There's something about vacation that makes you want to elevate everything. The linen outfits. The woven bags. The oversized sunglasses. And, of course, the jewelry. A thoughtfully curated ear stack is one of the easiest ways to make every outfit feel a little more polished—whether you're headed to the Amalfi Coast or just spending the weekend at the lake. Here's how I like to build a stack that's made for summer. Start with a Strong Foundation Your lobes are where every great stack begins. I always think of them as the anchor for everything else. A statement pair of studs or a classic huggie creates a timeless base that's easy to build on. For everyday wear, I almost always keep a chunky (but simple) huggie that's slightly larger than my other lobe pieces. It grounds the entire stack and lets everything else shine. But when it's time to throw on a dress for dinner or head out for the evening? That's when I like to have a little fun. I'll swap that everyday huggie for something with a little more personality—maybe a statement stud, a bold hoop, or something with movement. Nothing completes an outfit quite like a great statement earring. I'll die on that hill. From there, you can add personality one piercing at a time. Mix Texture, Not Just Jewelry The most interesting ear stacks aren't made from matching sets—they're made from thoughtfully chosen pieces that feel connected. When I'm curating an ear, I almost always start by looking for one common thread. Maybe it's baguette-cut stones woven throughout the stack, a mix of pearls and seashell-inspired details, or simply a consistent gold tone with organic textures. I love when every piece is beautiful enough to stand on its own while still contributing to one cohesive look. Then, I play with contrast. Pair a sparkling gemstone with a smooth gold hoop. Add a little movement with a chain or charm alongside a tiny flatback. Mix different shapes, textures, and sizes to create movement without making your ear feel busy. If you know me, you know I'm adding chains and charms whenever possible. I'm a maximalist—what can I say? But I also think you can layer those fun details into a stack while still keeping it clean, elevated, and intentional. It's all about balance. A delicate chain or a tiny charm adds just the right amount of personality without overwhelming the overall look. To me, the best ear stacks aren't perfectly matched—they're effortlessly intentional. Keep It Comfortable Vacation days are long. You're walking new cities, catching flights, laying by the pool, and falling asleep after sunset. The last thing you want is jewelry that's constantly catching on your hair or uncomfortable to sleep in. Threadless flatbacks are a favorite of mine for a reason. They're secure, comfortable, and designed to stay in place through everyday adventures. Think in Warm Tones Summer naturally lends itself to warm, effortless styling. Yellow gold, champagne-toned gems, pearls, and subtle sparkle complement sun-kissed skin beautifully. If silver is more your style, lean into clean, minimalist pieces that feel fresh and bright. Choose jewelry that feels like an extension of your wardrobe. Add One Statement Piece Every great stack has a focal point. Maybe it's a bold conch hoop, a sparkling helix, or a charm that catches the light every time you turn your head. Don't forget about your lobes, either—they're the anchor of your stack. A statement hoop or eye-catching stud can completely change the feel of your look. I love switching out my lobe jewelry to complement different outfits throughout a trip. You don't need five statement pieces—just one that ties everything together. Refresh Your Stack Before You Go A vacation is the perfect excuse to give your ear a refresh. You don't always need a new piercing to create a whole new look. Sometimes, simply swapping in a few new pieces alongside the jewelry you already love can completely transform your stack. Mix your everyday favorites with a statement hoop, a pop of sparkle, or a new charm that feels like summer. Whether your style is minimal and timeless or bold and beachy, a thoughtful jewelry curation can make every outfit feel just a little more elevated. One of my favorite appointments at Groovy Peach is a jewelry curation. Bring in the pieces you already love, tell us where you're headed, and we'll help you mix in a few fresh additions to create a stack that feels uniquely yours. At Groovy Peach — Whether you're getting vacation-ready or simply looking for a fresh summer look, we'd love to help you create a stack that's uniquely yours. From styling appointments and jewelry changes to new piercings and jewelry upgrades, our team is here to help you build an ear you'll love long after the vacation ends. Groovy Tip 💡 If you have a beach vacation coming up, plan new piercings for after your trip whenever possible. Swimming in pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs isn't recommended while a piercing is healing. Instead, refresh your look with a jewelry change before you leave, then come back for that new piercing when you're home. Hailey Ishino — Co-Founder Hailey leads the creative direction behind Groovy Peach, overseeing everything from marketing campaigns and jewelry collections to brand storytelling and ear styling trends. When she's not dreaming up the next collection, she's helping clients create ear stacks that feel elevated, intentional, and uniquely theirs.
