Why We’re Ditching Half Our Earrings This Fall

The short answer? Céline’s fall runway (and Louis Vuitton’s). When Phoebe Philo sent her inventively tailored looks down the runway on models sporting a single earring, it answered the question of exactly what could call more attention than two shoulder-grazing, found object-embellished earrings. As it turns out, it’s just one.

If the runway wasn’t enough to convince you, Céline’s most recent campaign starring a dressed-up but defiantly lounging Daria Werbowy makes a strong case for asymmetric embellishment.

The beauty of this look lies in contrast and ease. It’s an edgy way to wear refined jewelry, and its high impact couldn’t be easier to achieve – just pull your hair back and leave one earring at home. This single drop Fenton worn by our stylish and sartorially adventurous Photo Editor Erika Kettleson is a fun way to experiment with the idea, but once you find your footing, the trend sees its fullest expression in a lone piece of fine jewelry; try a string of chunky quartz stones adorned with a chains or a tiered rose gold design dotted with diamonds. Or, give the trend a minimal spin with a delicate stud. Says Style Director Molly Thompson, “either a teeny tiny earring or an elaborate dangly earring is best.”