Am I the only one that feels “undone” without earrings? I never leave home without them. They always make me feel polished, even in the most casual attire. I look for classics, made of quality metal. It’s better to have a single pair of real earrings than buckets of crap from Claire’s and Forever 21. Here are my must-have earrings:

Gold Hoops: I wear these most often. They work with any color scheme, any season, day or night. Look for a pair that is small to medium sized with a twisted texture. The twists catch the light beautifully. Ross-Simons has good deals on gold. When I got my real estate license, I bought a pair to celebrate. They were $100 on sale and I enjoy them constantly!

Pearl Studs: Pearls are a classic. They have a luminous quality that make the face literally sparkle. I prefer a small pair of white ones. When I was 17, I had my very first job ever at Macy’s. I bought a pair of pearls and they are still with me and going strong all these years later. I don’t recall how much I paid, but obviously I’ve gotten my money’s worth.

Diamond studs: When you want to feel luxurious, this should be your choice. I love princess cut, no more than a carat, set in white gold or platinum. These will be an investment piece that can last a lifetime. I don’t like costume jewelry, but if you don’t mind, there are some great fakes on the market.

Drop: drop or dangling earrings are awesome for a casual occasion or a night on the town. They look especially good when hair is worn down. Buy a pair in silver or gold, depending on your preference. Be careful to choose a pair that’s lightweight and don’t snag them on anything, lest they get ripped out!

Earrings to avoid:

Huge “doorknocker” hoops  (you’re not Salt or Pepa)

Lever backs  (very heavy on the lobe!)

Beads, feathers, animals, rhinestones  (look cheap)

Anything made with nickel  (can cause allergies)

Barbie, Trolls, Hello Kitty, etc  (If you’re over 10, don’t go there)

What kind of earrings do you prefer?