Pearls are having a major resurgence. They are no longer reserved for your grandmother’s generation, the country club, or even royalty for that matter. Gone are the prim & proper connotations that comes along with wearing a strand of pearly whites. Current designers’ approach to pearls is way more creative and fun. The newest iterations are decidedly cool especially when paired with something unexpected and much less polished.
Not only are the latest creations intended to look more modern, but how you choose to style them also plays a major role. Just wearing a single strand of pearls with jeans and a t-shirt or stacking it with a gold chain and pendants gives them a casual vibe and ups the cool factor of the pearls themselves. Try mixing pearl studs with your current hoops or pairing a pearl anklet with your cutoffs and sandals. Whichever piece you choose and however you decide to style them, they are definitely Not Your Mother’s Pearls.
Here are our top tips for how to wear pearls now:
1. Layer Your Pearls
While a single strand pearl necklace is truly a chic and timeless look, it may also feel a bit conservative or stuffy on its own. There are many ways to give the single pearl necklace a modern twist and layering it with other chains and pendants is one of our favorites. Try mixing these cool takes on the classic style with gold chains to create a contemporary stack.
2. Style for Every day
Historically, pearls have been reserved for special occasions, but the trend is now to pair them with more casual outfits and for far less formal events. Wearing a single strand of white pearls with jeans and a t-shirt creates a tension in the styling that we love. It balances the polished feeling of the pearls while adding a touch of sophistication to a generally simple outfit. Pearls are also a great addition to pair back to typically tougher pieces like a leather jacket or a head-to-toe denim look. We also love mixing in a pop of color like Jane Win’s pink pearls and gemstone necklace. And Oak and Luna’s simple black pearl necklace is a welcome departure from the typical white pearls we are used to seeing.
3. Go to New Lengths
Try wearing pearls in different lengths from tight chokers to filling in plunging necklines with a long strand. A classic pearl necklace is turned contemporary by giving it that 90’s era choker length. One standout pearl choker is Martha Calvo’s combination necklace with gold links and freshwater pearls. Designed to show just one side or both together, it’s a unique style that makes a statement on its own or paired with other daintier chains. This Brinker & Eliza necklace with a beautiful gold chain and single pearl pendant is another one of our favorites. It can be worn singled as a long pearl necklace or doubled for a cool stacked vibe.
4. Create An Earscape
Earrings are a simple way to incorporate pearls into your everyday wear. So many designers are creating a modern take on pearl earrings, from studs to hoops to huggies. And with an earscape being the latest fashion trend, there are endless ways to mix them all into your repertoire. Play with pearl sizes and colors, wear a pair of pearls together or just a single stud. You can also try adding an ear cuff: this one by Maison Irem with clustered pearls creates a more dramatic look.
5. Wear Pearls as Anklets
A fun way to mix pearls into your wardrobe is by wearing them on your ankles. A single strand of pearls might be old fashioned as a necklace, but wearing it as an anklet makes it far less precious. It gives the pearl strand a more casual look and a relaxed attitude. Even paired with something simple like a little black dress makes the whole look feel more fresh and interesting.
There are so many new iterations of pearls you are bound to find a style you love at a price point that’s right for you, whether it’s a simple strand of pearls or a statement piece. Play with different ways to incorporate them into your everyday outfits by using our guide above and have fun creating a unique look that reflects your own personal style. The beauty of pearls is that they have been around for centuries and can be a keepsake for you to pass down one day. But for now, we say just enjoy them!
