If we aren’t fixating over how many knuckle rings or bracelets are too many, now, ear cuffs are the latest craze in fashion. Though not exactly new (ear cuffs were earlier seen in mummified bodies), they were all the rage in the ’80s with Goths, punks, rock stars and even bohemians.

And as seen in the shows and on some A-list celebrities, they’re making a comeback in 2013.

After first making an appearance on the runways of Marchesa, Rodarte, Jason Wu, and the Fall collections of Chloe and Dries Van Noten, these pieces have been spotted on the likes of Diane Kruger, Michelle Williams and Emma Watson.

And with all the punk embellishment seen in this year’s Met Ball in New York, the ear cuff is not going away anytime soon.

Whether you want to add serious sparkle to a bold ensemble or just a hint of edge and bad-girl vibe to casual separates, ear cuffs are a beautiful way to adorn your ears without the need for multiple ear piercings. If you’re a needle-phoebe, you’re in luck as many styles are piercing-free—most just wrap around the ears, like those made famous by jewelry designer Gaia Repossi, or “slide” upward the ear similar to styles seen at www.vitostudio.com.

When wearing ear cuffs, keep everything simple. You don’t want to go overboard with the jewelry—don’t wear them with massive chokers, try some thin bracelets or rings instead.

As for your hair, ear cuffs look best with shorter hair or hair slicked back into a bun. Just make sure your ears show—after all, what’s the point of wearing them if they’re not seen, or worse, if your hair gets tangled in them.

The author is the editor of the www.frontrowedit.com; e-mail her at [email protected]