research, I gathered 26 pairs the embody the XXL earring craze better than most. Whether you want to go vintage, designer or affordable, keep scrolling to take your pick.
Saint Laurent has dipped into the 80s archives to lend serious backing to the big earring revival. The house premiered geometric gold-toned pieces during its S/S ’23 collection and continued the look with its most recent runway offering last February.
With a modern twist, Bottega Veneta’s Teardrop earrings caused as much of a stir as its other viral ready-to-wear pieces.
Adding to the mix, Khaite’s take features a horizontal panel design that seriously demands attention. The good thing about earrings like these—an equally elaborate outfit isn’t needed.
No one can argue with going straight to the source, and grabbing a pair directly from the 80s.
Leave it to Zara to release a pair that seriously rivals the designer versions.
Anthropologie’s jewelry section has been on a roll lately.
Our readers love these.
Style these with a white tank and high-waist jeans for a low-key luxe take, the Bottega Veneta way.
If your tastes skew more minimal, consider these an option.
There’s something magical about vintage jewelry.
My friends can’t stop talking about this pair—the horizontal shape makes them stand out from the rest.
These look like little sculptures.
The dupe of all dupes.
Hammered jewelry is a personal favorite, so you already know I’ll be all over these.
This pair would look stunning styled with a crisp black blazer.
Alexis Bittar just does it every time.
The curved shape makes these a little less over the top on the ear.
If I didn’t know better, I would think these came from some grandma’s decades old jewelry archive.
Less flashy and big as the others, these are ideal for the office.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dreamed about this pair. The heart shape is just so fun.
The original.
Quite a splurge, but the details are immaculate.
I’ve bought a lot of the options on this list, but I can make an exception for one more.
