Hoop! There it is!
By La Petite Acadienne
Yes, I just made a bad pun based on a 1990’s-era dance tune. I have no shame.
However, thinking back to 1993, I realize that there’s not too damn much that I wore back then that I would even consider putting on my body today (puffy poet shirt, I’m looking at you). However, even back then, I loved hoop earrings.
Hoop earrings are one of those things that you either love, or you hate. Smaller hoops rarely elicit a negative reaction. Larger hoops, however? Well, there’s more than one Facebook group ranting about how trashy they look. And consider this tidbit of information from a very knowledgeable acquaintance of mine:
“Cultural Difference Fun Fact: In many conservative and/or old money families, particularly in the South, Nice Girls Don’t Wear Hoops. Small ones are considered merely low rent, but anything bigger than a quarter? You might as well be working the pole. They’re like lucite heels for your ears.”
I think hoops are one of those things that are extremely dependent on the wearer and on the context. Yes, they ARE inherently more casual than studs or drops, but they don’t have to be lowbrow.
Big hoops with lots of cleavage, too much makeup, an equally big necklace and a Bumpit? Yeah, that’s lucite-heel territory.
Big hoops with an exotically patterned tunic over pale linen trousers and a low strappy sandal? Delightful.
When wearing hoops, keep in mind that while big hoops can be gypsy-esque and fun, smaller ones do tend to be more elegant. The smallest of all, also known as “huggies”, would likely work in even the most conservative setting.
Fortunately, there are a LOT of choices out there.
Beautiful leaf hoop earrings:
Unusual and delicate citrine drop hoops:
Sparkly and elegant hoops for evening:
Of course, if you want to go full-on gypsy chick, these are a beautiful way to do so:
So to the hoop-haters, I say “You do NOT know what you’re missing, my friend!”
Bisous,
LPA
January 16th, 2011 at 3:03 am
I am known for my extensive collection of hoop earrings. Basically, everyone in my family knows you can’t go wrong giving me hoops as a gift.
There are just so many kinds! Love them.
January 16th, 2011 at 3:04 am
Oh, and forgot to mention that for those of us with long hair, hoops are one of the best kinds of earrings that can be seen when wearing our hair down. That and chandeliers, which I’m not all that fond of.
January 16th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Those citrine drops are gorgeous! I’m currently wearing silver tiny hoops, slightly smaller than a dime. For me, they’re comfortable; I can leave them in for a few days and they don’t bother me.
January 16th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
I know — I used to have a pair of sterling silver “huggie” hoops with teeny-tiny rhinestones. They just provided the right amount of sparkle for day, and were so comfy that I often slept with them in. Unfortunately, that proved to be a bad idea, as a few of the rhinestones wound up being knocked out while I slept. Someday I’ll get a higher-end pair, similar in style, but with properly set diamonds (or crystals, at least). I figure if I wore the inexpensive pair THAT often, it’s worth upgrading.
And yes, the shape of those citrine hoops really makes them eye-catching!
January 16th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
My personal guideline is, if I could use the earrings as a bracelet, that is Too Big. Love the leafy hoops you’ve posted!