The 5 Chicest Earrings Trends of 2026 | Who What Wear
Matthew Miller 
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If you’re a regular Who What Wear UK reader, you’ll know that our seasoned editors always have their fingers on the pulse, especially when it comes to . From bringing you the to being one step ahead of no fashion update goes uncovered. This includes the finer details and finishing touches that help define personal style, whether you're a classicist or get your kicks from experimenting with trends. That being said, we're here to talk for .
Moving slower than the rest of the fashion cycle, key jewellery styles have mostly stayed the same for the last decade, making them for the long run. With the rise of quiet luxury in the 2020s, classic, pared-back styles and shapes dominated the conversation, but over the past 12 months, we've seen a move towards more expressive,—particularly where earrings are concerned.
"2026 is about reorientation rather than reinvention, particularly when it comes to earrings," notes Maddy Sangster, founder of Heavenly London. "We’re seeing a move away from overly traditional styles towards designs that feel subtly subversive." This is a suggestion that jewellery is moving with fashion’s maximalist mood: think ', splashes of and .
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From the to the street style of fashion's most in-the-know dressers, the shift towards statement silhouettes is here. By mixing textures and contrasting materials, we're starting to use to set our style apart. In other words, the modern heirloom has never felt more personal. "[Customers] are looking to create impactful looks whilst still feeling considered, adds Laura Vann, founder of Laura Vann Jewellery. "I think people are going to look for new and interesting ways to express themselves through jewellery. I see a return to curated , with unique hoops and studs telling stories through detailed design and thoughtful composition."
Are you into beautifully crafted ? Or maybe a sparkly stud is more your thing? No matter your style, there are plenty of new earrings to suit every kind of dresser. Keep reading to discover the five biggest earrings trends for 2026. There's something youre guaranteed to love.
The 5 Biggest Earrings Trends of 2026
1. Mix and Match
Style Notes: In 2026, jewellery experts are still personalising their look with ear stacking, mixing generational pieces with modern investment buys for an individual look. "The return to curated ear stacks with unique hoops and studs tells stories through detailed design and thoughtful composition," says Vann. At Bajaj, stacks were kept simple in the form of cascading silver hoops, whilst over at Germanier, the wow-factor was on full display with chunky sky-blue studs finished with padlock pendants. Expect this mix-and-match approach to be one of the biggest trends of the year, and as your style evolves, this is a look that changes with you.
Shop Stacking Earrings:
Otiumberg Pavé Staple 3 Hoop Stacking Set £325
Otiumberg is doing the heavy lifting for us with this set.
Astrid & Miyu Glimmer Crystal Climber Stud Earrings £65
I've worn these earrings for years, and they're yet to tarnish.
Mejuri Brioche Mixed Metal Hoops £165
Lean into the mixed-metal trend with these from Mejuri.
Lovisa Gold Plated Brass Graduating Hoop Earring £17
You can never go wrong with a gold huggie.
Anni-Lu Glazed Donut Hoops £65
These do the stacking for you.
Ysso Mini Chain Link Sterling Silver Earrings £280
With Grecian roots, Ysso has fast become a favourite brand of fashion people.
AKIND Wave Pavé Studs £250
These have just shot to the top of my wish list.
2. Decadent Drops
Style Notes: In keeping with fashion’s maximalist mood, sculptural earrings have been gaining traction. From diamond-encrusted, mixed-metal studs seen at Tamara Ralph or the bejewelled sculptures at Malhotra, these decadent, eye-catching earrings are extra-large and undeniably impactful. Whether offsetting an evening gown or and a , they add a point of interest to every look.
Shop Decadent Drops:
Soru Roma Earrings £180
Vintage-inspired shapes are leaning '80s this season.
ASOS DESIGN Large Pendant Earrings £14
Wear these with your hair pulled back and a mohair cardigan and jeans.
Reiss Tumbled Stone Drop Earrings £95
I love that these are disproportionately heavier up top.
H&M Large Earrings £13
These look far more expensive than £13!
& Other Stories Crystal Pendant Earrings £37
If you're going for gemstones, choose a chartreuse shade.
