Like a little black dress, hoop earrings symbolize elegance, simplicity and style. As an essential to any closet they are iconic and timeless. They can be worn to work with a well-tailored suit, dress-up a pair of jeans, reflect the sun on the beach or paired with its clothing counterpart for an evening out.
Like every woman is unique with a personality & style of her own, all hoops are not created equal either. A few essential hoops will take you through every occasion and look. Remember the basics when choosing hoops for yourself and you will make a statement without even realizing it.
Hoop earrings have been around for centuries in different cultures created in various metals and designs, having a journey of their own. Dating back to 2500 B.C., one of the oldest hoop earrings discovered by archaeologists, were made of gold belonging to Sumerian women. During the Egyptian civilization, hoops were worn by men, women, and even cats (their most sacred animal), to enhance their beauty and sensuality. The hoop earrings became popular among the African American women during the Black Power movement in the 1960s, during which decade it was also Cher’s favorite accessory.
They were favored by Diana Ross in the seventies and Madonna in the eighties and by the nineties, oversized hoops were a fixture of Chola style embraces by working class Mexican American women in Southern California as well as by Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato in the 2000s - all with their own interpretation of style.
Today, hoop earrings are more popular than ever, worn by women all across the globe.
While I would never be caught in anything larger than a huggie, my colleague swears by hoops every day and night, in true J.Lo fashion. Her large collection consists of everything simple, sleek diamond hoops to angular unusual ones.
Great article on hoops, very helpful!! Thanks and keep up the good work!