As a passionate earring wearer, I fear this is an unfair judgment to make. To add fuel to the fire, there’s also the gayness of it all. Not literally, but the historical association of the single little earring. In the 1970s, it became common for gay men to wear an earring on their right ear as a means to signify their sexuality—a way to find romantic partners on the down-low. Since then, many have (wrongfully) suggested that the single dangly earring, regardless of what ear it’s on, is still an accessory only sported by queer men—though prominent, straight earring enthusiasts like Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. have all proven that theory wrong. Even so, dangly jewels continue to be viewed as a bad thing. Why is there such negative energy being hurled towards such an itty-bitty piece?
To me, the mearring is all being taken far too seriously. Like a great timepiece or a necklace, a dangly little earring can be tasteful, and add a sense of dressiness to an otherwise reserved look. We have seen red carpet stars like Lil Nas X, Paul Mescal, and Harry Styles all understand the polish of it, styling earrings with classic suits and tuxedos. (Styles essentially broke the internet at the 2019 Met Gala, wearing Gucci and a teardrop pearl earring.) The accessory defies traditional menswear codes in a way that is extremely minuscule; it adds just the right amount of modernity and visual interest without making the bold statement of a giant brooch or makeup look.
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