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From acid-wash denim to Madonna’s Material Girl aesthetic, the 1980s well and truly made its mark in the fashion world. So much so that the era's impact is still being felt today in all areas of fashion, whether its models showing off double denim looks on the runways, the presence of shoulder pads and oversized blazers in the pages of Vogue or the sheer amount of style stars rocking leather on leather on your Instagram feed, it is clear that DNA 80s fashion is embedded into many of the style trends today.
However, if there is one area of fashion that really owes itself to 80s fashion, it is the jewellery and accessories we wear. With crystal bangles, pearl necklaces and other 80s-inspired jewellery everywhere, we’re seeing an influx of brands such as Saint Laurent, Versace and even Zara attempting to capitalise on this trend by putting their own contemporary spin on it. Not to mention, we’re also seeing many fashionistas trek to vintage shops and even raid their parents’ wardrobes in an attempt to revitalise some older styles, particularly earrings. It seems that people cannot get enough of edgy chandelier earrings, funky hoops and other quirky 80s earrings.
Read on as we unpack a few of our favourite 80s earrings trends and how you can try them for yourself in a more modern way.
Overview:
Hoop Earrings
Despite being the decade that we said sayonara to the disco era, hoop earrings were arguably one of the biggest 80s earrings trends. From the thick, tubular and coloured styles we saw on popstar Cyndi Lauper a lot, to glittering crystal-adorned pieces, all you have to do is watch a movie or music video from this time to see just how big hoop earrings were in the 80s. Not only do hoop earrings bring vibrance and an element of playfulness to just about any look, but they fit right in during the glam-rock era where everything is about excess.
Regardless of if you like to keep things timeless and understated or big and bold with your hoops, there are so many ways you can rock this 80-earring trend today without being tacky or over-the-top.
Keep It Classic In Gold
In the era of the ‘clean girl aesthetic where less is more, gold earrings are a must. Especially when it comes to hoop earrings. That’s because If there is one type of accessory that is guaranteed to go with everything it's gold jewellery, and gold hoop earrings are essentially the epitome of style and class. From thinner styles with a super-shiny lustre that have pretty much been around since the days of Ancient Rome, to delicate diamond-encrusted pieces, there is an array of gold hoop earrings out there that you could add to your repertoire. Keep things classic by opting for a simple pair on their own that you can pair with other gold accessories or add some edge by mixing multiple gold hues together with a pair of two-tone hoops. If you have multiple ear piercings, play around with jewellery layering and coordinate your golden hoops with some gold stud earrings, a pair of dainty gold sleepers or even multiple sizes of hoop earrings.
9ct Silverfilled Yellow Gold Plain 20mm Hoop Earrings
$259.00
Everyone needs a pair of gold hoops to finish their jewellery wardrobe. These 9ct Silverfilled Yellow Gold Plain 20mm Hoop Earrings are the definition of quality and luxury. Crafted with smooth yellow gold, these hoops are chic, stylish and luxurious,… read more
9ct Yellow Gold SilverFilled 20mm Hoop Earrings with Greek Key of Life Design
$229.00
Be different and beautiful with this amazing pair of 9ct yellow gold hoop earrings with Greek intricacies.… read more
Add A Twist or A Splash Of Colour
Rather than following trends, many of us are opting to wear more neutral and classic tones in an attempt to make our wardrobes more enduring and versatile. This gives us plenty of legroom to have fun with our accessories-including our jewellery. So, instead of going for the classic pair of metal hoops, be a little daring and opt for something with colour. Choose a pair of gemstone earrings adorned with your birthstone or favourite colour or add some femininity with pink diamonds or the more affordable coloured zirconia. Chase the rainbow with a pair of earrings adorned with dainty multi-coloured crystals just like the pair pictured below. However, if colour isn’t your thing, you can always reach for a pair of hoops that are detailed in other ways, such as with engravings and embellishments, or even with an elegant twist like the pair featured below. You could even get in touch with your feminine side by rocking some rose gold hoop earrings.
