Wear Big Hoop Earrings

I'm not advocating that you try everything Sharon Stone does to look younger, but you have to admit the lady is onto something.

At 52, Sharon looks spectacular. And not in a trying-to-look-young way, but in a way that helps define what a middle-age woman can look like: sexy, confident, daring, chic.

Which is why I paid so much attention when Sharon showed up to an event last week wearing supersized hoop earrings. I'm a recent oversized hoop convert and think they add instant glamour to everything. Mine aren't quite as large as Sharon's but they are pretty big. I love how they go with absolutely everything from a denim tunic and leggings to a preppy cardigan and black pants.

Here are a few tips for wearing large hoops:

• Keep your hair simple (short hair works great with hoops), either pulled back or worn straight. Big hair + big earrings = too '80s (and not in a good way.)
• Elegant makeup works with trendy jewelry like large hoop earrings. Skip the glittery eyeshadow and black nail polish if you are wearing big hoops and opt for more classic looks. I often wear natural-looking makeup (bronzer and nude lips) with bigger jewelry so it doesn't look theatrical.
• The holidays are a great time to try big hoop earrings. Try simple gold or silver hoops or dress it up with crystals or rhinestones.
• Make the big hoops be your statement. Skip the necklace with big earrings.
• Buy it cheap. Teen-centric shops like Claire's abound in hoops. I snatched mine up at Walmart (can't swear to it, but seems like they were $5 for four pair.)