Gone are the days of saving pearl jewellery for special occasions. Pairing elegant pearls with more casual clothing creates a unique contrast and adds a little extra something for an eye-catching everyday look. Not sure where to start with styling pearls in this way? Read on for our handy tips on how to wear pearls every day.
When should you wear pearls?
Casual or formal, night or day, pearls can be worn whenever and however you like So, if yours spend most of their time tucked away at the back of a drawer, we’d suggest you dig them out and start wearing them.
As naturally porous gemstones that require moisture to maintain their lustre, pearls actually benefit from being worn. The natural oils in your skin help to revitalise the nacre which gives your pearls their shine, thus improving their finish the more you wear them. If left to dry out over long periods, your pearls will likely crack or turn yellow.
However, it’s worth bearing in mind some other substances that aren’t good for your pearls. Products like fake tan, hairspray and perfume can erode a pearl’s surface, so take care to put pearls on last when getting ready and wipe them down with a damp cloth after use. Read our pearl care guide to learn more.
How to wear pearls every day
Keep it simple
The key to wearing pearls every day is keeping it simple. Save ornate multi-strand necklaces and chandelier-style earrings for black-tie events and focus on the basics. Elevate a day dress with a subtle pearl pendant and pearl stud earrings for a hint of glamour. Or pair a short single strand pearl necklace with a crew-neck top and fitted blazer to create a polished look for the office.
Delicate pearl chain bracelets can also be worn every day, but make sure you choose a close fitting one so that it doesn’t get caught on things. It’s also a good idea to stick to just one or two items of pearl jewellery to avoid looking overdressed.
Dress them down
If you’re seeking a casual look for the daytime, try dressing down a contemporary leather pearl necklace or a double strand of white pearls with jeans, a block colour t-shirt and trainers or ankle boots. This will create a laid-back look with just a hint of elegance that’s perfect for every day. Alternatively, opt for a single strand of pearls with a chunky knit jumper and high waisted jeans for a relaxed and youthful finish.
Get layering
Layering necklaces first became popular in the iconic 1920’s then again in the 1980s. In 2021, the trend has been seen on the catwalks of leading designers like Chanel, with pearls incorporated too. For everyday wear, layer long pearl necklaces with shorter styles and add in a pearl chain necklace for contrast. Pair them with a black top, jeans and a leather jacket for an edgy look or if you prefer boho styles, opt for a flowy summer maxi dress and sandals. Alternatively, stack pearls on your wrist with a multi-strand pearl bracelet.
Go baroque
Forget uniformity. This year, instead of perfectly smooth spherical pearls, irregular shaped pearls in their natural form are right on trend. Quirky, bold, fun and often less expensive than their classic counterpart, baroque pearls are suitable for a variety of occasions and will add interest to any outfit. A single pearl pendant or chain necklace design is a great way to incorporate baroque pearls into your look for the daytime.
Add a splash of colour
White pearls are a staple in many jewellery boxes, but there are lots of other options available too. Coloured pearls offer a modern twist on a classic look and can bring a sense of playfulness to a simple outfit. Grey pearls are sleek and versatile, while soft pink pearls have a romantic, feminine feel that’s ideal for a lunch date. Or, if you’re looking for an alternative pearl colours for the office, golden South Sea pearls with gold accessories or chic black Tahitian pearls will create a sophisticated look.
Introduce pearl accessories
If you’re still not convinced that pearls can be worn every day, how about trying some pearl accessories instead? Men can easily incorporate them into their work attire in the form of pearl cufflinks or a stylish pearl tiepin, while women have a whole host of options. From belts to brooches and handbags to hair slides, there’s a style for everyone.
This season you will find faux pearls sewn into knitted jumpers or used as elegant buttons on cardigans. This kind of clothing works perfectly with a pair of pearl studs or simple hook earrings and a single strand pearl bracelet as the weather turns colder.
Combine pearls with other materials
Mixing pearls with colourful beads was another popular trend on recent spring/summer runways and it can certainly spice up an everyday t-shirt and jeans combo. At Coleman Douglas Pearls, we supply a variety of pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings which feature vibrant gemstones like amethyst, amber and citrine. Pair our colourful designs with neutral clothing to help them stand out, or get a beach-ready look with an eye-catching multi-coloured pearl bracelet and shimmering Biwa pearls.
We also offer a selection of pearl jewellery which combines more unusual materials like leather and silk. Can these pearls be worn every day? Absolutely. In fact, we have several easy-to-wear leather and pearl designs specially for casual wear.
Discover pearls for every day
As we’ve demonstrated above, our pearl jewellery is highly versatile and we have a design to fit every occasion. The benefits of wearing pearls are endless, from improving their quality to elevating a simple outfit with very little effort. As such, we’d encourage you to wear your pearls as much as you can – every day if you wish!
If you do wear your pearl necklaces often, it’s a good idea to have them restrung annually as the inner thread will start to deteriorate over time. Our expert jewellery designers can help you with this, so if you think your pearl jewellery is in need of a little sprucing, contact us today to learn more about our re-stringing service.
Alternatively, if you’re on the hunt for a new set of everyday pearls, browse our entire pearl jewellery collection online today to find the ideal design for you.