earrings have long been more than just accessories — they’re powerful reflections of the times, fashion trends, and cultural shifts. let’s take a journey through the decades to explore how earrings evolved from the elegant pearls of the 1920s to the bold, nostalgic revivals of the 2020s.
1920s: the age of glamour and elegance
in the roaring twenties, fashion was all about decadence and drama. pearl earrings became a symbol of sophistication, often worn with flapper dresses and finger waves. chandelier earrings and long drop styles were also popular, adding elegance and movement on the dance floor. think gatsby glamour and art deco influence.
1940s: classic gold and wartime elegance
during the 1940s, fashion took a more refined turn. amid wartime austerity, women embraced classic gold earrings—modest in size but rich in timeless charm. studs and small hoops were preferred for their simplicity and elegance, aligning with the era’s practical yet stylish aesthetic.
1960s: bold, colorful, and playfully retro
the swinging sixties brought a burst of color and creativity. earrings became bold, fun, and eccentric, with designers experimenting with plastic, geometric shapes, and oversized designs. bright colors and mod influences defined the accessories of this vibrant decade.
1970s: boho ibes and oversized hoops
in the free-spirited 70s, oversized hoop earrings and bohemian styles were everywhere. latural materials, earthy tones, and ethnic influences dominated, matching the decade’s love for self-expression and individuality. layered jewelry and long, dangling earrings made strong fashion statements.
1980s: the bigger, the better
the 80s were all about volume — in hair and in earrings. with big hair came big earrings. oversized geometric shapes, neon colors, and shoulder-grazing designs were signature looks. earrings were bold, attention-grabbing, and often matched with power suits and dramatic makeup.
1990s: minimalist chic meets royal influence
in the 90s, earrings reflected a mix of office chic and royal elegance, inspired by fashion icons like princess diana. pearl studs, gold hoops, and minimalist designs were in. the era embraced a less-is-more aesthetic, often pairing simple earrings with clean silhouettes.
gala earrings
2000s: pop culture and asymmetry
the Y2K era was playful and unpredictable. big hoops, asymmetrical earrings, and mix-and-match styles were part of a fun, rebellious look. pop stars and early influencers popularized wearing different earrings in each ear, blending streetwear with bold fashion.
2020s: a revival of iconic eras
today’s earring trends are a mix of past decades. the 2020s embrace both silver and gold, classic and statement. influencers blend retro and modern: pearl studs inspired by the 20s, bold hoops from the 70s and 00s, and minimalist styles from the 90s. sustainable fashion and slow jewelry movements are also shaping accessory choices.
sarah big earrings + sarah huggies
from flapper glamour to boho vibes and modern-day revivals, earrings tell the story of fashion through time. whether you're into vintage pieces or looking for current trends with nostalgic flair, there's a style from every decade to inspire your look.
cláudia cavaleiro the editor in chief for CINCO editorial. born in '82 in coimbra, she is graduated in philosophy from the university of coimbra. passionate about books and podcasts in a geek kind of way, she always find something interesting to research. loves to bring awareness to social problems and loves working at CINCO!
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