9ct Yellow Gold Twisted Striped 30MM Hoop Earrings 9Y
$899.00
A beautifully crafted gold hoop earrings feature a twsited design with an enchanting ridged on the surface. This pair should soon become a staple in your jewellery collection.… read more
9ct Silverfilled Yellow Gold Coloured Crystal 10mm Hoop Earrings
$139.00
Add a pop of colour to your jewellery collection with these beautiful Coloured Crystal 9ct Gold Hoop Earrings. With 12 lightly coloured crystals, they’re sure to make your ears glisten while enhancing any outfit. • 9ct gold • Hinged backing • 12 coloured… read more
Opt For Daintier Styles
While the 1980s were all about doing things bigger…bigger hair, bigger shoulders and bigger accessories. Today, we tend to do things more modestly. That includes the way we dress. So, it only makes sense that we would embrace daintier styles when trying out some of our favourite 80s earrings trends, including hoops. This means wearing hoop earrings that fall under the 30-millimetre mark, but also trying out some of the different variations of hoop earrings such as huggies and sleepers. While not technically a hoop, many people consider huggie earrings to give off the same aesthetic as hoops. In fact, the only real difference between hoops and huggies is that huggie earrings sit on the lobe, whereas hoops almost always sit under it. Huggie earrings are one of the most popular styles of the 2020s as they provide more comfort than traditional hoops and are subtler, making them perfect for everyday wear. Sleeper earrings are essentially mini hoops that are designed with a continuous loop so that they are easier to sleep in. As a result, they also provide a stylish and dainty alternative to the classic hoop.
Memoire 18ct White Gold 1/4 Carat Diamond Huggies 12x12mm
$1,399.50
$2,799.00
For the diamond lover - Memoire 18ct White Gold 1/4 Carat Diamond Huggies 12x12mm. This earring set is studded from top to bottom with dazzling diamond gemstones. Displaying great colour and fantastic clarity, these diamonds are the best way to… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Silverfilled Textured Huggies Earrings
$99.99
You can’t go wrong with these 9ct Yellow Gold Silverfilled Textured Huggies Earrings. Pair with a gold snake chain necklace for a timeless yet bold look or wear as is for an effortless ensemble.… read more
Chandelier Earrings
One of the biggest style icons of the 1980s was the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna. Famous for her sexy corsetted dresses, bleach blonde hair, fingerless gloves, cross necklaces and more, this Material Girl defined the era with her style. In fact, if you were to go to any local hangout where local teenage girls hung out during this time, the chances are you would see them sporting at least one item of clothing or accessory inspired by Madonna-including large, novelty chandelier earrings. From quirky enamel pieces with lightning bolts to sparkly tassel styles and metal cylinder pieces, chandelier styles ruled the roost in the 80s.
And while we may not be as over the top when it comes to our accessories now, that’s not to say you can’t still try out this unique 80s earring trend in the form of modern-day drop earrings or tassel and threader earrings today.
Links & Chains Will Always Be Timeless
In the 2020s, one of the most popular jewellery styles is undoubtedly chains. From fancy gold curb chains and snake necklaces to chain bracelets, it’s hard not to go into a jewellery or accessories store and come across a piece with a chain design. That naturally includes ear accessories, where chain earrings provide a subtler and more contemporary way to rock the 80s trend of chandelier-style earrings. Threader earrings or even drop earrings with paperclip-style links are a fun and edgy twist on the classic chandelier that won’t overpower your look. Not to mention, they will pair well with relaxed waves or even a slick updo. There are countless link and chain styles that will allow you to try out this trend, from classic gold and silver earrings to styles adorned with playful charms and even luxe, heavily embellished crystal and zirconia pieces. Add a dash of punk to your look with an ear climber or jacket. Or even try out a hook-style earring with a chain pattern to maximise the statement you make with your look.
