Headphones have quietly become one of fashion’s most expressive accessories. We’ve cycled through every era: the tiny, minimalist wireless buds; the chunky over-ears revived by TikTok’s Y2K obsession; and, in perhaps the most unexpected twist, the nostalgic return of corded earbuds. But the next wave? Wearable, earring-friendly, open-ear clip-ons — specifically, the new Shokz OpenDots ONE.
It’s rare to find tech that feels genuinely designed for women’s lives in mind, but after a week of testing them, I’m convinced these are about to become a fashion-girl staple.
At first glance, they look more like a chic ear cuff than a piece of wearable tech. The design clips higher on the ear, which means they sit seamlessly alongside jewellery rather than competing with it. For anyone who’s ever had corded headphones tangle in a pair of hoops, or felt a drop earring threatened by traditional earbuds, this alone feels revolutionary. Depending on your hair and skin tone, they almost disappear — discreet, featherlight and quietly stylish.
Although available in grey and black, the newly launched pink colourway deserves its own moment. It isn’t sugary or overtly feminine; it’s soft and surprisingly neutral. It’s fashion-tech done in a way that feels wearable, rather than gimmicky.
Shokz teamed up with its ambassador, Alanah Yukich — Australian track athlete and model — to showcase several looks with OpenDots ONE Pink. Check here for styling inspiration.
For Women Who Move
When it comes to movement, though, that’s where they shine. The lightweight, secure clip design means they don’t budge regardless of whether I’m running or strength training. And because they don’t sit inside the ear canal, they stay cleaner, more hygienic and far more comfortable, especially for those with sensitive ears or non-standard ear canal shapes. The nickel-titanium plate and soft silicone grip add durability, while the IP54 rating means sweat and weather aren’t a concern either.
But true to the brand’s Open-Ear philosophy, Shokz has designed these with women’s lifestyles — and safety — in mind. The open-ear construction means you can hear your surroundings while still enjoying rich, detailed audio. As someone who often walks or runs alone, this feels like a genuine game-changer. I usually avoid noise-cancelling headphones outdoors for that exact reason, but with these, I can keep a motivational playlist going while staying aware.
Commuter Companion
They’ve also become unexpectedly essential for my commute — though with an asterisk. If you’re a zone-out, noise-cancelling-only commuter, these won’t mute the person playing reels loudly next to you. But if, like me, you prefer subtle sound that doesn’t isolate you entirely, they strike the perfect middle ground. And for my fellow on-the-go makeup appliers (guilty), they don’t interfere with bronzer placement or fall victim to over blending your foundation. Small win, big impact.
Smart touch controls make switching tracks or taking calls seamless, and on a full charge, the earbuds give up to 10 hours of listening, with an extended 40 hours with the case. There’s also clever Dynamic Ear Detection, meaning each earbud automatically works in either ear. Clip them on, hit play, and drop them back into the case without thinking about left or right.
Office-Friendly
In the office, they’re my productivity MVP. The sound is crisp enough to help me focus, but because they don’t completely block out the room, I’m no longer jumping out of my chair when someone taps my shoulder. It’s the balance I didn’t realise I needed. For shared spaces, the Shokz DirectPitch sound-leakage technology keeps your audio private which is ideal for open-plan offices.
Let’s Recap: Shokz OpenDots ONE Favourite Features
- Ear-cuff style: Perfect for earring lovers or anyone with sensitive ears. The speaker sits above the ear canal, meaning they stay put, stay clean and are incredibly comfortable.
- Sound quality: I wasn’t sure open-ear buds would deliver the audio I like, but with Dolby Audio enabled via the app, the sound is genuinely impressive and fully customisable.
- Safety: The biggest deal for me was that they allowed me to stay connected to my surroundings without sacrificing sound. Perfect for my solo early-morning walks or evening commutes.
If you’re not a corded-earbud loyalist, or you find traditional wireless buds too fiddly, this design is for you. Ultimately, the Shokz OpenDots ONE feel like the next evolution of wearable sound: lightweight, design-led, discreet and genuinely aligned with the way modern women move, dress and live. Fashion-meets-function is often promised and rarely delivered — but in this case, it’s real.
Follow @shokzaunz for more music x lifestyle inspiration, and send a DM with the code phrase “Try Shokz On x Marie Claire”. One winner will be selected to receive a pair of OpenDots ONE Pink. Entries close on 1 January 2026, and the winner will be contacted via DM from @shokzaunz by 5 January 2026.
Explore the Shokz Open-Ear earbuds range here:
Shokz is the global open-ear headphones pioneer, redefining how people listen while staying aware of the world. Shokz delivers powerful sound, secure, all-day comfort for sport, work and everyday life.
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