How to Stack Earrings with Multiple Piercings

Maybe you’ve had the classic single piercing in your ear lobe for a while now and want to mix things up with some new ear piercings. From helix piercings to daith piercings and tragus piercings to conch piercings, there are a lot of different types of ear piercings that you can incorporate into your look.

Or, maybe your personal style already includes multiple piercings in both lobes, and you are bored with the style and want to try a new layered look.

Whatever the case may be, if you want to wear multiple earrings on each ear but can’t get the placement just right or your earring collection just doesn’t have the jewelry you need to create a cohesive layered look, we’re here to help.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to stack earrings if you want to wear multiple pieces at once on the same ear and look amazing — and not cluttered.

How to Create Earring Stacks 101

Ready to get started? Here are our top seven tips and ideas for creating an ear stack that shines.

1. Think About Your Ear Size

Ears — they’re all the same, right? Not really. Once you start looking at them, you realize that ears can differ. Not only do they come in different sizes, but they can also appear slightly distinct in shape, meaning that the stacked ear piercing that works for some may not work for you.

So, one of the first things you’ll want to do when creating a stack ear piercing layout is to consider the size and shape of your ears. Once you have the shape down, the next step is to match earrings and piercing placements so that your ear looks thoughtfully adorned rather than crowded. If you have larger ears, add more; but for smaller ears, less is better.

2. Get to Mixing and Matching

There are a few options when it comes to choosing your combination of earrings. You could go for a consistent monochromatic look that only uses one type of earring, like all studs.

Or, you could try mixing and matching earring types, textures, and metals for more variety. For example, pair smaller or plainer pieces like studs with earrings that are a little bigger and bolder, such as plain hoops around the upper or middle portion of the ear. Then, add drop earrings or pieces featuring large or colorful jewels toward the lower portion of the ear for even more texture and shape contrast.

3. Cascade Your Earrings

That means placing longer, larger earrings at the bottom of your ear and smaller earrings that sit more tightly at the top of the ear.

4. Build Your Stack Around a Particular Focus

If you’re still in doubt about the best way to stack your earrings, consider starting with just one favorite pair of jewelry and then building your stack around that. This focal point should be the largest, boldest earring that you use. Once you’ve picked the focus piece and its placement, you can choose other earrings that match or complement it.

5. Consider the Rest of Your Outfit

While it can be easy to focus only on your earring stack, remember that your jewelry is part of a broader look and style, and you may want to adjust your stack based on the rest of your outfit.

For example, just as you might choose a particular necklace style based on your neckline, you may also want to choose certain earring styles similarly. So, if you’re wearing a low-cut or strapless neckline that allows for a lot of space between your ear and your top, you might choose larger or longer earrings.

However, if you’re wearing a high neckline, such as a turtleneck or mock neck shirt, consider wearing smaller earrings, like small hoop earrings or studs, so your jewelry doesn’t interfere with or get tangled in the clothing fabric.

6. Look for Inspiration

If you want more guidance on how to stack hoop earrings or any other style of earrings, look for inspiration on social media, such as Instagram or Pinterest. You can find hundreds of stacked earring piercing examples that you can then replicate on your own. Once you feel more confident in layered earrings, you can branch out and create your own stacks — and maybe share those on social media yourself.

7. Pick Metals and Gemstones That Compliment Your Skin Tone

While you should prioritize your style and preferences first and foremost, if you’re unsure which precious metals and gemstones you like most, consider starting with those that generally compliment your skin tone.

Also, cool skin tones work well with bright gemstones, whereas warm skin tones work well with gemstones that range from yellow and orange to brown. Of course, everyone looks great in diamonds, so that’s always a great pick.

Suggested Read: Why Does Jewelry Turn Skin Green?

Earring Stacking FAQs

Still have questions? We have answers.

Can You Stack Earrings on Both Ears?

Yes, you can absolutely stack earrings on both ears. There’s no reason why you’d need to relegate this fashion statement to only one side of your face!

Is There Any Occasion When You Wouldn’t Want to Stack Earrings?

Not really. Just keep the occasion’s formality in mind and try matching your jewelry accordingly. If it’s more formal, consider opting for a more minimalistic stack.

Can You Purchase an Earring Stack?

Yes! If you don’t want to put together an earring stack from your existing jewelry collection, you can actually purchase a curated set that includes all the earrings you need for a cohesive layered look with no effort required on your end.

What Is the 40/60 Rule of Earring Stacking?

Some subscribe to the 40/60 rule of earring stacking, which states that when stacking earrings, you should opt for 40% big and bold earrings and 60% smaller, subtler earrings.

What Kind of Earrings Can You Stack?

You can stack any kind of earring! Hoops and studs are popular, but you can also incorporate a variety of types, including jacket earrings, ear climbers, barbell earrings, and more.

No Matter How You Prefer to Wear Jewelry, Always Protect It

Looking for more tips, insights, and advice on all things earrings, piercings, and jewelry? Check out the BriteCo blog for all the info you need, from finding the perfect engagement ring to keeping your jewelry looking clean at home.

As you grow your jewelry collection, protect it with specialized jewelry insurance. Get your BriteCo jewelry insurance quote now.

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