9ct Yellow Gold Singapore Chain Threader Drop Earrings
$199.00
Make an on-trend statement with these gorgeous Singapore thread drop earrings. The 9ct yellow gold threader earrings will make a glittering statement.… read more
9ct Silverfilled Yellow Gold Belcher Links 2.5cm Drop Earrings
$44.00
Exude contemporary high fashion with these trendy Gold Belcher Link Drop Earrings. Crafted from luxurious 9ct gold and with three adjoining links, these earrings are mesmerising, gorgeous and definitely in vogue. Pair these earrings with a gold belcher chain and… read more
Playful Charms
Charms are a fun way to show off your personality, especially in earring form. Earrings that are adorned with charms are not only perfect for up-styles, but they also bring a touch of playfulness and youthfulness to your look without appearing silly. Charm earrings could be as simple as a hoop earring with a shell charm adorned on the end like the pair pictured below, or they can be heavily embellished designs like the moon earrings also pictured below, which are perfect for going out. Some styles will even have multiple charms on one earring, making for an excellent conversation piece. A lot of fashionistas who wear these earrings will even attempt to layer them with some of the daintier earring styles in their collection if they have multiple ear piercings. Males who are into men’s jewellery may even wish to try out dangly charm earrings for themselves, perhaps by wearing a single earring in one ear just like Harry Styles at the MET Gala back in 2019 or like the many famous musicians who used to rock this look in the 1980s such as Elton John, George Michael and David Bowie.
Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Moon & Star Drop Earrings
$239.00
Embody celestial beauty with these alluring Silver Zirconia Moon and Star Drop Earrings. Made from hypoallergenic sterling silver and featuring two eight pointed stars and crescent moon studded with sparkly cubic zirconias, these earrings are bewitching to say the least.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Scallop Shell Hinged Hoop Earrings
$119.00
Elegant and stylish scallop shell hinged hoop earrings are a must have. Crafted in 9ct yellow gold they are a modern twist to the classic design. … read more
Choose Elegance With Pearls
Pearl-adorned accessories or ‘pearlcore’ as it has become known is a huge trend on the runways and on Instagram. Once thought of as a gemstone only your nan could pull off, you don’t have to look very far to find glamorous pearl jewellery these days. Hence why pearl earrings are potentially another great way to try out this burgeoning 80s earring trend for yourself. Choose something more dainty and carefree with a pair of hook-style drop earrings, or go for something slightly edgier with a pair of link-style pearl drop earrings or even add a feminine touch with threader-style earrings adorned with Mother-of-pearl rather than a single spherical pearl. For something a little more evening attire, add a touch of sparkle with diamonds or the most budget-friendly zirconia. Alternatively, bring in a pinch of colour to your outfit with peacock or Tahitian pearls. Bring the full pearl look together by pairing your pearl earrings with a matching pearl pendant or bangle, and no doubt you will be the picture of elegance.
Arizona' 9ct Yellow Gold White Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
$199.00
$399.00
An everyday essential, these freshwater pearl drop earrings are chic white in colour, and 10mm in size. The 9ct yellow gold earrings are an absolute must-have.… read more
Thomas Sabo Heritage Sterling Silver Hinged Fresh Water Pearl Drop Earrings
$249.00
Step out in style in these gorgeous Thomas Sabo Heritage Sterling Silver Hinged Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings. They are especially on trend but have an element of vintage glamour with a dangling pearl that hangs from the piece. Complete with… read more
Stud Earrings
As a great carefree and versatile everyday style, stud earrings have always been massively popular. This includes the 1980s when fashionistas used to reach for large, heavily detailed styles with bulky halo settings along with some of the classic styles we have become accustomed to today such as diamond stud earrings and their more affordable zirconia counterparts. Stud earrings were especially popular among those that rocked shorter dos during the 80s including high-ponytails and punkish pixie cuts such as the one sported by Madonna in her music video for Papa Don't Preach. In addition to these styles, many jewellery wearers also opted for magnetic and clip-on stud earrings in the event that they didn’t have their ears pierced, or simply, because clip-on styles were much easier on the ears due to the sheer size of earrings being worn.
Stud earring styles have evolved so much over the last thirty or so years. However, despite this, there are so many elements of trends from the yesteryear sprinkled in that it is hard not to give the 80s credit for being the source of inspiration for so many different earring styles.
