Looking for something with a little more flair than a classic stud? Hoops have remained a well-loved statement earring for centuries and for good reason. While fashion trends ebb and flow, some variation of the hoop earring is always in style.
From Toi et Moi Open Hoop Earrings to Pavé Circle Flat Hoops, the right pair of hoops has the power to pull together any outfit. At Kiera, I create jewelry that is both attainable and wearable. My curated collection of hoop designs includes elevated pieces for all occasions, from sleek business gatherings to glamorous date nights.
It’s no secret why hoop earrings continue to take the fashion crown by storm, season after season. Whether you prefer something simple and subtle or bold and bewitching, hoops are a staple that deserves a rightful place in every woman’s jewelry collection.
What to Look for in Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are known for their versatility. Some women love the look of hoops embellished with sparkling cubic zirconias. Others prefer the boldness of multi-colored pieces, such as the Rainbow Wave Mini Baguette Flat Hoop Earrings adorned with synthetic rubies and sapphires. No matter your personal style, there are a few things you’ll want to look for when comparing hoops.
First, consider the look you’re trying to achieve. Do you want a statement piece designed to impress? Statement pieces are often reserved for special occasions or can add interest to a mundane outfit. Maybe you want something a’ la mode, meaning a piece that is “in fashion” or seasonal. In many cases, women are simply on the lookout for staples to add to their collection.
Hoop earrings in platinum plated sterling silver or yellow gold-plated sterling silver are the most versatile and suitable for work, martinis, and everything in between. You can take your look up a few notches by choosing hoops with round-cut cubic zirconias, such as the Loop De Loop Hoop Earrings that have been buffed to a brilliant luster. Pair these hoops with your favorite cocktail dress and you’re ready for a night on the town.
Next, consider the size of the hoops. Small- to medium-sized hoops are suitable for the office or an everyday look. Larger hoops tend to be chic and playful. They are a great option for those who want to stand out. Finally, consider the weight of the earrings. The weight of heavy earrings can pull and stretch the earlobes over time. Instead, opt for a lightweight pair made of a durable metal like sterling silver.
What Do Hoop Earrings Symbolize?
Hoop earrings date back to around 2500 B.C.E. when they were worn within African civilizations. It wasn’t long before our ancestors from around the world flaunted gorgeous hoops in countries across the globe. Today, hoops symbolize strength, power, and international fashion. As hoops are essentially circles, they also represent infinity, unity, and wholeness.
While hoop earrings are worn by women of all ages and backgrounds, they are especially favored in Latino culture. For many minorities throughout America and Europe, hoop earrings are a symbol of identity and resistance to discrimination. In fact, many Latino girls receive small hoop earrings from their mothers or grandmothers at a young age. In short, hoops carry a positive message and can emit major confidence.
Are Hoops Professional?
I know how important it is to appear polished in professional settings. Your style of dress can say a lot about your personality and willingness to climb the career ladder. Some types of hoops may be considered too gaudy for the workplace, while others may be impractical, such as hoops that are too large or distracting. However, while there are some exceptions, hoop earrings are an excellent addition to a business wardrobe.
When deciding whether a pair of hoops are suitable for work, consider the size, color, shape, and overall design. Small hoop earrings in silver or gold are suitable for most business environments. The earrings should be comfortable, stylish, and complement the rest of your outfit. Huggies, like the Black Enamel Huggie Hoop Earrings, are a smaller version of the hoop earring that hug the lobes for a sleek and sophisticated look.
When it comes to formal settings, you’ll want to push your look further with a bit of sparkle. Diamond hoops are luxurious, on-trend, and will instantly elevate your look. Of course, you don’t need to spend a fortune on real diamonds. At Kiera, I use beautiful cubic zirconias in my hoop earrings which offer the same brilliance as real diamonds at a fraction of the cost. As an added plus, these stones are also environmentally-friendly.
Are Hoop Earrings for Everyone?
There are plenty of misconceptions that surround hoop earrings and some of these falsehoods may even deter you from getting a pair of your own. You may have heard that only black or Latino women should wear hoops or that they are mostly worn by teens rather than mature women. In reality, hoops are a popular mainstream earring style that can be worn by everyone.
