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Updated September 4, 2024: This article on the best chunky earrings was updated with new earring styles and trend insight for fall and winter 2024.
Popping on a pair of statement earrings is one of the easiest ways to elevate any ensemble, be it a white tee and jeans or a simple shirt dress. Luckily, fall 2024 jewelry trends are all about bigger-is-better ear ornaments, from draping baubles to glamorous chandelier earrings and the best chunky earrings.
Although the previous minimalist jewelry trend still holds stake in jewelry boxes as timeless finishing touches, the style pendulum has swung back to all-out maximalism in the jewelry market with fresh takes on dramatic adornments. Larger-than-life chunky earrings may have mostly been more modern offerings in previous seasons, but, this fall, bolder, vintage-inspired earrings in every shape, size, and color has been seen from the runways to the streets of Copenhagen Fashion Week — a complimentary accoutrement to the quiet luxury aesthetic that celebrate heritage pieces and elegant glamour in more wearable contexts.
On the Saint Laurent runway for fall 2024, no lobe was left unfinished without oversized ’80s chunky earrings including button earrings, long drop earrings, or lofty and luminous pearls. Bottega Veneta embraced the gamut of delicate doorknockers, thick silver hoop earrings, gold square earrings, and large-and-in-charge charms, too. Organic elements were incorporated into the chunky earrings trend, including seashells, gemstones, florals, and feathers, as seen at Chanel, Ferragamo, and Jil Sander, while gleaming crystals, rhinestones, chunky hoop earrings, chain links, and drop bows were focal points at Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Simone Rocha. The fall jewelry trend is an eclectic mix of everything, but one thing’s for sure — our everyday earrings are evolving to epic proportions.
Left to right: Saint Laurent Fall 2024 RTW, Bottega Veneta Fall 2024 RTW, Chanel 2024 Fall RTW
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Perhaps the most versatile piece in your jewelry collection, a solid pair of hoops goes with just about anything and is a style staple for trendsetters like Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, and Elsa Hosk. Gold chunky earrings or silver chunky earrings (no need to choose just one — mixed metals are in, too) can take you seamlessly from day to night; big gold earrings paired with a cardigan and straight-leg jeans is a foolproof daytime uniform, while metal drop earrings that skim the straps of a sleek slip dress won’t steer you wrong for a sexy night on the town. Plus, similar to the “wrong shoe theory,” today’s trends allow more leeway than ever when it comes to styling daring jewelry for every occasion. Consider the best statement earrings your new outfit style weapon of choice to add some personality to your everyday wardrobe attire for all occasions.
Below, WWD editors curated the best chunky earrings trending for fall with expert insight to help you find your perfect pair.
Top Chunky Earrings Of 2024
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Blue Nile Quilted Earrings
Materials: 14k yellow gold
Closure: Omega clip
As chunky as these Blue Nile Quilted Earrings appear from the front, these beauties are surprisingly slim, so they’re incredibly lightweight on the lobes while still adding a heavy dose of on-trend style to your wardrobe essentials. Made of 14-karat gold and stamped in an intricate quilted pattern, this sophisticated style brings textural intrigue with a fuss-free omega clip closure.
If you’re liking what you see, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to save over $500 off right now during Blue Nile’s Anniversary Sale, which ends on September 7.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,253
Jennifer Behr Doreen Earrings
Materials: Glass pearls, 18k gold-plated brass
Closure: Post
Jennifer Behr’s long drop pearl earrings combine two major fall 2024 designer trends in one. Inspired by natural baroque pearls, the glass baubles are handmade and uniquely shaped, swaying from the lobes from 18-karat gold-plated brass post studs. Wear these chunky earrings for a fall wedding or simply sport them to turn heads at the grocery store — you’ll never want to take off these beauties.
Price upon publish date of this article: $325
Alexis Bittar Crumpled Small Post Earrings
Materials: 14k gold-plated brass
Closure: Post
Colorways: Gold, silver
Modern glamour is exemplified in Alexis Bittar’s Crumpled Small Post Earrings. Reflecting like molten metal, this sculptural, 14-karat gold style is guaranteed to catch the light and add high-style appeal to any outfit. The liquid metal look is a more subdued way to embrace the chunky earring trend.