Add A Hint Of Sparkle
The great thing about stud earrings is that they are subtle. It doesn’t matter what you pair them with, the daintiness of this popular earring style will never overwhelm nor will it clash with anything you pair it with. This is something that is bound to inspire you to rock a little sparkle with your studs, just like Molly Ringwald in The Breakfast Club. Whether you opt for the real deal or the equally stylish zirconia stud earrings, a simple pair of sparkling studs will serve you well and pair great with just about anything. Keep things dainty in a pair of bezel or solitaire set studs featuring a single stone, or opt for glamour in a pair of halo diamond stud earrings arranged in a delicate cluster. If you have multiple ear piercings, get experimental with an edgy yet sophisticated earring stack that you can layer with the same studs in various sizes or opt for an array of different studs for a look that is a bit more on the playful side.
14ct Yellow Gold 0.3 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings with Screw Back Butterfly
$849.50
$1,699.00
Wear these stunning diamond studs in rich 14ct yellow gold. These gorgeous studs come with a comfortable and high-quality screw backing, so you can adorn yourself with luxury effortlessly.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Cubic Zirconia 4mm 6 Claw Stud Earrings
$79.50
$159.00
An everyday staple, we love these sparkling cubic zirconia studs. Crafted in 9ct yellow gold,the earrings are a must-have.… read more
Make A Statement With Fun Shapes
The fact that stud earrings are generally more subtle in their design works in your favour as it means you can get a little playful with shapes. Jewellery is a great way to incorporate some personal elements into your wardrobe, whether it be your birthstone, an initial or even some religious jewellery. You can even opt for something a little quirky such as a pair of studs adorned with a flower or some out-of-this-world star earrings (see what we did there). If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you don’t necessarily have to rock these intricately designed stud earrings in pairs. Instead, rock a single design in one of your lobes and a completely different style in the other one. Or you could layer and stack with some daintier shapes, just be sure that each of the styles you pair together forms in a pattern makes sense. Meaning, don’t pair your flower earrings with other detail-heavy styles such as crescent and star-shaped earrings, instead, opt for heart shapes and other nature-inspired pieces.
9ct Yellow Gold Flower Stud Earrings
$249.00
This amazing floral design blooms in nine carat yellow gold. This pair of earrings are the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your apparel and you'll adore how this piece gleams under sunlight. … read more
9ct Gold Filled Cubic Zirconia Moon Shape Stud Earrings
$59.99
These 9ct yellow gold-filled cubic zirconia moon shape stud earrings are the perfect conversation starter… read more
A Personal Touch With Gemstones & Pearls
Gemstone earrings are hugely popular in stud form, particularly when taking inspiration from the 80s-which we know was known for its rich colours. A vibrant stone-set piece will not only add some fun and vibrance to your look but will also make it a tad more personal. Whether opting for a pair adorned with your birthstone, your favourite colour or simply just a gemstone that has meaning to you for whatever reason, there are so many different ways to rock a gemstone-adorned stud. Pear-shaped earrings or diamond halo set earrings are a major winner when it comes to gemstones as they help accentuate the brightly-coloured hue featured in them. Keep it classic with ruby, sapphire or emerald earrings. Add a touch of pastel with one of the lesser-known gemstones including aquamarine, peridot or morganite earrings. Alternatively, keep it neutral with a pair of gold halo-set pearl stud earrings much like the pair featured below.
9ct Yellow Gold 6x4mm Created Emerald and Diamond Pear Halo Stud Earrings
$399.00
$999.00
These stunning 9ct Yellow Gold 6x4mm Created Emerald and Diamond Pear Halo Stud Earrings are perfect for everyday wear, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. These beautiful pear cut emeralds are lab-created, yet chemically identical to mined variants.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold 5mm Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings
$59.00
$119.00
An everyday essential, these freshwater pearl studs are in a chic white, and 5-5.5mm in size. The 9ct yellow gold earrings are an absolute must-have.… read more
