Q&A: How to Create a Modern Look with Pearls
March 6th, 2008
Q: I have been hearing rumors about how pearls are coming back. Do you have any recommendations for how to make them look modern?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Pearls are a true classic—while their popularity has waxed and waned over the seasons, they have never gone out of style. It’s no surprise that they’re gaining in popularity now, given the movement towards more ladylike fashion (though they work with almost any outfit, from a casual sweater and jeans to a formal business suit). Plus, pearls are universally flattering—you can find pearls to complement any complexion.
That said, the single strand necklace that your Grandmother wore can look dated. For a fresh, modern look with pearls, here are three tips:
(1) Invest in jewelry that combines pearls with other stones, such as a cluster earring combining pearls with aquamarine or amethyst. Should you have a strand of family pearls, you could restring them, adding crystals or other jewels to the necklace, to make them more modern.
(2) Try Nontraditional Pearls: Baroque pearls are less pristine in appearance, yet they are beautiful in their imperfection. Added bonus? Baroque pearls often come in beautiful colors from pinks to golds to purples. We also love the look of coin pearls, which are characterized by their flat, coin-like shape.
(3) Do as Coco Chanel did: Wear your classic pearl necklace with an assortment of other necklaces to add dimension to their appearance.
Looking for some basic information on pearls? For a primer on pearls, Omiru recommends Blue Nile’s Guide to Pearls.
Have a great tip about how to create a modern look with pearls? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured, from left: Snowdrops and Leaves Asymmetrical Necklace | $56 at t8designs (Etsy), Birds Nest Earrings | $32 at starrydesigns (Etsy), Anita Earrings | $16 at Golden Stiletto (Etsy).
Entry Filed under: How To,Q&A,Trendscape,Women,Women's,Women's
4 Comments
1. Mimi | March 6th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I love my pearls, especially when I do as Coco did and layer them with other necklaces.
2. Trisha | March 6th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
That’s my favorite way to wear them too
3. Fashionista | March 7th, 2008 at 10:18 am
With pearls becoming more popular, I went out searching for more modern looking pendants. I wish this post and come up soon it would have really helped me out. However, I did find an excellent modern pearl company and ending up their Akoya Pearl Diamond Pendant and would recommend it to everyone. I highly recommend checking out the varied collection of beautiful pearls at http://www.premiumpearl.com
4. MizzJ | March 10th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Like that perfect LBD, pearls are a definite must-have for any wardrobe! Those bird-nest earrings are gorgeous *drools*