A Guide to Different Types of Earrings

 

You’ve got your entire outfit ready, your makeup is on, and your hair is perfect, but something is missing. Accessories are an important step in adding the final touches to an outfit, no matter the occasion. Whether heading to the office, having drinks with the girls, or going to a wedding, endless jewelry choices help you express yourself and stand out. Choosing just one pair of earrings can be tricky with so many options, ranging from classic studs to bold hoops. In this guide, I will explain the different types of earrings and how you can style them.

 

Types of Earrings

Hoop Earrings

Boasting versatility and elegance, the hoop earring is one of the most flattering choices for everyday wear. You can find these in various styles, meaning you can wear them at any event. You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic gold hoops—whether you’re in jeans and a t-shirt or something more formal, they’ll flatter any outfit. What’s more, these styles usually aren’t too heavy, so you can wear them all day long without sore earlobes.

 

 

Stud Earrings

Stud earrings are a simple and dainty style that everyone with piercings has worn at least once. It sits on the ear without anything hanging or dangling, and its design is pretty basic. But its simplicity doesn’t make its design boring. On the contrary, you can find a great range of bold, elegant, and classic styles that will flatter everyone’s taste and budget. Small, round, plain earrings are best suited to everyday wear, but you can find oversized jewels and graphic patterns that will steal the spotlight.

 

Clip-On Earrings

Who said you had to have pierced ears to wear magnificent jewelry? We’ve come a long way from the days of Dynasty and costume jewelry – these clip-on earrings look just like the real thing and can work for any occasion. From casual settings to the office or dinner with friends, you can try trendy pieces that elevate your outfit. While some believe that clip-ons hurt, you can add padding to the clips for a softer hold or adjust the paddle on the back to prevent pinching.

 

 

Acrylic Earrings

Acrylic earrings are made from durable materials, and almost any design can be made from them. They’re also durable and lightweight, meaning you can wear them repeatedly and forgo aching earlobes. No matter your aesthetic, you can find a pair that elevates your outfit.

 

 

Drop Earrings

Drop earrings will hang below the earlobe, usually without separate pieces that move independently when the wearer moves. These are the best earring choices for a formal event. The simple style creates the illusion of a longer neck, and because of its dramatic silhouette, you can forgo a necklace to avoid distractions. While gold and silver are the most popular choices, you can also find trendy shades like green, purple, and white.

 

Dangle Earrings

Dangle earrings are different from their drop counterpart. Instead of moving as a single piece, these earrings feature multiple independently moving pieces that sway and jingle when the wearer moves. These are considered a more casual choice, but you can make them work for almost any occasion. If you’re looking for something to throw on any outfit, opt for a gold or silver shade – these are the easiest to adapt to any color, and they flatter all skin tones.

Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier earrings are large and usually covered in jewels or bright colors. While they’re best suited for formal occasions, you can try them at a semi-formal or smart casual event where you must show off a bit. They can be heavy, so feel free to take them off once they become uncomfortable.

Pear Earrings

With an exaggerated silhouette and the shape of the green fruit, pear earrings are a popular choice for many reasons. They’re elegant and versatile, working well with any outfit and for most occasions. You can dress these up or down. Opt for a neutral shade for casual settings and reserve bright colors for formal occasions. You can find these earrings with the point either at the top and close to the earlobe or upside down. No matter your style, they’re a timeless design worth adding to your collection.

Teardrop Earrings

Teardrop earrings feature a round bottom and a pointed top. However, instead of being shaped like fruit, they are in the form of a drop of water. The difference is usually the length of the jewelry—teardrops are longer, whereas pears have a shorter midsection. The earring style is most commonly associated with formal events and can feature jewels and bright colors.

Tassel Earrings

Tassel earrings are often dramatic and long, usually featuring multiple chains or beads towards the jawline. While you can wear your hair down and still show off your accessories, a ponytail or bun will take a look to the next level. You can experiment with different styles that are out of your comfort zone.

Gold Earrings

Thanks to gold earrings’ versatility, you can wear the same style of gold hoops daily or swap them out for something more dramatic, encrusted with bright jewels, or surrounded by freshwater pearls. With so many style opportunities, no jewelry box is complete without a pair or two. This color is universally flattering but is incredibly stunning on those with an olive or dark skin tone or pink or neutral undertones.

 

Silver Earrings

Silver earrings simultaneously offer a timeless and futuristic look. Whether you like a pair of classic white gold hoops or prefer dramatic studs with shards of diamonds and crystals, there’s always a way to wear this color. You can often find accessories made from sterling silver, but other silver-like options include white gold and platinum, which are far more expensive than the former. Just like gold, this metal is universally flattering. However, it looks best against pale skin tones with blue or neutral undertones.

 

Ball Earrings

Quirky and fashion-forward, ball earrings can work for almost any occasion or season. A pair of dangly ball earrings look fantastic with a high-neck top or a strapless dress, whereas you can style a pair of textured hoops with jeans and a t-shirt.