15 Different Types of Earrings to Know

 

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 to a wedding, endless jewelry choices help you express yourself and stand out. With so many options out there, ranging from classic studs to bold hoops, choosing just one pair can be tricky—but don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide outlining different types of earrings.

 

Types of Earrings

Hoop Earrings

Boasting versatility and elegance, the humble hoop earring is one of the most flattering choices for everyday wear. You can find these in various styles, meaning you can rock them at any event – even while sleeping. 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 that 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. Sitting on the ear without anything hanging or dangling, 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 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 will elevate your ensemble. While most 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

Ready for a fun set of accessories? Acrylic earrings are a trendy style that features a design created from durable material. The beauty behind this style is its versatility – you can find almost any design made from this material. They’re also very 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. The possibilities are endless!

 

Drop Earrings

Looking for an elegant jewelry choice that will enhance your features? Drop earrings will hang below the earlobe, usually without separate pieces that move independently when the wearer moves. These are the ultimate choice for a formal event that calls for an updo. 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

As suggested above, 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. If you love big, bold silhouettes, why not try fringe hanging from hoops or dangling stars, moons, or pearls?

 

 

Chandelier Earrings

Are you the drama? Well, you might be as soon as you rock these chandelier earrings. These dramatic and embellished designs are the ultimate accessory if you want to make a statement. They’re 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. Be warned: they can be heavy, so feel free to take them off once they become uncomfortable.

 

Pear Earrings

With an exaggerated silhouette, 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

In a similar vein to the pear earrings, teardrops feature a round bottom and a pointed top. However, instead of being shaped as the fruit, these are instead in the form of a drop of water. The difference is usually the length of the jewelry – teardrops are longer, whereas pear has a shorter midsection. The style is most commonly associated with formal events and can feature jewels and bright colors. They look great with an updo or a garment that showcases your neck and shoulders.

 

Tassel Earrings

Looking to add a little bit of pizzazz to your outfit? Try these tassel earrings – they’re a fun and flirty addition that’s sure to spark a conversation or two. This jewelry is dramatic and often long, usually featuring multiple chains or beads towards to jawline. While you can wear your hair down and still show off the gorgeous accessory, a ponytail or bun will take a look to the next level. Experiment with different styles that are out of your comfort zone – who knows, you may have found your new favorite style.

 

Gold Earrings

What says elegance and sophistication more than gold? This timeless metal has signified beauty for thousands of years and has no chance of slowing down. Thanks to its 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 especially stunning on those with an olive or dark skin tone or those with pink or neutral undertones.

 

Silver Earrings

Cool, modern, and fresh – silver earrings simultaneously offer a timeless and futuristic feel. Whether you love 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 both 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.

 

Diamond Earrings

There’s nothing quite like diamonds. Formed under pressure and brilliant in shine, they are the perfect jewel to add to your ears. These stunning earrings don’t come cheap, but they’re worth every cent. Some may love a pair of classic hoops with a selection of small diamonds along the edge, whereas others prefer them clustered alongside another precious gem or two. You can choose a silhouette that swings below your earlobes such as a teardrop or chandelier, or try something small and subtle, like a stud.

Ball Earrings

Making a statement has never been easier than with these ball earrings. Quirky and fashion-forward, they 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 a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. There’s nothing chicer than a crisp white tee and a slicked-back bun with a pair of gorgeous jewels.

 

Barbell Earrings

Piercings aren’t just for your ears, and there are plenty of places to showcase jewelry. Take these barbells, which can be used for your eyebrows, cartridge, or tongue – they come in a wide range of shapes and lengths to suit your needs. Say goodbye to plain old piercings – now you can get your hands on diamonds, embellished designs, and bright colors. Be sure to find yourself surgical steel or gold-plated accessories to avoid infection or rubbing.