Why Chandelier Earrings Will Be Your Perfect Party Season Partner

Not only is a chandelier earring the easiest way to add a luxe touch to a simple outfit (stash them under your desk for a swift swap come 5pm) they're also a timeless buy. Princess Margaret's, below, would look just as fabulous now with a cream blouse and black denim for evening drinks, as they did with her pretty chiffon frock and tiara in 1969.

Even back then they weren't brand new. The chandelier design - a long, drop earring with suspended stones - is one of the oldest styles with origins in the Middle East and China. Like the Duchess of Sussex and her Strathberry tote, and the Duchess of Cambridge and her LK Bennett courts, we can pinpoint the sudden rise in popularity to a royal. Post-colonialism, the style spread to the West, and was in high demand after George VIgifted his daughter Elizabeth a pretty pair on her wedding day in 1947.

Clockwise from top left:Geometric earrings, 59, Uterque ; La Jetee earrings, 240, Alighieri ; Rhinestone fringed earrings, 35, & Other Stories ; 1980s vintage Swarovski crystal drop clip ins, 125, Susan Caplan 2018's offering isn't entirely dissimilar to these earlier iterations. My favourite fashion takeaway from Chanel's autumn/winter 18 show was the statement drop earrings that featured pearls, diamonds and coloured gems, snaking up models ears then falling into mismatched chandelier styles, floating above their shoulders. Modern variations have become slightly chunkier, though be sure to consider the weight of them before you commit to all-night wear - droopy lobes aren't very chic.

Transparent bead earrings, 12.99, Mango Etro beaded tassel earrings, 449, Matches Fashion ;Alessandra Rich crystal clip earrings, 335, Net-a-Porter If, like me, your budget doesn't stretch to Chanel, Susan Caplan's selection of affordable vintage earrings is unrivalled. On the high street, Spanish brands Mango and Uterque have the OTT earring trend down pat and are the best quality I've found thus far. Should your pockets be deeper, fashion girls are currently drooling over Alessandra Rich's dazzling drop earrings which are quite the investment, but I hope I've proven they'd be worth it. Now, go forth and sparkle.

HRH Princess Margaret opts for a more is more approach, pairing her statement earrings with a tiara and diamond necklace, and wearing her hair in a low ponytail to show it all off. If you'll only be sporting the earrings, a loose high bun would look equally chic.

Actress Jennifer Lopez proves how easily statement earrings can up your glamour ante. Her Fred Leighton pair were worn with a simple one-shouldered Chanel gown to the 2001 Oscars. Ensure yours take centre stage by pairing with a minimal silk dress this party season.

Simone Rocha's beaded drop earrings (and the heavenly coordinating hair slides) were the talk of London Fashion Week last season. Crystal beads, rather than diamonds and gems, are easiest to wear by day. They consistently sell out so grab these while you can. (210, Matches Fashion Telegraph Media Group Limited 2019 Need help?

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