Just one earring? Barring a door knocker–size vintage hand-me-down from my aunt (suddenly bona fide Balenciaga) and the occasional strays in my jewelry box (whose mates have gone MIA over the years), my attempts at pulling off the trend have been experimental at best. Instead of evoking the chic élan of a French girl, I manage to feel more unbalanced than anything (or as my late grandmother might have said, “I don’t understand this look”). Truthfully, it’s not a look I had ever considered—until now. Though it’s not new news (Céline, Marni, and Louis Vuitton have dabbled with it in seasons past), my obsession with the single earring was sparked by the Spring runways, where one by one, the many one-ear wonders shone bright, from shoulder-dusting graphic drops at Proenza Schouler and acrylic floral blooms at Michael Kors to ornamental baubles in high-polish finishes at J.W.Anderson. And as fashion month comes to a close, it’s clear European houses have an eye to the ear as well, best exemplified by the strong and sculptural solo acts at Anthony Vaccarello’s debut show for Saint Laurent and the logo danglers at Maria Grazia Chiuri’s first presentation for Dior. As for how to wear these lone stars without looking like there’s something missing? “With confidence and a bit of attitude,” a colleague tells me as I scan a selection of the season’s finest offerings, including Irene Neuwirth’s one-of-a-kind precious stone singles, Balenciaga’s costume crystal clip-ons, and Paige Novick’s larger-than-life hoops. “Sometimes one is just enough.” What’s more: You can split a pair (and the cost!) with a friend. A pair of Double Disco black Lucite and diamanté hoops are so quirky cool that they’re almost too much together and beg to be worn separately. And so, my colleague takes one to a wedding in the South of France and I take the other to dinner at La Sirena. “I love your single earring,” the hostess says as soon as I approach the stand, immediately alleviating any anxiety about feeling . . . well, lopsided. “It’s so awesome!” Feeling empowered by her compliment, I try the look in the light of day—this time donning Vanrycke’s Coachella earring that looks as fiercely chic as the festival grounds it was named after. I tie my hair back for maximum exposure and hit the streets. Despite some initial apprehension, I was instantly sold—and the resulting feedback was unwavering. So the moral to the story is this: One may be the loneliest number, but a single (and sensational) earring is all you need to light the way. Above, 10 of the best single earrings sold separately.  

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