Price upon publish date of this article: $175
Blue Nile Large Twist Hoop Earrings
Materials: 14k yellow gold
Closure: Omega clip
No jewelry box is complete without a staple pair of high-quality gold hoops. A textured twist on a classic, this rope-inspired pair from Blue Nile is crafted with 14-karat yellow with a comfortable and secure omega clip closure. It’ll dress up your daily denim or add opulent shine to your casual Sunday brunch attire — either way, you can’t go wrong.
Price upon publish date of this article: $872
Mejuri Stevie Hoops
Materials: Enamel
Closure: Clip
Colorways: Gold vermeil and red enamel, gold vermeil and blue enamel, gold vermeil and black enamel, gold vermeil, sterling silver, and more
Invest in chunky statement earrings that can be worn again and again with the change of a hoop. Mejuri’s Stevie Hoops come with interchangeable chain links where you can remove the resin charm to wear the modern gold ring on its own, or you can swap in a new color hoop from your collection of Mejuri resin links to match your outfit of the day. This style simply makes accessorizing even more enjoyable.
Price upon publish date of this article: $228
Oscar de la Renta Crystal Sphere Hoop Earrings
Materials: Glass crystals, brass
Closure: Post
Colorways: Crystal, rose, topaz multi
You can never go wrong with a hefty dose of sparkle. Add some texture to your look with these glittering bulbous hoops adorned with intricate glass crystals. Modern and glamorous, these chunky earrings are the perfect statement piece to add to compliment your favorite sweater dress or classic LBD.
Price upon publish date of this article: $520
Paco Rabanne XL Link Hoops
Best for: Weekend drinks
Materials: Brass
Closure: Post
If you’re one to gravitate towards the most daring of styles, look no further than this chubby chain link pair of earrings. This Paco Rabbane favorite is made from gold brass and features two XL intertwined hoops perfect for the bold It-girl. Add some edge to your look with red lipstick and a leather jacket or pair these chunky gold earrings with a white tank and light indigo baggy jeans for casual, cool vibe.
Price upon publish date of this article: $320
Isabel Marant Boucle D’Oreill Earrings
Best for: Those who want to dabble in the dome earring trend
Materials: Gold-plated brass
Closure: Post
Special features: 1.5″ in diameter
This basic-yet-stylish pair of gold chunky earrings is a boundlessly versatile finishing touch to any ensemble. From the Parisian brand Isabel Marant, these chubby gold-plated brass hoops have been seen on Selena Gomez and other inspirational fashionistas.
Price upon publish date of this article: $201
Ben Amun Matisse Clip On Earrings
Materials: Glass, 14k gold-plated
Closure: Clip-on
Ben Amun’s wine-colored chunky earrings look as if they were plucked from a small vintage shop. Designed with gold-plated glass and rich red glass jewels, these earrings add some major rich mom energy to a turtleneck and midi skirt ensemble.
Price upon publish date of this article: $195
J.Crew Heart Drop Earrings
Materials: Recycled brass casting
Closure: Post
Colorways: Silver mirror, burnished gold
Heart-shaped jewelry has been trending for several seasons, and these puffy silver drop chunky earrings offer equal parts edge and coy coquette flair. They’re uniquely made of recycled brass casting and are easy to polish with a dry cloth for a shiny new finish.
Price upon publish date of this article: $49.50
Bottega Veneta Gold Finish Sterling Silver Earrings
Best for: Being the trendiest girl in the room
Materials: Gold-colored sterling silver
Closure: Post
Special features: 100% AG925
Bottega Veneta has undoubtedly fronted the chubby earring trend. A slight twist on their instantly recognizable drop earrings, these gold earrings are the quintessential chunky piece for your collection. Made from sterling silver and with a post-closure, they easily elevate any look from classic to bold.
