The best way to start your ear stack is to select the biggest earring to wear. Ideally a hoop or a huggie will occupy the first piercing in the stack. Approach it in terms of a theme to make selection easier–if the goal is a romantic stack, start with a heart hoop. If edgy is the vision, start with a spiked clicker. Once the first earring is chosen based on the vision, the rest of the flow comes naturally.

After the first earring is picked out, look to studs for the second piercing. Approach it in terms of size, shape, and pairing dynamic—do the two earrings complement each other by providing something different yet complementary? For example, if an edgy look is the goal and a spike hoop is the first choice, the stud to follow should highlight its pointy, dramatic approach. A spike hoop works nicely with a lightning bolt shape, and a touch of diamond on the stud accents the clean hoop nicely. Then consider finishing the look with an ear cuff–a great alternative to a third piercing. For an edgy look, offset the spiky, geometric infusion with a balance of round softness, like a balloon ear cuff. The end result is a dramatic, visually appealing landscape of jewelry you’re sure to want to show off. Scroll through to see more thematic pairings.

Shown Above: Maria Tash 6.5mm Triple Long Spike Eternity Clicker in Yellow Gold, Anine Bing Diamond Bolt Studs, Marit Rae Balloon Ear Cuff