CULT GAIA Suni Gold-Tone and Resin Earrings £220
Another pair that feel oh-so '80s.
Michael Nash Jewelry Estelle Studded Resin Large Hoop Earrings £102
The vibrant multi-coloured crystals are so fun.
3. Playful Pearls
Style Notes: Long gone are the days when pearls were the reserve of your grandmother; the are smaller, more delicate and easy to wear for everyday. Hannah Shin's pearls were set in delicate diamonds, cascading to the nape of the neck, and at Zuhair Mura, petaled pearls finished pared-back looks in a sophisticated way. Elevating casualwear and adding a romantic appeal to lace, in 2026, the message is clear: pearls are refreshed and cooler than ever before.
Shop Pearl Earrings:
COS Arched Freshwater Pearl Earrings £29
COS might be known for its minimalist fashion, but take it from me: its jewellery is just as good.
Pandora Oval & Pearl Stud Earrings £69
How divine!
THOMAS SABO Gold-Plated Earrings With Freshwater Pearl Natural Beauty £185
Sculptural yet timeless...whats not to love?
Pilgrim Berthe Pearl Hoop Earrings £30
Simple yet impactful.
Mejuri Bold Pearl Drop Earrings £128
Classic yet modern.
HEAVEN MAYHEM Odette 18ct Gold Pearl Earrings £85
Heaven Mayhem remains a fashion-person favourite jewellery brand.
Completedworks Infinity's Reversal £195
Make a statement, but delicately.
4. Diamonds Are Forever
Style Notes: Celebrate the joy in with the simple diamond earrings evolving into showstoppers in 2026. At Stéphane Rolland, winter whites popped with diamond earrings dripping to the collarbone. And over at Dina Melwani, a matching set reminiscent of 's jewels in Breakfast at Tiffany’s was undoubtedly the star of the show. Leaning into the unapologetic glamour of it all, these glittering stones will make even your tried-and-true denim look even more expensive.
Shop Diamond Earrings:
STONE AND STRAND Suspender 10-Karat Gold Diamond Earring £240
Simply sublime.
STONE AND STRAND Richie 10-Karat Gold Diamond Earrings £460
Delicate diamonds are so elegant.
YVONNE LÉON Mini Créole Coeur 9-Karat Gold Diamond Single Hoop Earring £800
I never thought I could love a pair of earrings this much.
M&S 18k Gold Plated Cubic Zirconia Earrings £40
Simple and effective.
linjer Diamond Drop Earrings 14k Gold £531
Perfect for the minimalists amongst us.
Astrid & Miyu Diamond Marquise Drop Studs in Solid White Gold £890
If you're a fan of white gold, these just might be your perfect pair.
5. Casual Cuffs
Style Notes: Add a touch of grunge to your look with stacks of cuffs in different colours and sizes. We saw sculptural, almost otherworldly shapes at Lama Jouni, whilst Fendi leaned into colourful shapes in keeping with the '80s-colour-blocking theme. The best thing about this trend? Getting the look of multiple piercings without actually having to go under the needle.
Shop Cuff Earrings:
H&M 6-Pack Ear Cuffs £7
These look far more expensive than their £6 price tag!
Astrid & Miyu Wave Ear Cuff in Gold £50
Simple yet sophisticated.
Otiumberg Chaos Ear Cuff £120
Add this to a minimal all-black look.
Completedworks We Dare You to Trespass £195
Adorn your ear in white topaz.
Mejuri 14k Yellow Gold / Natural Diamond £228
I want to re-create this exact stack.
Hermès Pop H Ear Cuff £290
The subtlest example of logomania I've seen.
OTIUMBERG Pavé Concero 14kt Gold Vermeil Ear Cuff £160
I own this, and I wear it almost every day.
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Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki is Junior Fashion Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she expertly navigates Gen-Z-aligned editorial content and brand try-ons to unearth the most worthwhile pieces, while valiantly resisting the urge to add every single one to her basket.
At Who What Wear, Imani is committed to uncovering cool new brands to share with the WWW UK readership, and finding gems that make shopping accessible (and fun) for everyone.
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