Jewelry experts call the accessory the "superhero" of earrings.
By Brooke Knappenberger
A pair of hoop earrings is an accessory staple that will never go out of style. Hoop earrings of all kinds (small, medium, large, slim, and chunky hoops) have survived the test of time—they were popularly worn by the ancient Egyptians—but have seamlessly adapted themselves to modern-day style with a dedicated celebrity and fashion following, from Sharon Tate and Diana Ross to Rihanna and Hailey Bieber. Spot a celebrity, and you'll likely find a classic hoop earring offers the finishing touch to their outfit. But like most fashion and jewelry trends, hoop earrings have also evolved over their time in the spotlight. The simple, thin hoops of decades past are now being offered in weightier, chunky hoop styles.
As a fashion writer who wears chunky hoops weekly, I have strong feelings about the accessory and its power to transform a look—and so do jewelry experts, who confirm that a fresh pair of chunky hoops will be a welcome addition to your jewelry box.
According to jewelry and hoop expert Jenny Bird, Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous hoop-focused jewelry brand, this shift in a preference for chunky hoop earrings was most noticeable in early 2021 when interior design and fashion trends favored volume and curves. “A preference in voluminous clothing called for [jewelry designers] to move away from daintier chain necklaces and bracelets and, instead, pivot towards weightier styles, like chunky hoop earrings," Bird explains to Marie Claire.
Jennifer Shanker, founder and CEO of jewelry retailer MUSE x MUSE, refers to chunky hoops as the "superhero" of earrings thanks to their ability to save an outfit. "Their larger-than-life presence adds an instant dose of sass and style, making them the go-to accessory for anyone looking to turn heads and make a statement without saying a word," she notes. Laura Freedman, Founder of Broken English Jewelry, can attest to chunky hoops' versatility. "The good thing about a chunky hoop is that you can wear it with just about anything—casual to dressy, day to night," she explains. The experts agree; look no further than chunky hoops for instant elevation.
Best Tube Chunky Hoops
BE Jewelry Large Bold Tube Italian Hoops
Freedman tells Marie Claire that she's a "hoop girl" with styles in "every shape and size and every color gold." Her all-time favorites come from Broken English's in-house line, BE Jewelry. Freedman says these 14k hollow yellow gold "look good on everyone" and can "easily elevate any look." As the jewelry expert mentioned, you can wear these with anything. "If you want to look effortlessly chic, this chunky hoop is the go-to."
Publication: Marie Claire
Written by: Brooke Knappenberger