From Princess Diana’s polka dot dresses to Madonna-approved colourful leggings, bold details inspired by a decade of minimalism are now at the forefront of fashion. And that unabashed ’80s style extends to our accessories as well: those sleek, oversized earrings that your mom kept all these years? Take it out of her jewelry box (we won’t tell anyone) because, if you haven’t heard of it, the style is all the rage.
One of the most popular accessory trends this fall, 80s-inspired earrings look set to take hold in the coming months as the fashion world continues to embrace all things minimalist, chaotic, and fun. Next, we will trace the history of this trend from its origins in the 80s to its return.
The Rise of Maximalist Earrings in the 80s
First, let’s review the origins of this styling. In the 80s, the trend of earrings was in line with the fashion philosophy of the time, “more is better”. This translates into a range of eye-catching accessories, the most popular of which is undoubtedly the faceless button earrings, which were a must-have in the late Princess of Wales’ royal outfit, as well as Whitney’s Houston red carpet looks. Luxury fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy led the way with very shiny gold models embellished with details such as logos, pearls, and textured metal (mostly clip-on, as traditional earrings for these styles are usually heavy).
In the 80s, polished, oversized pearl earrings also dominated the jewelry world, often paired with power suits, as many women took their place in the workplace. At the same time, the decade also ushered in playful, brightly coloured styles, often giant hoops or interesting geometric shapes (see Demi Moore’s ’82 style). Chandelier earrings are a favorite style of pop star Cyndi Lauper and have been all the rage. In short, the 80s earring trend was all the rage.
80s Earrings Fashion Trends in 2024
Considering that the trend of 80s-style earrings started to take off on the catwalk last year, its revival is a bit slow. Saint Laurent Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello clearly took that era into account when designing the brand’s Fall 2023 collection, as evidenced by the XXL stud earrings, which are almost as big as the model’s ears. (An ’80s-inspired blazer with sharply defined shoulders is also a prominent theme in the collection.) Khaite also jumped on the bandwagon, showcasing gold-toned extra-thick textured earrings.
Fast forward to the Fall 2024 fashion show and the trend reached its climax. Versace had models walk the runway wearing gold button earrings featuring the heritage label’s iconic Medusa head motif, while Ester Manas showed off a pair of similar-looking button earrings adorned with ruffled gold-toned metal designed to replicate candy wrappers.
Not surprisingly, celebrities have also contributed in part to the return of this fashion trend. At the Cannes Film Festival this May, Bella Hadid wow with Aureum Collective’s Cait earrings, which looked like they were classics from the ’80s. Hailey Bieber has a soft spot for Heaven Mayhem’s 80s-inspired earrings, including mini knots and vases. Similarly, Justine Skye, a close friend of the Rhode founder, also endorsed this trend, posting a photo on Instagram of herself wearing large square gold stud earrings.
Like any revival of a style that was once popular, these playful ornaments look a little different this time. “The ’80s-inspired earrings really took on a new lease of life,” explains Stephanie Tchamanian, designer and founder of Lili Claspe. That’s because designers, including Tchamanian, are disrupting jewelry trends. “What sets them apart now is the clever use of lightweight materials such as acrylic and resin. This means you can wear these bold statement accessories all day long without feeling any discomfort – the style doesn’t have to be too heavy!”
At the same time, Tchamanian noticed that a modern twist on the classic silhouette was taking center stage. “Thick rings and geometric shapes are making a comeback, but they’re often paired with sleek finishes and unexpected color schemes that give it a fresh, elegant feel – and it’s all about this contrast,” she says.
Crafting 80s Earrings for the Modern Man
There are a few different avenues you can explore when designing this jewelry trend, depending on your aesthetic and desired look. Pia Mance, founder of Heaven Mayhem, says her clients, including IT girls in the industry, wear more minimalist accessories. “A simple T-shirt and trousers create a sleek look, and it’s perfectly balanced with our bold statement earrings,” she says. In addition, 80s-themed earrings are suitable for special occasions, such as weddings or anniversaries: “We love to see this and plan to lean more towards wedding guest attire in 2025,” Mance shares. If you choose this route, consider pairing shiny gold button earrings with versatile statement pieces, such as the popular burgundy earrings.