What Earrings For Work?

This article will provide a comprehensive guide on choosing appropriate earrings to wear to work. The goal is to outline the key factors to consider when selecting earrings for a professional environment, so readers can feel confident choosing stylish yet workplace-appropriate earrings.

Purpose of Wearing Earrings to Work

There are a few main reasons someone may choose to wear earrings to work:

To enhance their professional look – Small, tasteful earrings can elevate an outfit and bring a polished, put-together aesthetic. They signify professionalism and attention to detail. As noted in this Quora thread, simple studs or small hoops are unlikely to cause offense or be seen as unprofessional in most workplace settings.

To express personal style – Earrings allow workers to incorporate a bit of their own taste into professional attire. Discrete earrings in stylish metals or with subtle designs let individuals showcase their personality within workplace dress codes. As discussed in this Reddit thread, earrings are generally acceptable for men in modern work environments.

Factors to Consider

When choosing earrings to wear to work, it’s important to consider several factors such as your workplace dress code, job role and responsibilities, and industry norms. Understanding what is appropriate can help you select earrings that project professionalism and confidence.

Review your workplace dress code or handbook for any guidelines about acceptable jewelry or accessories. More formal workplaces may prohibit dangly earrings or specific metals, while casual offices may be fine with a wider range of styles. If uncertain, start with more understated pieces.

Your specific job role and level of interaction with clients or customers is also a consideration. An executive giving presentations may prefer studs or small hoops, while a graphic designer can likely wear more creative and bold pieces. Also think about safety – dangling earrings may not be ideal for nurses, teachers, or those working with machinery.

Look around at what coworkers and industry peers wear. This can give you a sense of norms and expectations. For example, investment bankers tend to wear very subtle jewelry compared to those in creative fields like fashion or media. When in doubt, aim for something simple and classic.

Keeping these factors in mind when selecting earrings for work can help you feel confident you are making appropriate, thoughtful choices for your environment, role, and industry culture. This allows you to express your personal style while still projecting professionalism.

Metals

When choosing metals for work earrings, three popular options are gold, silver, and platinum. Each metal has its own pros and cons to consider.

Gold is known for its warm, rich color and resistance to tarnishing and corrosion. The purity of gold is measured in karats – 24k is pure gold, while 14k and 18k are alloy mixes commonly used in jewelry. The benefit of gold alloys is increased hardness and durability for everyday wear (source). However, gold can be more expensive and weigh down the ear more than other metals.

Sterling silver is an affordable metal option containing 92.5% silver. It has a bright, cool tone that complements many skin tones. The main downside is that sterling silver will naturally tarnish and oxidize over time, so requires more regular cleaning and polishing to maintain its shine (source).

Platinum has a rich, white color and is more durable than gold or silver. It is also hypoallergenic. However, platinum weighs more than white gold and tends to cost more as well (source).

Stones

When choosing stones for work earrings, it’s important to consider the color and size that will be appropriate for a professional environment. Some popular choices include:

Diamonds – Small, high-quality diamonds can add subtle sparkle. Stay away from flashy large diamonds, which may seem ostentatious.

Pearls – Classic white or cream pearls are perfect for work in small to medium studs or drops. Avoid very large or brightly colored pearls.

Gems – Softer colored gems like amethyst, citrine, or peridot can be worn in stud or small drop earrings. Avoid loud colors like bright red or green.

In general, opt for smaller earrings, ranging from 4mm to 10mm for studs, and no longer than 2-3cm for drops. Larger or brightly colored stones may be seen as distracting in a professional workplace.

Styles

When choosing earrings for work, focus on timeless and professional styles. Some of the most popular options are studs, hoops, and drops.

Stud earrings are versatile and work-appropriate. Small diamond or pearl studs add a touch of elegance without being distracting. Larger studs can have a more modern look, like statement stone studs. Just avoid overly large or dangling studs.

Hoop earrings are another classic choice. Small hoops in white or yellow gold lend an effortless chic vibe. Larger hoops can exude confidence but may be less professional in more formal workplaces. For a modern twist, try hammered or twisted hoops.

Drop earrings with delicate chains and stones are feminine and polished. Stick to conservative lengths, as longer statement drops are better suited for evenings out. Geometric shapes like ovals, circles, and triangles give drops a contemporary edge.

Overall, traditional styles in elegant materials and moderate sizes make the best earrings for work. But don’t be afraid to incorporate some modern trends or your own personal flair. Just aim for a professional look that complements your personal brand.

Sizes

When choosing earring sizes for work, it’s important to consider both daytime and evening wear. For daytime, petite studs in the range of 2-4mm are recommended to maintain a professional look. According to the earring size guide from Impuria, typical sizes for simple studs are 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm (source). Larger 6-8mm sizes are better suited for evening and weekend wear.

For hoops, a daytime size of 15-20mm diameter is ideal. Borsheims recommends 15-18mm as a standard medium hoop size for everyday wear (source). The smaller the hoop diameter, the more understated and office appropriate the look. Save larger 30-50mm hoops for date nights and cocktails after work.

The goal is to choose petite earrings that subtly enhance your professional look for workdays. Bigger and bolder earrings can be worn outside of standard business hours.

Care

Properly caring for your earrings can help prevent damage and keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for cleaning, storing, and preventing damage to work earrings:

Cleaning

Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush or cloth to gently clean earrings. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives that could scratch stones or metal finishes. For stubborn dirt, an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with mild soap can be effective. Always dry earrings thoroughly after cleaning.

Storage

Store earrings in a fabric-lined jewelry box or soft pouch to prevent scratches. Separate pieces to avoid entanglement or damage to delicate settings. For valuable earrings, consider a jewelry safe or lockbox for secure storage.

Preventing Damage

Take earrings off before showering, swimming, or strenuous activity. Hairspray, perfume, lotion, and makeup can also damage some earring finishes over time. When not wearing your earrings, store them safely to prevent loss or accidental damage.

With proper day-to-day care and storage methods, your work earrings can stay lovely for years to come.

Costs

When selecting earrings to wear to work, cost is often a major factor. Many people want attractive, professional-looking earrings that don’t break the bank. Fortunately, there are many budget-friendly options for work-appropriate earrings.

Simple stud earrings in metals like stainless steel or sterling silver can provide an elegant, polished look for less than $20 (Amazon). For example, a pair of stainless steel or sterling silver studs often costs $10-15. Small gemstone studs like pearls or cubic zirconia are another affordable option in the $15-20 range.

In addition to basic studs, there are many inexpensive hoop, drop, and dangle earring styles suitable for work. These can frequently be found for $10-25 on sites like Etsy and Amazon (Etsy). Avoid large or flashy designs, and focus on delicate, subtle earrings in this price range.

When shopping on a budget, stick to classic metals like silver, gold, and rose gold tones. Avoid costume or fashion jewelry, which may look cheap. With simple, elegant styles in quality metals, it’s easy to find professional, work-appropriate earrings that don’t cost a fortune.

Summary

When choosing earrings to wear to work, it’s important to keep in mind your workplace dress code, the formality of your office environment, and the impact you want to make. Simple studs or small hoops in classic metals like gold, silver, or platinum are versatile options appropriate for most workplaces. Consider your industry and position when deciding on colors and gemstones. Go for subtle sparkle rather than flashy bling. Make sure earrings are proportional to your face and frames. Stick to classic silhouettes like teardrops, huggies, studs or small hoops rather than loud statement pieces. Invest in quality over quantity – a few pairs of timeless earrings will take you far. Above all, choose earrings that make you feel confident, professional and express your personal style.