Earring types
Want to learn about earring types? There are mainly four types that are useful for styling and visually framing your face. Learn when to wear each of them with Floa Design’s trusted style expert, Clara.
Main earring types
These are the 4 main earring types for styling:
- STATEMENT EARRINGS – Bold, sculptural earrings worn as wearable art.
- DROP EARRINGS – Hang below the earlobe.
- HOOP EARRINGS – Circular or semi-circular in shape.
- STUD EARRINGS – Small and simple. These sit directly on the earlobe and are secured with a post and backing.
Statement earrings
True statement earrings are wearable sculptures, designed to empower you from within. This type of earring attracts attention and boosts confidence.
Want to stand out? Be remembered in an interview? Or simply celebrate your presence? Choose artistic statement earrings. They give you presence, power and a lasting impression.
Clara, stylist
Drop earrings
This type of earring elongates your face. Use them if your face is round or oval in shape. They’re also great for boosting confidence if you feel like you’ve gained a few kilos.
Drop earrings are the fastest way to “lose” weight. They make your face look visually slimmer.
Clara, stylist
Hoop earrings
If you have angular facial features or a triangle or square-shaped face, go for hoops. They will soften sharp lines and balance the look.
Skip the plain, basic hoops that every second woman wears on the street.
Get yourself a pair of hoop earrings with a ribbed texture. They instantly make you look sophisticated and well put together—even on a bad day.Clara, stylist
Stud earrings
This type of earring is a comfortable choice for everyday wear. However, they can become your signature look if you stack several on one ear.
I always keep two pairs of stud earrings in my bag. You never know when you’ll be invited to an important event right after work. I just stack them all—and voilà, a statement look!
Clara, stylist
Types of earrings for round face
If you have a round face and a petite silhouette, go for drop earrings. They’ll make you look visually taller—and a little less “cute.”
For taller women with round faces, statement earrings are the best fit. They help visually balance your proportions.
Vertical earrings elongate round faces. However, if your dress has round elements, you can still complement the look with hoops or rounded statement earrings.
Clara, Stylist
Types of earrings for oval face
Congratulations—you’re lucky. Most earring types suit your face. However, if you want to reduce a soft appearance, go for spiky, sharp silhouettes.
Women with oval faces should consider their facial features. If your nose is turned up and you have chubby cheeks, try spiky silhouette earrings to create balance. If you have a straight nose and sunken cheeks, go for round hoops to soften your look.
Clara, Stylist
Types of earrings for dress
The statement earring type will make you look sophisticated with any solid-color dress. Pick earrings that complement the cut of the dress. Make sure they are true works of art—and that you know the story behind them.
Sculptural jewellery is a great conversation starter. I’ve made so many important connections while wearing them. It’s a powerful style move that always works in your favor. In my opinion, every modern woman should have a proper statement earring collection.
Clara, stylist
Variation types
The styles below are variations of the main earring types. They are often named differently to highlight subtle differences.
- EAR CUFFS – Wrap around the edge of the ear without requiring a piercing.
- HUGGIE EARRINGS (hoop) – Extra small hoop earrings that hug the earlobe closely.
- DANGLE EARRINGS (drop) – Hang down and often swing with movement. Typically more dramatic than drop earrings.
- CHANDELIER EARRINGS (drop) – Ornate, multi-tiered dangle earrings that look like chandeliers.
- THREADER EARRINGS (drop) – A thin chain or bar that threads through the ear piercing and dangles on both sides.
- CLIMBER/CRAWLER EARRINGS (stud) – Follow the curve of the ear upward rather than dangling downward.
- EAR JACKETS (stud) – A front stud with a decorative piece that hangs or frames the earlobe from behind.
- CARTILAGE EARRINGS (stud/hoop/cuff) – Worn on the upper, firmer part of the ear.
