Hoops For Endless Summer Vibes
From Little Huggies to Humongous Styles
“Glittering. Sparkly. Circles,” is how Jennifer Lopez hilariously opened an SNL skit in 2019 where she was selling hoops as "Gino’s girlfriend” with her "cousin," played by Melissa Villaseñor. At the time of this “Jenny from the Block” send up of her signature style, hoops were peaking in popularity.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that hoops are ever out of style. But there have been moments, dating back to the dawn of time when they were everywhere, and 2019 was one of them.
Judging from all the hoops at the Met museum, they were clearly on fire in ancient times in warm climates, like Greece, India and throughout Africa. Hoops had a major moment in Europe during the 19th century. They were famously popular in the 1970s. Diana Ross and Catherine Deneuve both wore them frequently. They were among the very few must-have jewels of the minimalist 1990s, when J. Lo burst onto the scene. Lauryn Hill, who was at the top of the charts with her 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, rarely went without them.
Usually, when a new hoop era is about to begin, and I believe it is already underway, they heat up in the summer or hot weather anywhere in the world because they are fun and add energy to updos, cropped cuts and all hairstyles. Plus they polish your look when you are melting from the heat. It's also easier to wear large hoops when you're not bundled up in a hat and scarf.
Take a look below at the styles that are bringing hoops back to the top of the earring category.
HUMONGOUS HOOPS
If you want big hoops, in the Dakota Johnson mode, look for a pair that is at least 2.5 inches in diameter.
Some big hoops are lightweight, but others are event jewels only. Consider how and when and how often you want to wear them before choosing a pair.
In the video above Rihanna is wearing the Jennifer Fisher 3-inch Ayesha silver earrings which are nowhere to be found on the designer’s website and her 2-inch version are sold out. The 2-inch silver twisted Lily is a solid alternative.
HUGGIES
No one is really sure about the origin of the word huggie. The term defines hoops that hug the ear closely.
In my opinion, huggies differ from the small hoops people use for multiple piercings. I think of huggies as little hoops with more heft to them. They actually make a statement.
The question of when huggies were invented is also up for debate. Some chart them back to the 1960s.
The style was very much a part of minimalist '90s jewelry, so it makes sense they are staging a comeback given the current love for the era's style.
SLENDER STYLES
Skinny hoops ranging in diameter from 1 to 2 inches are the classic choice. I believe it is about the size Lauryn Hill has on in the picture at the top. They can look good as absolutely plain circles. A little motif or a diamond charm adds a point of interest.
