It wasn't until the 20th century that hoop earrings really had their moment again. In the 1960s and 70s in particular, they became a symbol of empowerment, particularly for Black women embracing Afrocentric styles. The bigger the better.
Hoop earrings were the signature look of the 1960s as they matched with the clean, straight-hair trend of the decade. During the 1970s, hoops in silver, chrome, kinetic, and tribal designs were very popular. Cher and Diana Ross were notorious for flaunting large hoops with intricate designs.
Hoop earrings initially became a trend during the disco era of the 1970s and the glam period of the 1980s, however, they really hit the big time in the 1990s.
Gold hoops were a versatile and iconic accessory in the 1970s, often worn in various sizes and different colors of gold, with yellow gold being the most popular. Hoop earrings were worn with both casual and formal outfits and drew on the bohemian and disco-inspired trends of the era.
Hoop earrings were everywhere during the 90s, and they are back in style today. Whether you prefer large, chunky hoops, or smaller, delicate ones, you can never go wrong with hoop earrings. Small hoops made of precious metals like gold or platinum, as well as gemstones, look beautiful in dressy outfits.
Hoop earrings were also a staple in early 2000s jewelry trends and have remained a favorite over the years. While hoops were worn in various sizes in the Y2K era, oversized hoops truly stood out and were often seen on celebrities like Jennifer Lopez.
The '90s was a golden era of pop culture and music. Characterized by casual outfits, bright colors, crop tops, baggy pants, graphic tees, slip dresses, and denim overalls, many '90s fashion trends are still stylish today. Athleisure and streetwear (popularized globally in the '90s) are as popular as ever.
JEWELRY STYLES
As the decade opened, the focus in jewelry was on gold and diamonds. Thin gold chains were worn in multiples as bracelets and, in various lengths, as necklaces, often with gold charms and small gem-set pendants.
Natural Materials
Not all 70's jewelry trends were about large, flashy gemstones (real or not) and gold statement pieces. Materials that reflected the inherent beauty of the natural world were also popular. Think wooden bangles painted in earthy tones or jewelry set with natural stones such as turquoise.
Cultural Significance of Hoop Earrings Throughout History
In Ancient Egypt, for example, hoop earrings were worn by both men and women as symbols of power and spirituality. In other cultures, such as the Romani people, hoop earrings represented the strength and unity of their community.
Hoop earrings, as the name indicates, are large, round earrings shaped like hoops.
Chokers: The Ultimate '90s Accessory
The 1990s were undeniably the era of neck-hugging chokers, iconic and versatile necklaces that symbolized a pivotal fashion statement.
Why do hoop earrings make you look prettier? These earrings have a great way of adding a touch of elegance to your look. Having something shiny and bright dangling from your ears can nicely frame your face and elongate your neck. Any pair of hoops will help you look put together- even if you just got out of bed.
Summer wear – Large silver hoop earrings look fabulous with summer clothes and should be included in your summer vacation wardrobe. From flowy maxi dresses, bikini's to all white outfits, large silver earrings are the perfect addition to your look.
Hoop earrings were huge in the 80s (both figuratively and literally), the bigger the hoop the better. The 70's were also popular for oversized hoops, however, the 80's took it one step further. Think bright colours, chunky materials and eye-catching patterns that went beyond the simplicity of a metal hoop earring.
Hoops date back to ancient civilisations, with gold hoops being favoured by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In these societies, gold hoop earrings symbolised wealth and social status.
It wasn't until the 20th century that hoop earrings really had their moment again. In the 1960s and 70s in particular, they became a symbol of empowerment, particularly for Black women embracing Afrocentric styles. The bigger the better.
Hippie look
Popular early 1970s fashions for women included Tie dye shirts, Mexican 'peasant' blouses, folk-embroidered Hungarian blouses, ponchos, capes, and military surplus clothing. Bottom attire for women during this time included bell-bottoms, gauchos, frayed jeans, midi skirts, and ankle-length maxi dresses.
In the 1970s, disco music and culture emerged, influencing today's pop and techno genres. Afro hairstyles symbolized Black pride and beauty in the '70s. Roller-skating and CB radios were popular pastimes, reflecting the era's fun and communication trends.
Oversized Hoop Earrings
We saw it in the 70s, and this trend continued into the 80s. The best and most prominent 1980s jewelry trends were all about being loud and impossible to ignore, and oversized hoop earrings made a statement — mainly if they popped with a bright color or were made from an unusual material.
The 90s brought oversized hoops and chunky hoops to the forefront of jewellery trends and took a step away from the bold colourful look of the 1980s.
The dominant metal for the 1970s was primarily yellow gold jewellery: from gold earrings to gold chains and gold bangles, any jewellery you could think of - it came in yellow gold.
Popular hairstyles in the 1990s included the pixie, box braids, the bob, chunky highlights, and high ponytails, among others. The blend of rebellious and laid-back was an expression of the 90s style.
Young women in the UK and America wore tailored skirt and trouser suits, short skirts and dresses, baby doll dresses, skater dresses, animal prints, hot pants, slim pants, low waisted bell bottoms, wide leg jeans and pants, long and short skirts, and high heels.