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Pearls reimagined: 5 looks that show the never-seen-before versatility of this classic accessory

Updated on: Jun 18, 2025, 15:13:54 IST
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From drop earrings to layered statement pearl chokers, pearl accessories today suit every occasion; from casual to classy. (PC: Pinterest)
From drop earrings to layered statement pearl chokers, pearl accessories today suit every occasion; from casual to classy. (PC: Pinterest)

Discover the sartorial prowess of the vintage accessory that can fit in any aesthetic, from casual, chic to classy. 

The mainstream image of pearls has long been associated with formal occasions and classic elegance, like galas and soirees. But in the contemporary era, how you style pearls is slowly revamping and breaking the mould, taking on a more versatile identity across different aesthetics and styles. While pearls retain their classy, timeless charm, they are also being integrated into innovative, modern looks; from streetwear to midday brunch, demonstrating the range of elegance and proving that they are anything but predictable.

ALSO READ: Commuter core decoded: 6 ways to comfortably style fashion trend that is for all the girls on the go

Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery, shared with HT Lifestyle important styling tips on how to wear pearls, based on your occasion and OOTD mood:

1. Soft-glam date night: romantic and subtle

Pearl fits well with a romantic date night dress. (PC: Pinterest)
Pearl fits well with a romantic date night dress. (PC: Pinterest)

For a date or candlelit evening, pearls are your little secret to soft-glam perfection.

  • Single pearl drop earrings or pearl studs pair nicely with a satin slip dress or off-the-shoulder top.
  • Add a dainty pendant on a skinny chain to a plunge neck for an effortlessly elegant look.
  • To elevate the look, a small pearl anklet with strappy heels gives just the right aesthetics.

2. Boss lady in the workplace: intelligent and sharp

Contemporary boss lady outfits also benefit from pearls. (PC: Pinterest)
Contemporary boss lady outfits also benefit from pearls. (PC: Pinterest)

Pearls are no longer confined to the classic boardroom string. For workwear, the picture is streamlined and formal.

  • Crown your blazer's lapel with a pearl brooch, or combine slim pearl studs with a high-necked top.
  • Ditch the sets and try an asymmetrical pearl earring instead.
  • A classic pearl bracelet worn over your watch delivers sophistication without going overboard on your power suit. Here, pearls are all about turning heads, silently but strongly.

3. Evening showstopper energy: bold and adventurous

Pearl accessories are all the rage for evening dress. (PC: Pinterest)
Pearl accessories are all the rage for evening dress. (PC: Pinterest)
  • Chunky pearl chokers and oversized earrings elevate any velvet gown, high-slit dress, or satin co-ord set.
  • Try a back-drape pearl necklace for open-back evening gowns; it’s the kind of detail that demands a double-take.
  • Pearl-embellished accessories like clutches, belts, or even heels add another layer of glam to your overall look without stealing the spotlight.

4. Street chic: laid-back yet elegant

Balance streetwear with dainty pieces. (PC: Pinterest)
Balance streetwear with dainty pieces. (PC: Pinterest)
  • Pearls can be worn well today with your least dressy, off-work wardrobes.
  • Try oversized jackets, distressed jeans, or even streetwear staples such as cargo pants and crop tops.
  • Top dainty pearl chokers over a basic white or beige-colored turtleneck for a carefree high-low look.
  • Pair chunky baroque pearl earrings with sloppy buns, baseball caps, or clean sneakers for that unexpected contrast.
  • You can even wear a long single-strand pearl necklace cinched up as a lariat over a hoodie; it's dressed-up casual with just the right level of shine.

5. Brunch chic: effortless and elevated

Keep it light and breezy with pearl hoops. (PC: Pinterest)
Keep it light and breezy with pearl hoops. (PC: Pinterest)

Pearls add a luxe touch to bohemian, artistic looks as well.

  • For a brunch or art adventure, pair linen wrap dresses, boho prints, or co-ord sets with stacked, mismatched pearl necklaces.
  • Pearl hoops have an earthy, relaxed feel when paired with flowing silhouettes and terracotta tones.
  • If you're a fan of the eclectic style, pair pearls with leather, bold beads, or rough gemstones to have a cool, accessorised look.
  • Adrija Dey
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Adrija Dey

    Adrija Dey’s proclivity for observation fuels her storytelling instinct. As a lifestyle journalist, she crafts compelling, relatable narratives across diverse touchpoints of the human experience, including wellness, mental health, relationships, interior design, home decor, food, travel, and fashion that gently nudge readers toward living a little better. For her, stories exist in flesh and bones, carried by human vessels and shaped through everyday endeavours. It is the small stories we live and share that make us human. After all, humans and their lores are the most natural and raw repositories of stories, and uncovering them, for her, is akin to peeling an orange under a winter afternoon sun. Always up for a chat, she believes the best stories come from unfiltered yapping, where "too much information" is kind of the point. A graduate of Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, and an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Adrija spends her idle hours cocooned with herbal tea and a gripping thriller, scribbling inner monologues she loosely calls poetic pieces, often with her succulents in attendance. On lazier days, she can be found binge-watching, for the nth time, one from her comfort-show holy trinity: The Office (US), Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Modern Family. Dancing by herself to her peppy playlists, however, is an everyday ritual she swears by religiously.Read More

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