“Your first pair should be something clean that you can wear morning, noon, and night,” says Fisher, while “your fifth pair of hoops should be something that has texture and maybe a larger diameter. Something that rounds out your collection.”
As Fisher told us, hoop earrings are the blue jeans of the jewelry world–timeless, comfortable, and a wardrobe piece everyone should own. “I always say that hoop earrings are like the perfect pair of jeans—you need a few styles to round out your collection,” Fisher continues. “Your foundation is normally something pretty classic, and then as you grow your collection, your selection should become more diverse. A great example: For your first pair of jeans, you probably aren’t going to buy a wide-leg, long version. You’re probably going to go with a classic straight-leg version, so I suggest the same idea when you’re buying hoops.”
To keep Fisher’s hoop-to-denim analogy alive, versatility is another quality these two wardrobe essentials share. Maybe even more versatile than your favorite pair of blue jeans, hoop earrings are the ultimate day-to-night accessory. After all, few other closet must-haves pair just as effortlessly with casual everyday attire as they do with evening formal wear, or can go from office hours to happy hour without missing a beat.
It’s safe to say that no jewelry collection is quite complete without at least a pair or two of hoops—or a dozen, if you’re anything like us. So, whether you’re just beginning to craft your collection or are looking to add a few more standout pieces, below is Vogue’s definitive guide to the best hoop earrings on today’s market.
The Bigger, The Better
Large hoops are fun additions to every hoop collection. Maybe you’ll chose a thread-thin pair that contrasts the earring’s large diameter or even turn to a truly oversized pick, like Khaite’s medium Julius loop earring, that will sure to become your new favorite statement earring.
Somewhere in the Middle
Medium-sized hoops fall somewhere between an oversized stunner and an ear-hugging, small hoop. They’re great for every occasion–whether you’re headed to the office, brunch, or even date night.
Small Huggie Hoops
Huggie hoops are teeny-tiny versions of your favorite hoop earrings that sit right up close to your ear, wrapping around the lobe like a hug. They’re great wear-everyday, never-take-off-pieces you can shower, swim, and sleep in without much notice or care. Though, if you end up opting for Louis Vuitton’s brand new Le Damier de Louis Vuitton earrings, I’d suggest exercising at least a little bit of notice and care!
Maximum Sparkle
If classic hoops are your favorite pair of blue jeans, sparkly hoops are the fun, metallic-embossed or studded denim pair that you get to pull out for parties, nights out, and special occasions. When you’re looking for something a bit more glam than the standard bare-metal hoop, try a pair with maximum sparkle.
Cue the Color
These colorful picks are sure to brighten up any outfit and are the perfect accessory to pack if you’re headed on a tropical getaway.