A few years ago, I had a drunken night out on St. Marks Place in New York City's East Village, a street famous for its vintage clothing stores and indie stores. Since then, I've adorned my ears with a combination of hoops and studs every day.

Lucky for me, delicate hoop earrings are a versatile jewelry staple that stands the test of time. We sat down with jewelry expert, designer, and co-founder of DTC jewelry brand Last Line, Shelley Sanders, to get tips on how to stack earrings like a pro.

Marie Claire: How do you style small hoops?

Shelley Sanders: Wear them symmetrically or double them on the same ear for a cool edge. Small huggies are generally best for large-leaf second earrings. I like gradients: start with the largest hoop on the earlobe and gradually work your way down to the top of the ear.

MC: What are some things to keep in mind when buying earrings?

SS: Diamond hagiographies are something you will wear forever, so everyone should have one. 14 carat or better quality, yellow or white gold is recommended. The size is a personal preference; some people prefer one that fits their ear perfectly, while others prefer a little more spacing for the drop; I have 17 piercings and almost always wear a few different types of small hoops.

A version of this article appears in the Fall 2020 issue of Marie Claire.