Ear Cuffs and Climbers: How to Style a Maximalist Earring Look

We’re always excited to see a new earring trend, and the maximalist approach to earrings recently is one worth leaning into. An earscape, as you might have heard the term, featuring all kinds of hoops, studs, colors, textures, and gemstones is easier to achieve than it looks. The best part? You don’t need a million piercings to do it. (No thank you, needles.) In this article we’ll explore how to find the right ear cuffs and climbers and how to style the maximalist look. 

What are Ear Cuffs and Climbers?

Ear cuffs are small hoops, bands, or curved pieces that fit around the outer edge of your ear. Basically, they’re earrings that don’t require piercings, and they’re not clip-ons, either. They are generally designed to hug your cartilage or earlobe. They’re a fun way to hop on the maximalist earring trend without getting more piercings. 

Ear climbers are earrings that “climb” up your ear. They typically require just one piercing (or they can be clip-ons), and the piece continues to spread up your ear to create a dramatic look. It can give the effect of multiple piercings and pieces, or it can look like one elongated, artistic design. 

The beauty of both ear cuffs and ear climbers is that they can achieve the maximalist look with less effort than traditional earrings. With traditional studs and hoops, you’ll need several pieces and piercings to really create the earscape vibe. But with cuffs and climbers, you only need a few pieces to really make a statement — and, we can't emphasize enough, fewer piercings, too. 

Choosing the Right Pieces

So how do you choose the right ear cuffs and climbers? There are a few key elements to consider. 

• Considering your ear shape and size: Everyone’s ears are different (no surprise there), so ear cuffs and climbers will look different depending on the shape and size of your ear. If you have particularly tiny earlobes, for example, a huge ear climber might feel overwhelming on you. Try on different pieces, whether in store or using virtual try-ons online, to make sure you’re going for the right shape and size. 
• Selecting materials and finishes: Determine the look you’re going for. Do you want a monochromatic all-gold look that works with any outfit? Or are you looking for something a little more colorful? Play around with different looks to find what suits your style. 
• Mixing and matching different styles: One of the benefits of the maximalist earring look is its versatility. Look at different pieces to see how they might complement your existing collection, and how you might be able to make different combinations. 

Creating a Maximalist Look

Now that you’ve got some pieces that you’re excited to wear, let’s talk about how to style them to achieve the maximalist look. The maximalist earring look is all about layers — more is more! Try layering multiple cuffs on your cartilage for an edgy, bold look. You could also incorporate cuffs and climbers together to get a textured, varied look. With either cuffs or climbers, try working with the studs and hoops you have to play around with placement. Try out different combinations to see what works! Maybe you’ve always had a symmetrical approach to your earrings — try giving each ear a different style!

Styling Tips

Making the maximalist earring look work for you requires some balance. Try to balance your clothing, accessories, and other jewelry with your maximalist earring style. For instance, if your earring game is bold, you might consider keeping it more minimalist or sparse with your necklace, rings, or bracelets. Making your ears the centerpiece of your look can also mean accessorizing and dressing thoughtfully — a hat or bulky scarf might interfere with the overall vibe you’re going for. As always, try to match your earring look to your outfit or the occasion you’re dressing for. 

Care and Maintenance

Be sure to take care of your earring collection. Take off your earrings at the end of the day to avoid getting them snagged on your pillow or blankets when you sleep — cuffs and climbers will likely be uncomfortable to lay on anyway. Give them a nice wipedown at the end of a wear as well to keep them in good condition and to avoid residue buildup. If your earring is meant for a piercing (aka isn’t a clip-on), be sure to perform good ear piercing cleanings and sterile earring cleanings as well. 

Ready to try out the ear cuff and climber trend? Design your own custom pieces with our team. We’ll work with you to dream up your perfect earrings so you can get the exact maximalist look you want. Get in touch today!