Price upon publish date of this article: $820
What to Consider When Buying the Best Chunky Earrings, According to Experts
- Style: “For the longest time in terms of finish, gold was always the route that people were choosing and silver kind of took a step down,” says jeweler and Adina Eden founder Adina Kamkhatchi Mizrahi. “But, in the most recent months, people are really starting to look for silver again.”
- Price: Price and material go hand-in-hand: The more durable and long-lasting your jewelry is, the more expensive it will be. But, whether you’re an unlimited spender or shopping on a budget, there is something for everyone in the jewelry department. And if you’re looking at the most popular styles — like the Bottega Veneta drop earrings — there is sure to be a wide variety of dupes on the market for you to choose from. Try scouring sites like Nordstrom and Amazon Luxury Store for affordable designer options. Or, keep an eye out for exciting sales from premium jewelry brands, like Blue Nile’s Anniversary Sale that’s offering hundreds of dollars in savings through September 7.
- Material: From pure gold gold-plated brass to sterling silver, the range of materials used in jewelry can seem daunting at first. When choosing your ideal pair, it’s important to keep in mind both the quality and longevity of the material. The most durable is pure gold, whereas gold-filled requires at least 5 percent of pure gold, followed by gold-plated which can range anywhere from 0 to 5 percent while still remaining affordable — though will show wear over time. Similarly, sterling silver is a wallet-friendly alternative to white gold. Chunky styles are the perfect accessory to branch out your materials preference, too, as jeweler Colin Keane Lynch notes: “Aside from the more traditional jewelry element of gold detailing, there are now different approaches to using combinations of resins and metals to give color and a range of textures.”
The Different Types of Chunky Earrings
- Hoop earrings: “For the daytime, whether it’s work or just getting up and going to the grocery store, I’m seeing that these chunky bubble donut hoops are doing amazing,” Mizrahi says. “People are loving going from casual to just a little bit dressy.”
- Drop earrings: “For more statement pieces that you’re going to wear out to a fancy dinner or a gala, I’m specifically seeing the drop earrings,” Mizrahi notes. “Ones that are really chunky and fall two to three inches from the ear, so they dangle and move and flow with you.”
- Stud earrings: “These big, chunky earrings are almost like studs, but they droop downwards or they hang off the ear for an elevated look. It takes a basic earring from being regular and mundane to being so extra,” Mizrahi explains. “They’re just the perfect piece to wear up or down to events, galleries, or even a wedding.”
- Chandelier earrings: Chandelier earrings can take on different attitudes, whether dripping in glittering diamonds or draping in rows of pearls or organic gemstones and baubles. Defined by multiple tiers of cascading charms and inspired by opulent light fixtures, these statement earrings are a great investment for black tie occasions or, as trends prove this season, more casual ensembles for the office or Sunday brunch.
How We Chose the Best Chunky Earrings
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
For this story on the best chunky earrings, we began our search by interviewing two jewelers for their tips on what to look for when selecting a pair. Using their input, we searched retailers and independent brands for the best options that cater to different budgets and style preferences. Our list includes chunky earrings in multiple metals, options with unique design elements, and classic, splurge-worthy options. Learn more about us here.
Why Trust WWD
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Before you go, check out our list of the best huggie earrings:
Meet The Experts
Adina Kamkhatchi Mizrahi has been in the jewelry design business for nearly 10 years as the founder and creative director of Adina Eden. She was honored by Forbes 30 Under 30 last year and has expanded her business rapidly through her knowledge and reproduction of the latest runway and street-style trends.
Colin Keane Lynch is a jewelry designer who studied in Venice and is based in New York City. His eponymous jewelry label, launched in 2017, takes current designer trends and turns them into wearable art using blown borosilicate glass and high-quality materials.
Meet The Author
Anika Ljung is a contributor for WWD where she writes stories on the latest fashion and accessory trends, keeping a close eye on both the runway and the zeitgeist to inform her pieces. Based in New York City, her work has appeared in V Magazine, V MAN, CR Fashion Book, and Brides, among others, and she is an assistant stylist for various independent creatives around the city.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. She updated this guide to the best chunky earrings in September 2024 with new product picks and trend insight for fall.
