Aiori’s Clip-On Earrings Are the Answer to Unpierced Prayers

Let’s start strong with this must-have trio. If you’re experimenting with clip-ons for the first time, this set is a great introduction because you can try out three different styles of closure. Invisible resin is used for designs that demand a ‘hook’ in front of your ear lobe (like the hoops). For the mosquito coil, you press manually to secure the huggies. Finally, a sliding spring is used for the super lightweight mini hoops. Each of these pairs is under $30 when sold separately, but this bundle is even more of a steal.

If you’re like me, the hoop earring is the style you’ve envied from afar for years (thank you, Ashanti and “Mesmerize”). These not-too-big hoops are the perfect training wheels to dip your toe in the hoop world. All three styles have the resin closure, which I find the easiest to put on (and take off) of all the different closure types. You can ease yourself into gradually bigger sizes: these are, respectively, 16, 22, and 30 mm in diameter.

My mother-in-law complimented my earrings and when I revealed they were clip-ons we bonded over not having pierced ears. I’m not exaggerating when I say she ran to order several pairs of her own. These dangling pearl earrings are so elegant: you could easily wear them to a black-tie event and no one would bat an eye.

After you get comfortable with a few low-key pairs, you’ll have a hankering for a statement earring (trust me). I feel like you’d find this paper fan-esque ribbed design at The Met gift store. The padded closure is one of the most comfortable closure types and even though these look big, they’re not heavy.

If the aughts trend is your thing, you absolutely need chandelier earrings to match. These dangly beauties are 100 mm (3.9 inc) long and make you feel like Kristin Cavallari Laguna Beach-era.

Sometimes nothing will complete an outfit but cuteness. I’m not a bow girl, but I love a heart touch. Like the Emerald Pavé Huggies, these are so light and you’ll forget you’re wearing them.

These are my everyday pair. They’re weightless and I completely forget I have them on (until someone compliments me). “Emerald” and “pavé” for $41—it doesn’t get better than this.

The hardest decision you’ll face is whether to go gold or silver with these 30 mm (diameter) hoops. This pair is not included in the trio above and it features the ultra-secure screwback closure.

You have to try studs. I’ve always looked longingly at delicate diamond studs and promised I’d screw up the courage to get my ears pierced — now I never have to. These come in white, blue, and emerald (all are zinc alloy).

Every event is an excuse to buy more clip-ons — and the Layla is begging to be paired with a gown. These 48 mm (1.8 inch) tall earrings feature a padded closure and will look stunning with your hair pulled back.

If you’re looking for something sculptural but not abstract, these chunky heart earrings are a perfect compromise.