Blog / Jewellery

A Guide to Hoop Earrings

Monday February 13, 2023
Stephen Sutton

If you read our previous blog on the types of earrings every woman should own, you may be after a bit more detailed advice on choosing the right style for you. One of the most enduringly popular styles is the hoop earring – it is surprisingly versatile which can make it ideal whether you are looking to match it with a casual outfit or something more formal.

Hoop earrings are available in a very broad variety of different sizes, styles, and designs. They can be bold or understated, traditional or modern, and large or small. Finding the right pair can help you to look your best, or be the perfect gift for a loved one.

In this post, we will dig a bit deeper into what to look for to complement your face shape, hairdo, outfit, skin tone, and occasion.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop Earrings

From just £165

Small, medium, or large?

We previously drew a line between small hoops (sometimes known as huggies) and large hoops, but here we’ll look at both, alongside those which fall in between the two ends of the scale.

Small hoops are classed as those with a diameter under 20mm. They’re subtle and elegant, and the same pair can often be worn throughout the day and into the evening. Because of their small size, they’re also a really practical choice to wear if you have an active lifestyle. They also look great if you have medium-long hair and like to wear it down.

Medium hoops usually measure between 20-40mm in diameter. Their slightly larger size makes them an extremely versatile option which suits most face shapes and occasions. They will look fantastic with any hairstyle, and can boost a more casual outfit to give it a glamorous lift.

Large hoops are those with a diameter of 50mm and above. They tend to look best on people with larger faces as they can be overwhelming on a more petite silhouette. Large hoops look great with short hair or up-dos that draw the hair away, as they help to elongate, frame, and pull focus away from the hair and towards the face.

18ct White Gold Hoop Earrings 18ct Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
18ct White Gold Hoop Earrings 18ct Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
 £165  £555


Which metal to choose?

Each of the different precious metals has its own benefits, and you may already have a preference for one over the others. If you’re buying new earrings for a special occasion, it’s worth thinking about the outfit you’re planning, and any other jewellery you might also like to wear, such as a necklace or a wedding or engagement ring. You may decide to opt for a whole new matching set to ensure you’ll always have a combination you can count on.

Yellow gold is a classic and traditional choice, which beautifully complements warmer skin tones and autumnal colour schemes. If you’re wearing yellows, oranges, reds, or browns, a pair of yellow gold hoops will make a gorgeous match. Also consider wearing yellow gold with purple shades; being its opposite on the colour wheel will create an eye-catching look which will really make you stand out from the crowd.

White gold, silver, or platinum are all fantastic choices for cooler skin tones, or winter colour schemes, such as blues, greys, black, and white. These metals are stylish and sophisticated, offering a touch of Hollywood glamour to any outfit. Platinum also has the added advantage of being hypoallergenic as well as highly prized. Choose hoops in these metals for a sleek and elegant look to rival the red carpet.

Rose gold offers a trendy and contemporary alternative with a versatility to suit most skin tones or colour palettes. It’s a great choice for hoops for everyday wear, and different sizes and design details would complement both daytime and evening looks.

18ct White Gold Hoop Earings 18ct White Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Hoop Drop Earrings 1.24ct Square Cut Rainbow Sapphire & Brilliant Cut Diamond Hoop Earrings
18ct White Gold Hoop Earings White Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Hoop Drop Earrings Rainbow Sapphire & Diamond Hoop Earrings
 £230  £1,065  £2,430


Style and design

When choosing your hoop earrings, you also need to think about the style and design. A plain metal hoop is sleek and subtle, but opting for a more ornate or embellished hoop may give you a bit of extra grandeur.

Plain slim metal is a classic choice, but a subtle twist in the metal gives a bit of variety and edge to your style. A jewelled hoop is an attractive and appealing option for special occasions or evening wear, and can come in both small and delicate or bolder and more sizable designs.

The width of your hoop is also important. A slimmer hoop tends to pair well with more casual looks, whereas a wider hoop is the perfect match for a dressier occasion. It’s worth thinking about how the width of your hoop corresponds to the size and diameter of your hoop as well. A wide small hoop offers the opportunity for more elaborate embellishments to give a touch of sparkle to your outfit whilst still maintaining everyday practicality. On the other hand, a slim large hoop offers a delicate way to frame your face whilst wearing your hair up or your head covered.

Find the hoop that’s right for you

Hoop earrings will always be a fashionable choice, though the particular design of the hoops will naturally go in and out of style, and of course the right hoops for you will always be dictated by your own face shape, skin tone, and personal preferences. Hoops come in such a variety of styles that it’s worth trying a few options to find out what works best for you.

If you’re still unsure which hoops are the right choice, feel free to reach out to our expert team at Cry for the Moon, pop into our Guildford store, or browse our selection online. Whether you’re getting a treat for yourself, or buying a gift for a loved one, our team will be able to provide you with the advice and guidance you need.

Stephen SuttonHead of Sales