Clip-on earrings for unpierced ears: comfort, fit and styling

In this guide

This guide uses the Butterfly Clip-On Earrings from our shop as its example. Everything said about the piece itself comes from its listing.

How clip-on earrings work, how to make them comfortable, and how to style them if your ears are not pierced.

Who clip-ons are for

Clip-on earrings are made for anyone who doesn't have pierced ears: people who never got them done, who let their piercings close, who have sensitive lobes, or who simply want to try earrings without committing to a piercing. They are also handy for children's dress-up, for performers, and for anyone with a piercing that is still healing.

How to make clip-ons comfortable

Most discomfort comes from clipping too low or too tight. Place the clip on the fleshy middle of the lobe rather than the very edge, and open and close it gently. Start by wearing them for a few hours at a time, and take them off for a minute if they start to pinch. Small, light designs are the most comfortable for long days.

Styling clip-on earrings

Clip-ons look exactly like pierced earrings once they are on, so style them the same way. Small, light designs work for every day with your hair down; statement clip-ons look best with hair tucked behind your ears or up. Keep necklaces simple when your earrings are the focus.

Keeping them secure

Check the clip before you go out, especially when wearing a scarf, a hat or a jumper you will pull over your head. Taking clip-ons off before you change tops saves them from snagging.

About the Butterfly Clip-On Earrings

The Butterfly Clip-On Earrings is a gold-tone pair of earrings with a clip-on fastening, no piercing needed and a butterfly motif. They add a finished touch to a plain outfit without taking it over.

• Design: a clip-on fastening, no piercing needed and a butterfly motif.
• Material: Metal alloy.
• Comes in: Silver and Gold.
• What arrives: One pair of earrings.

See the Butterfly Clip-On Earrings →

Styling any earrings like this

Earrings frame the face, so they do the most work for the least effort. Hair down softens them, hair up makes them the focus. When your earrings are the statement, keep your necklace fine or leave it off.

Think about scale too: small, close-fitting earrings suit busy days, glasses and headphones; drops and larger shapes come into their own when your hair is up and your neckline is open. With several piercings, put the most detailed pair in the first hole and keep the others plain, so the look stays balanced.

Wearing gold-tone jewellery

Gold-tone pieces look warm and slightly vintage. They flatter warm and olive skin tones and look especially good with cream, camel, white, olive, black and denim. Keep your other jewellery in gold-tone, or add one silver piece on purpose, such as a watch, so the mix looks intentional.

Choosing earrings that suit you

When choosing earrings, look at the fastening (studs, hoops, hooks or clip-ons), the size, and the weight. Lighter earrings are more comfortable for long days; heavier statement pieces are best for evenings.

What to wear it with

Pieces from the shop in the same tone that complete the look: - Asgard Crafted Paracord Hammer Bracelet: bracelet, $21.00. - Pearl Zircon Necklace & Earrings Set: set, $20.00. - Love Vintage Shell Pendant Necklace: necklace, $18.00.

Wearing it all year

Through the year: in summer, lighter earrings are more comfortable in the heat and look fresh with hair tied up. In winter, earrings are often the one piece that shows between a scarf and a hat, so it is the season to wear the pair you love most; just take care pulling jumpers on and off.

Caring for plated and alloy jewellery

Plated and alloy pieces last longest when they stay dry. Put them on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, take them off before showering, swimming and the gym, wipe them with a soft dry cloth and store each one in its own pouch so the finish isn't scratched. The listing adds: Wipe gently after wearing, keep them dry and away from perfume, and store the pair in its pouch.

As a gift

Earrings are a safe, thoughtful gift: no size to guess and they suit every style. Check the delivery dates on the product page before you order if you are buying for a date, and add a short handwritten note: it turns a pretty piece into a message.

Buying from Liravelle

The product page lists what the piece is made of, what arrives and the delivery dates before you order, and the confirmation email repeats them. Free US delivery over $50. 30-day returns. Tracked delivery.