We all have a pair of earrings we wouldn't mind wearing every single day. For many, it's gold hoops. Whether worn close to the earlobes, as big as can be, or doubled up, this particular type of lobe decor makes a statement, no matter the size or quantity. Their classic style with diverse nuances is what's made them survive centuries of jewelry trends while still feeling fresh, never antiquated. That's why, in our books, they're such a staple piece.
Sure, you can associate the shine the gold radiates with warm and sunny days, but that's why they also make a great cold-weather accessory, too. They're timeless jewelry pieces you can wear year-round. So, to keep our gold hoop collection ever growing, we've rounded up 29 gold hoop earrings in all shapes and sizes from brands we already love and a few new designers we can't wait to try.
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In no particular order, this is what I purchased in the throes of lockdown: at least six sweatsuit sets; a mask to match each one, naturally; colorful eyeliner and eyeshadow (since lipstick was no longer necessary); a handful of glitzy dresses and tops for future, post-pandemic nights out; a DIY stick-and-poke tattoo kit; and a horde of face and hair masks to pamper myself with. Like many, I threw myself into online shopping frequently and excessively, more so than at any other point in my life, because, well, I had no other choice.
And yet, despite the incredible convenience and terrifying ease of checking out an impulse buy from an Instagram ad I saw seconds earlier, all from my smartphone, I’ve realized one thing: I still really love shopping IRL. Not even the thrill of instant gratification can replace the tactile experience of sifting through racks, of discerning how the fabric looks and feels (let's face it, a product flat just doesn’t cut it). I’ve found total gems, like a pair of snakeskin printed leather pants (that make my butt look *amazing*), that I likely would have scrolled past online. Which brings me to my next point: Not only is a store’s inventory more curated (versus overwhelming, infinite possibilities), but shopping in-person can also help curb overconsumption. It’s much, much easier to examine what you actually need when you have it right in front of you.
Of course, I’m not the only one reveling in my newfound appreciation for in-person shopping. There’s something of a brick-and-mortar renaissance that’s taking place across the retail landscape. Sure, 2020 and 2021 may have seen countless storefronts shutter, but once pandemic restrictions lifted, seemingly everyone flocked to physical store locations to do their shopping.
“Post-pandemic, the recovery was swift and significant, and even in a period of intense economic challenges, the relative performance has been strong,” says Evan Chernofsky, SVP of marketing at retail analytics and foot traffic data company Placer.ai, adding that shopping digitally doesn’t take away from the power or value of physical locations. “Brick-and-mortar retail is entering a period where its wider value is more obvious than ever, and there’s a growing recognition that specific aspects just can’t be replaced by digital alternatives.”
According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Commerce, e-commerce only accounted for 15.1% of total retail sales in the first quarter of 2023. And while e-commerce continues to see growth, the National Retail Federation states that much of that growth includes multichannel sales where physical stores still account for part of the fulfillment process. Overall, about 70% of total retail sales are taking place offline in brick-and-mortar stores.
The retail real-estate landscape also reflects this return to pre-pandemic norms. According to analytical work by industry research platform The Daily on Retail, 2022 saw five times more store openings than closures, while closures were down more than 55% from 2021. And it’s not just brick-and-mortar giants that are seeing this expansion. “There are large multi-brand retailers that were once fully e-commerce now opening flagship storefronts in major cities,” says Alexandra Yanoff, a director at Brand Urban, a New York City-based real estate advisory brokerage company. “That obviously says something about the importance of a brick-and-mortar presence.”
Of course, opening a storefront isn’t without its challenges. “The caveat is that the rents are back, too, if not higher than they were pre-Covid, especially in best-in-class markets,” she says. This poses challenges for those looking to open in highly coveted areas while not-as-desirable locales remain filled with vacancies. But even with these real estate obstacles, many brands continue to prioritize their physical presence, whether from an omnichannel standpoint (which encompasses both physical and digital) or solely on brick-and-mortar expansion.
Take Primark, the Irish retailer that made its much-anticipated stateside debut in 2015, for example. A longtime cult-favorite shopping destination across Europe (the brand boasts over 400 stores in 15 countries), it plans to expand from its now-17 U.S. locations to a whopping 60 by 2026, focusing solely on providing a standout and special in-store experience. In fact, Primark’s website doesn’t even offer an option to shop online, instead allowing you to check stock of each item at every store, acting as a virtual showroom to preview what awaits you in-store.
It’s a strategy that reflects the retailer’s long-standing dedication to brick-and-mortar since its 1969 inception as an expansive, all-encompassing one-stop shop for affordable-yet-trendy fashion, beauty, and homewares that gives consumers access to touch, try on, and test products. For example, the Downtown Brooklyn location, my local store, boasts four sprawling levels to explore. On a recent visit, I was able to nab my entire wardrobe and essentials for an upcoming beach getaway in one fell swoop — bikinis, coverups, bronzing body oil, a sleek reusable water bottle (and all without breaking the bank). Moreover, multiple sales associates are always on the floor to help you at any time, but should you truly want a solo moment to shop, self-checkout kiosks are available to speed up the purchase process.
