One Piercing, Infinite Possibilities: Master the Illusion Earring Trend
Looking for an ethically made illusion hoop earring? You’ve found it. I love this mixed metal option for maximum versatility from a brand I’ve been recommending for client for years.
As a personal stylist for women, I am constantly trend-watching. I have always been ahead of the curve (style-wise and otherwise), so I often get an idea and then spend weeks, months, or even years on the hunt. I get it. I love it. And after a while, everyone else loves it, too ;)
If you, like me, get ideas and then need to find the actual item that has been "paying rent in your mind," I’ve got you. Alternatively, if you are happy to see inspiration and jump on board, I’m here for that, too.
One of my favorite trends right now is the multiple-earring look. I tend to prefer choices that start at the lobe and work their way up. Call it empathy or just drama, but when I see a hole deep in the inner ear, I feel phantom pain.
I have two hoops in my nose, and it was an adventure to get them there. For years, I had one hoop. When I decided I wanted another, I embarked on a real journey. After all, you have to get the piercing and then wait for it to heal before it’s time for the hoop. If that sounds less than ideal to you, we are speaking the same language.
When it comes to the multiple-piercing look, I’m opting for earrings that do the job for me. This brings an edge to any outfit, and if you’re intrigued but overwhelmed by how to find the right pair, today is your lucky day. Here we go!
What to Search For: The Hunt for the Illusion
Here are some solid search terms to help you find options in the sea of the internet. Try these on Google, Etsy, or Pinterest. You can also check out the Poplin Pinterest Boards, where we feature these items on various style, accessory, and jewelry boards.
Pearl and diamond ear crawlers are a fun and edgy option that is right on trend. Love that these have a post and back to secure to your ear.
I found these pearl climbers for a client who adores pearls and has an expressive, fashion-forward style. Check out her Uber Wishlist here.
Ear Crawlers for a single piercing: Look for earrings that appear to be multiple piercings but actually only have one post to go through a single ear hole.
Classic high quality twirl earrings. Available in silver and gold. These give the illusion that you have multiple piercings when you only have one! Solid medical grade titanium. Silver version is PVD plated with Platinum
Get the look of multiple earrings with just one with this double huggie earring.
Reasonably priced illusion hoop earrings give the impression that you have multiple piercings when you only have one. Love these to bring an edge to your outfit.
Illusion hoop earrings AKA Double Huggies: These give the impression that you have multiple piercings, each with its own hoop.
This flatback earring looks like multiple studs in a row, but is actually just one. AKA a flatback stack earring.
Dainty ear stack (single hole): You may find items that feature a collection of faux studs and hoops, all built into one earring.
This bold suspender earring was just right for Poplin client Jaysea- her fearless style and her Elvish tattoo. The ideal combo.
Poplin client Jaysea showing off her suspender earring.
Suspender earrings: A suspender earring has a hook that attaches over the top of your ear. We used one for Poplin Client, Jaysea. As a "Romantasy" author with an Elvish tattoo along her spine, this style was an ideal fit. Suspender earrings are a "one-and-done" statement. Because they take up so much visual real estate, they look best when the other ear is kept simple (like a tiny matching stud) to keep the look intentional and asymmetrical.
A single cluster ear cuff gives the impression of multiple earrings coming out of one hole. In a word or two- Bad Ass.
I had such a great time at that shop in Paris. What a dreamy place to pick up an edgy ear cuff.
Cluster Ear Cuff: You’re likely already familiar with an ear cuff that wraps around the ear. A cluster cuff gives the impression of multiple earrings coming out of one hole. A bold choice, for sure.
A flatback cluster earring is just right to give the impression of multiple piercings for one hole. The added benefit is a flat back with an earring back, which is more secure than a suspender or jacket.
One of my favorite Seattle Makers brings us this dainty ear jacket.
These structured swirl earrings illustrate how many names there are for this trend. Whatever you call them, they allow you to give the impression that you have multiple piercings when you only have one.
Just one earring- but the look of multiple piercings.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
I’ve been exploring these for about two years for myself and various clients. Here is what I’ve learned:
The Twist/Double Hoop Illusion/ Twirl/ Double Huggie: I love how these look. They consist of a single wire that you put on like a corkscrew. You’ll likely be surprised and delighted at how easily they go in—but they also come out just as easily.
Stylist Tip: Use an earring back (ideally a clear disc with more surface area) to prevent them from falling out during the day. Alternatively, look for earrings that come with a clear rubber back, sometimes called a nut or a slider. I’ve found that a “double Huggie” is more likely to have a back as it’s one earring that looks like two compared with a twirl earring, which is more like a corkscrew.
The Climber or Crawler: Another visual stunner, these look like multiple studs climbing up your ear. Some come with a single post; in those cases, the earring must be lightweight to avoid slipping down. Since it's tricky to know how they will behave ahead of time, look for a solid return policy.
Stylist Tip: Using a clear disc back offers more stabilization. If yours have a clamp instead of a post, adjust the earring and give it a gentle "pinch test" to secure it to your ear. I’ve also had luck searching for a Flatback Cluster which delivers an earring with a “cluster” of studs, one post and one earring back.
The Suspender or Jacket: This style always brings an edge to an outfit. A jacket earring wraps around the bottom or back of the lobe to create a second point of visual interest. These tend to be more secure, but if you need extra stability, a clear plastic disc backing—rather than a traditional butterfly back—will set you up for success.
I love this independent jewelry designer and have recommended her to clients. This pair of jacket earrings is sure to garner compliments. Get ready to make some new friends!
Ask Yourself: Is This My Style?
Before you take the plunge, ask yourself: is this your style? What are your style keywords? Are you going for an edgy, creative, or expressive vibe? These pieces all add an edge, but the degree is up to you.
You can embrace a classic style with a bit of an edge—like a pearl crawler I recently recommended to a client—or go full force with a studded choice for a more punk rock aesthetic. Most importantly, be true to yourself. Drawing attention to your ears creates visual interest that can flatter your body type by drawing the eye to your desired location. Plus, if you are still living a portion of your life on Zoom, this is a fun way to mix things up for colleagues and friends.
I am dying to see what you end up with!
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