Curate your earscape: How to select and style an earring stack
What type of earrings are suitable for stacking?
Whether you prefer hoops, drop earrings or a simple stud, the best thing about earring stacking is the opportunity to combine numerous styles. If you prefer a minimalist look, pairing a handful of stud earrings will achieve a pared-back effect that’s easy to pair with other jewellery. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, hoops, huggies and the occassional statement earring can all be combined for a bold statement. Comfort is as important as style, so here are a few tips and tricks to help along the way. Ready, steady, stack...
1. Start at the bottom
Working your way up the ear is the best way to build your earring stack. With lobe piercings being the most common and easiest to change, this will give you a good foundation on which to build. ‘Hoop earrings are always a good place to start,’ recommends Lynda. ‘These hang nicely close to your jawline where they won’t get caught in other styles.’
2. Play with placement
Our in-house jewellery experts follow the rule of 40/60 when styling an ear – 40% of styles are bolder and larger, sitting closer to the jawline (where your lobes can hold the weight), while 60% would become more delicate and understated the higher you go up the ear. ‘If in doubt, go with a cascading rule,’ advises Lynda. Start with larger, statement-making hoops and wear smaller huggies and stud earrings further up.
3. Leave some breathing room
As fun as it is to mix and match, make sure you don’t overcrowd your ear stack - this simple pair is just as effective. ‘Adding too many styles can reduce the overall impact and take the focus away from each piece that you’ve picked,’ warns Lynda. Be mindful of the earring weight as well – wearing lots of heavy statement earrings could become uncomfortable on your earlobe as the day goes on.
4. Get creative with colour
Earring stacking is a great opportunity to get experimental with colour and materials. ‘Mixing metals, colours, gemstones and styles is a fun way of building drama and makes your jewellery stand out,’ says Lynda. Bring the brights with gemstone earrings, or mix fun motifs and unsual shapes to create an original look that reflects your personal style. If you have larger, irregular shapes, be mindful of how much space these will take up – you may need to adjust positions as you go.
5. Balance between lobes
There’s no reason why you should stack the same on each ear, but it’s a good idea to keep them balanced. Create a variation on both sides, using similar styles and colours to keep it cohesive. ‘Wearing stacking earrings in mix-and-match sets is a good way to achieve balance, as all the hard work is done for you,’ says Lynda. ‘Use similar materials and colours in complementary shapes for a polished finish.’
6. No piercings? No problem
Whether you’ve got the whole lot or a simple single lobe piercing, there are plenty of ways to get creative. ‘Ear cuffs are an easy way to add the illusion of a piercing wherever you like,’ says Lynda. Our Abelia pack includes a stud chain ear cuff to add extra drama. Simply slip or clip on in any position along your ear to add some extra height to your stack.
7. Beyond the lobe
Don’t forget to consider the other jewellery you’re wearing. If your necklace or bracelet has a colourful charm, use this colour in your stack to create a continuous, complementary look. Or, don’t! ‘Jewellery is a great way to show your personal expression,’ says Lynda, ‘So mix and match whatever feels right to you and enjoy curating your own ear-stack styles.’