It’s this wildly triumphant storefront-focused strategy, coupled with the discovery of truly amazing, affordable finds that have fueled Primark’s success. Coined #Primania by its loyal fan base, love for the brand runs deep — and it’s why new store openings yield thousand-person-deep lines that wrap around entire city blocks (the fact that the brand’s in-store content on Instagram performs better than any other type of content is indicative of how much hype there is surrounding the IRL shopping experience). “When I look around our stores, I see people rediscovering the joy of shopping — not just acquiring new things, but the experiences that come with it,” says Primark U.S. president Kevin Tulip. “These are feelings and moments that some thought were lost during the pandemic, but as the crowds in our stores show, in-store shopping doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.”
“The return to experiences has been a theme this year, and shopping is an experience,” says Chip West, a retail and consumer behavior expert at marketing solutions company Vericast. “Personal service, something not easily replicated online, will remain important to customers. In-store preferences are more pronounced in categories like apparel and accessories, as fit, appearance, and feel are critical.”
In addition to convenience and differentiation, consumers have come to expect more from retailers post-pandemic. “Consumers quickly realized they still wanted in-person experiences once the pandemic subsided, and shoppers will seek this out in physical stores,” says Renee Hartmann, cofounder of strategy consultancy CLA and co-author of Next Generation Retail. “They want to be entertained, to have a sense of discovery, and to have meaningful human interaction. They don’t want to go shopping just to buy things; they want to experience something they can’t get from shopping from home.”
So what’s in store for the future of retail? Technology will continue to advance, making the e-commerce shopping experience all the more easy, personable, and interactive, but the tangible aspect of shopping in-person will remain deeply important. “We expect the digital and physical retail experience to merge into a single, blended experience in which the user seamlessly and simultaneously interacts across the digital and real world,” Hartmann says.
Overall, the experts all agree: Brick-and-mortar is here to stay. At the end of the day, people are always going to value human connection and face-to-face experiences, something we all learned firsthand during the early days of lockdown. This, Hartmann says, solidifies brick-and-mortar’s place forever in the retail landscape. “Despite speculation that brick-and-mortar retail will die with the increase of online shopping and omnichannel retail, we expect brick-and-mortar stores to endure in the future,” she says. “E-commerce can’t be beaten in terms of convenience, speed, and personalization, but it still lacks the community, entertainment, and the experiential element that consumers crave.”
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Some secrets are just too good to keep to ourselves — like Jeff Wan’s secret summer sale. The AAPI- and LGBTQIA-owned brand currently has discounts that are too good to be true. Till July 7th, shoppers can take up to 74% off sitewide on the label’s luxe leather handbags, backpacks, and duffles. (For example, its sleek $875 duffle bag is now on sale for $399.) The promotion includes everything from the brand’s signature Hamptons collection for your quiet luxury summer to everyday styles like its modern Grand Baie Gym Bag.
If you haven’t heard of Jeff Wan or his eponymous line, you’re in for a treat. The luxury fashion company is known for its urban and minimalistic designs with pops of animated colors and playful pineapple motifs that serve as an ode to Wan’s home of Mauritius. Wan launched the brand in 2018 after working for labels like Coach, Kenneth Cole, and Michael Kors, combining heritage quality with his fresh and playful POV. And, to celebrate and honor Pride Month, the brand will donate 10% of the June proceeds from the site to the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) and BABEC (Black and Brown Equity Coalition) Fire Island. Hurry, and get a hold of this amazing sale, as the luxury fashion company only has a limited amount of handbags to shop.
Handbags
Jeff Wan offers a collection of colorful structured bags and lightweight totes for your perusal. The cheapest bags from the sale are under $100, including the elegant cinched Bazar Bucket Bag in Coco. Meanwhile, the $199 Hampton Totes are some of the more pigmented options available in rose pink, mimosa yellow, and green.
Backpacks
Take advantage of Jeff Wan’s summer sale by snagging a smooth calf leather backpack for $299. The minimalistic aesthetic is suitable for school, the office, and any weekly adventures. There’s even a separate interior compartment for your laptop, as well as multiple pockets inside and out.
Gym Bags
Your nylon gym bag just had a major revamp. Instead of the typical black shade with a huge Nike logo in front, sport a vibrant color block pattern of red, yellow, and blue with a rich pebble leather exterior. Who knew a gym bag holding your FP Movement workout ‘fit, and Lululemon sneakers could be so stylish?
Fashion the bag as a backpack while traveling through the subway, then switch to the top handle before entering the restaurant or ba. Voila, it’s the most versatile gym bag that you’ll actually want to wear everywhere. Plus, you can’t beat the price — originally almost $300, it is now going for $99.
