Today, pearls are more versatile and present a range of style possibilities. You have a choice of colors, from the classic off-white to pink, gray or charcoal. A lack of symmetry and varying sizes can also add more personality to the piece you select.
Whether you’re inspired by the red carpet or considering a flapper-esque upgrade for cocktail party attire, here’s how you can take a more relaxed approach to wearing pearls.
Look at Length and Size
Formal pearl necklaces typically sit around the collarbone and are worn with fancier dresses, sweaters or tucked under the collar of a dress shirt. Today’s pearls are becoming more casual.
Chokers suggest a more youthful character and draw attention to the neck area. Longer strands – also called opera and rope lengths – are intended to be doubled over or layered with other necklaces for contrast and a hint of bohemian, free-spirited character.
In terms of size, the mid-range, round globes we associate with upscale and country club dress establish a formal baseline. Smaller, oval-shaped pearls read a bit differently, positioning them more like textured beads. The larger, teardrop forms have statement appeal and beg you to look at their detail.
Pair with Casual Clothing
Although more versatile for today’s fashion, you should avoid pairing a pearl necklace with just anything in your closet. Consider necklace lengths in relation to your wardrobe:
- For a casual shirt or A-line dress, try out a flapper-inspired style with a longer pearl necklace.
- Get on board with the ‘90s-inspired choker trend but elevate it with colored, irregular pearls.
- Look for a simpler pendant style – a chain with a single pearl at the center – to pair with button-ups or polished athleisure.
- Keep your style casually monochrome and accent it with a mid-length pearl necklace.
Look for Alternatives
Necklaces are not the only format for pearls. Consider the following:
- Pearl Earrings: These can be classic and simple with a single stud. More recently, earrings also encompass clusters or use pearls as accents on metal in hoop, disc or dangling forms. Yellow gold tends to have more statement appeal with pearls than understated silver-toned metal.
- Pearl Bracelets: If you’ve been curious about the “summer camp” beaded trend, go in a more fashion-forward direction with pearls. A mix of colors and shapes creates a more organic quality coupled with glamour. For a more low-key look, a single strand of smaller pearls can be similar to a tennis bracelet.
- Pearl Rings: A pearl can replace a gemstone or enamel at the center of a cocktail ring.
- Drop-Style Jewelry: For earrings and necklaces, consider pearls with a dangling or chandelier effect that hang like a pendant.
Explore our spectrum of pearl jewelry at Hannoush Jewelers! Begin your search online, then visit one of our convenient Connecticut stores.
