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Everything You Need to Know About the Asymmetrical Earring Trend

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Columbia Barnard chapter.

We’ve all heard the saying: eyebrows (or really any other feature that can be asymmetrical) are sisters, not twins. It’s what we tell ourselves to feel better about our imperfectly proportioned faces, our lopsided features, or anything that deviates from “normal.” However, in a refreshing turn of events, a new style trend has emerged: asymmetrical earrings. Instead of eschewing all that is askew, fresh-faced online influencers have showcased its potential for innovation, expression and allure, garnering huge support along the way. Below are just a few tips for how to style this initially-daunting look with all the glamour of the chic fashionistas and urban cool girls who currently do it best.

1. Asymmetrical studs

This is a good place to start if you are reluctant to give this trend a go or are unsure about how to approach it. Studs are gorgeous but discreet, allowing you to experiment with mixing and matching without having it all out and about from day one.

This is just one example. While this one is extremely understated, you can do the stud trend by differing the metals, shapes, colors, sizes and patterns of your studs. While these may initially go unnoticed, anyone who does see them is sure to fall in love. This subtly bold style choice is truly unique and extremely fun. Make it your own!

2. Play with length

One of the most interesting ways to vary your look is by wearing your earrings different lengths. If you want a consistent silhouette but don’t want to be too matchy-matchy, this look is the one for you. Bonus: it will also draw attention away from your face if your features are lopsided like mine.

These minimalist earrings are the same in form, but differ in length, allowing for a sleek visual but providing interest nonetheless.

These gorgeous, minimalist earrings are only subtly different, but that’s what makes them so cool. It is a casual, understated way to follow the trend.

These earrings look almost the same at first glance, but the differing lengths and addition of the chain on one really brings the style factor over the top.

3. One stud, one dangly

This one is a bit more obvious, because the silhouettes will be so different, but it is also easy to pull off and really make your own.

This pair is gorgeous, delicate and unique. From either side you’ll be sporting a completely different look, but in the most classy and understated way possible.

This girl is absolutely rocking her one-dangly-one-stud look. Along with her mixing of patterns and textures, this look is utterly unique while still in line with what every it girl these days is wearing.

4. Just go crazy

If you feel comfortable in your style or have worn asymmetrical earrings before, try some of the styles below. They definitely make a bigger statement, but they’re so fun and the possibilities are truly endless. The following combine a few of the above styles for a creative, eye-catching look.

These are so interesting, and I love the idea of pairing a hoop with a non-hoop. If you want to get a little adventurous but still play it safe, these statement-making earrings with a neutral palette and understated silhouettes is a good place to start.

These earrings are perfect for if you want to add something extra to your look, but don’t want to be super obvious about this. The neutral color palette and slender contours of this pair are the perfect way for the reluctant risk-taker to add visual interest.

These are absolutely crazy and I love them. They would be gorgeous worn with a maxi dress or a graphic tee and jeans: just the right thing to dress up whatever you’re wearing. While putting on something like this may see daunting, the only thing anyone else will be able to notice is how fucking badass you look.

And there you go! As you can see, there are no rules when it comes to jewelry, but hopefully the above looks will lend you some inspiration as you go on to create your own unique look. Now go forth, with your ears as lopsided as the rest of you, and strut your damn stuff.

Ava Ferry

Columbia Barnard '22

A Los Angeles transplant living in New York City, Ava is a freshman at Barnard College of Columbia University (the best college in the world), and she has no idea what she's studying. In her free time, you can find her watching Netflix, wandering around the city with her headphones in, reading Vogue, scream-laughing, and offending old conservatives with her uncouth language.