For centuries, both men and women have proudly worn hoop earrings. They are some of the oldest and boldest accessories around and have made a significant impact on fashion worldwide. They became a symbol of female empowerment in the ‘60s and ‘70s and remain an integral component of cultural tradition and identity. They are truly timeless, making them a chic accessory for women of all ages, colors, and ethnicities.
Do Hoop Earrings Go with Everything?
It can be a struggle to pull off certain accessories, such as scarves, bags, and sunglasses. However, this dilemma is rarely an issue when it comes to hoops. Hoop earrings are simply one of those accessories that go with nearly any outfit. Casual hoops are perfect for a night out with friends or a day of shopping. Formal options can be worn to special events like weddings, art shows, galas, and ceremonies.
While hoops look great with a wide range of attire, they are especially stunning when paired with strapless tops or dresses. A strapless number in which the upper chest remains bare allows the hoops to really shine. The right pair of hoops can accentuate your neck and draw attention to your delicate facial features. You’ll want to avoid large hoops with jackets or other bulky tops. Instead, opt for a smaller pair like the Pavé Clip Mini Hoops.
Hoops instantly demand attention by adding shine and sparkle around your face. To avoid overdoing it, keep the rest of your outfit simple and let your hoops be the shining star. Whether it’s a simple V-neck and a pair of distressed jeans or a little black dress that hugs your curves in all the right places, keep colors and patterns subtle and let your jewelry make a statement.
Which Size Hoop Earrings are Best?
Hoops may seem like a simple accessory but there’s more to them than meets the eye. You can find hoops in a wide variety of sizes and choosing the appropriate size for your face shape can make a big difference in your final look. The smallest hoops are around 10 mm in diameter and are a great size for kids. Hoops then go up in size to 75 mm, or about the size of a baseball.
You’ll also find hoops in different widths, usually ranging between 1 and 4 mm wide. Some hoops are thicker which can help bring symmetry and balance to certain face shapes. Once you’ve gained a basic understanding of how hoop earrings are sized, you can better determine which is right for your face. Here’s a look at the basic face shapes and which types of hoops best complement each shape.
- Round – A round face is characterized by a similar width to length ratio with a scooped chin and slightly wider cheekbones. If you have a round face, opt for small, thin hoops (30mm or less). Angular styles can be very flattering on round faces as they create great contrast. Triangular- and square-shaped hoops are also good options.
- Oval – Oval faces have features that are similar to round faces but tend to be longer or narrower. The goal with an oval face is to create balance which can often be achieved with smaller, thick hoops. Try a hoop with about a 3mm width and 25mm diameter.
- Square – The classic square face consists of a jawline and forehead that are of relatively equal width. The right earrings can help soften your features and balance out the angular portions of the face. If you have a square face, try a pair of oversized hoop earrings that hang just below the jawline.
- Heart – With heart-shaped faces, the forehead is generally wider than the jawline which tapers to a pointed chin. Women with heart-shaped faces may also have a window’s peak which helps create the classic heart shape. With a heart-shaped face, nearly any length of hoop will look great. Thicker hoops are ideal as they help balance out the angle of the chin.
- Diamond – Diamond faces often have accentuated cheekbones that are wider than both the chin and forehead. If you have a diamond-shaped face, consider a pair of shorter hoops or huggies that are worn close to the lobes to help balance out the accentuated cheekbones.
- Inverted Triangle – Women with inverted triangle-shaped faces have longer faces and the forehead is accentuated. Typically, with this face shape, the forehead is the widest part and the face tapers down to a pointed chin. You can draw attention away from the wider forehead with medium- to large-sized hoops that help create alignment with the jawline to create the illusion of balance.
Hoop earrings are the ultimate expression of style and sophistication. Their versatility presents countless possibilities when it comes to putting together a cohesive and polished outfit. At Kiera, you’ll find a diverse collection of hoops, from hoop drop earrings to striking flat half hoops with brilliant round cubic zirconias. I welcome you to shop my collection of alluring, graceful, and environmentally-responsible earrings today.