Duffle Bags
Cruise through TSA with your new elevated duffle bag from Jeff Wan. The weekender bag is a step up from a slouchy duffle with its smooth, refined leather exterior, zipped pockets, and four-foot prong base. You can fashion the duffle into a shoulder bag or crossbody style.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Once reserved for dads vacationing abroad and decidedly labeled "uncool," the fanny pack is back and with a brand-new and improved reputation. Now, when you take a stroll through a hiking trail or wait in line at a summer concert, you can spot several passersby wearing fanny packs. And no, they don’t look uncool or out of touch. Instead, they look trendy, whether they’re sporting Lululemon’s fan-favorite Everywhere Belt Bag, Louis Vuitton’s iconic Mini Bumbag, or any other style.
The accessory is also now available in a ton of different price points, shapes, sizes (we're loving mini bags right now), and colors, so it can easily find a spot in your wardrobe. Whether you refer to them as fanny packs, belt bags, or sling bags, throw one on and enjoy all the perks that the mini crossbody style has to offer (i.e., being hands-free, having your belongings securely strapped to you, looking tourist-chic, etc.)
Read on to find your perfect belt bag for summer activities in a range of everyday and athletic styles as well as elevated and designer options.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
You know it, you love it — the Everywhere Belt Bag. Lululemon’s signature bag is sleek, compact, water-repellent, and now available in new summer colors. Whether you wear it as a fanny pack around your hips or a sling bag across your chest, you’ll feel cool and confident in this belt bag. And if you already own this style and can’t get enough of it, check out the brand’s new Mini Belt Bag as a tiny counterpart when you don’t have much to carry.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, $, available at Lululemon
FP Movement Iridescent Bum Bag
Free People’s activewear line brings us a shimmery yet sporty bum bag. With plenty of storage space inside, this belt bag will carry all of your essentials, which is perfect for festivals, theme park days, long hikes, and traveling.
FP Movement Iridescent Bum Bag, $, available at Free People
Coach Bethany Belt Bag
If you’re looking for an elevated belt bag that you can wear in the evening without looking too casual, Coach has a mini leather option to check out. The gold hardware especially looks upscale and sophisticated. Adjust the strap to wear it around your waist or as a shoulder bag depending on your mood.
If you like the texture of the pebble leather in the previous option but want an athletic fanny pack style instead, opt for this mesh one. Go bold in neon pink, green, or more subtle colorways with this Anthropologie find. It's perfect for wearing around Brooklyn...or anywhere stylish people walk.
Pretty Simple Brooklyn Belt Bag, $, available at Anthropologie
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
The popular minimalist brand offers us a simple moon-shaped belt bag that'll add interest to your outfit without distracting from it. One of the larger options in this roundup, choose this style if you want to fit your phone, wallet, keys, chapstick, and sunglasses in your future belt bag.
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag, $, available at Uniqlo
HVJCEZ Waterproof Mini Bum Bag
Another tried-and-true belt bag at an affordable price point. Pick your ideal color and strap on this versatile and unisex Amazon statement bag for outdoor adventures. And don't worry about potential rain, thanks to the bag's water-repellent nylon fabric.
HVJCEZ Waterproof Mini Bum Bag, $, available at Amazon
Banana Republic Leather Belt Bag
Chic and sleek, this leather belt bag is perfect to be paired with your favorite summer outfits. In the case that you don't think this is versatile enough, it is since the pouch can detach to be carried as a wallet when desired.
Banana Republic Leather Belt Bag, $, available at Banana Republic
Baggu Puffy Fanny Pack
Sign us up for this to adorably puffy and colorful belt bag. Baggu always delivers when it comes to whimsical bags, and this one is no different. Wear it to a festival or through the airport as the perfect accessory.
Athelta also gives us an ideal fanny pack for commuting or traveling. Store your phone in the interior mesh pocket and the rest of your essentials in this boxy belt bag. All you have to do is adjust the strap to fit around your chest or waist for the perfect fit, and Athleta handles the rest.
Athleta Excursion Mini Belt Bag, $, available at Athleta
We The Free Holster Sling Pack
Have Western style and want to look like you just got back horseback riding? Free People has you covered with this unique holster-style belt bag. With a mix of pockets, pouches, and zippers, keep your belongings separated compartmentalized.
We The Free Holster Sling Pack, $, available at Free People
Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack
This rounded fanny pack is the definition of street-style chic. Keep your essentials inside and your go-to like ChapStick or Airpods tucked in the outside zipper while you stroll along looking effortlessly cool.
Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack, $, available at Dagne Dover
Baboon To The Moon Fannypack Mini
Available in several funky colorways, this mini fanny pack will no doubt brighten up your outfit and your day. Wear the nylon and mesh bag for casual outings and prepare to receive plenty of compliments.
Baboon To The Moon Fannypack Mini, $, available at Urban Outfitters
AllSaints Teri Leather Bag Belt
AllSaints' mini belt bag is another great option for evenings. It's the most like an actual belt out of all the styles here, so wrap it over a dress for a cinched-waist look. That way you'll have easy access to your lip gloss and credit card throughout the night.
AllSaints Teri Leather Bag Belt, $, available at AllSaints
GapFit 100% Recycled Fanny Pack
No muss, no fuss, Gap's activewear line's fanny pack is a classic take on the mini crossbody bag. Plus, it's made from recycled polyester, making it a sustainable accessory you can be proud to wear.
