How To Wear Pearls: From Harry Styles to Sarah Jessica Parker

How To Wear Pearls: From Harry Styles to Sarah Jessica Parker

Usually known for a classic and traditional feel, did you know pearl jewellery is having a bit of a modernised moment? Actually it’s one of the biggest jewellery trends for 2023 and fashion experts have named it ‘pearlcore’.

With celebrities like Harry Styles and Dua Lipa wearing pearls, as well as Sarah Jessica Parker wearing them constantly in the Sex & The City spin off ‘And Just Like That’, we know it’s a jewellery trend to follow. Oh and Kate Middleton is wearing pearls too, so if it’s good enough for royalty…

What is pearlcore?

Pearlcore is essentially a modern take on how we see and wear pearls. Traditionally pearls were saved for special occasions, but this new pearl trend sees celebrities and fashion experts styling pearls with casual outfits from knitwear to workwear.

Pearls are the ultimate transitional accessory and it adds such a twist to your look. Bored off your go to jumper? Add on a pearl necklace and voila - you’re transformed and on-trend.

Pearlcore isn’t just for the jewellery box either. Clothing brands are also adding iridescent pearl embellishments to their designs and we’ll even see homeware pieces for 2023 with pearly touches. Pearls are also a huge bridal jewellery trend for this year, so if you’re getting married, you now know exactly what your ‘something new’ should be. Basically pearlcore is taking over and we’re so ready for it.

How celebrities are styling pearls

Dress up day time looks

If Sarah Jessica Parker is wearing pearls, then we’re wearing pearls. Whether you’re a fan of Sex & The City or not, you can surely appreciate the flawless style of Carrie Bradshaw. Not only are her outfits so inspirational, Carrie is very rarely spotted without a touch of pearl somewhere in the recent series, whether it’s a simple pair of pearl earrings or a pearl necklace. And just like that…her stylist is our kind of person.

The best part is, Carrie isn’t just seen in pearls when she’s dressed up for a night out in Manhattan, we’ve loved seeing them styled with casual suits, shirt dresses and so many more day time looks.

Carrie also takes it to the next level and adds an extra modern element by layering her pearl necklaces with chains or pendants. Give your favourite pendant a twist and add a snowy-white string of pearls.

These simple yet chic Silver Freshwater Cultured Pearl Earrings are a must. The snowy-white freshwater pearls have been perfectly matched and chosen for their iridescent beauty.

Style tip: Glam up your day time outfits. Get the Sarah Jessica Parker pearl look and style your everyday wardrobe with this Silver Cubic Zirconia Freshwater Cultured Pearl Drop Necklace.

Transform knitwear with a pearl necklace

We can’t talk about the pearl trend without talking about Harry Styles. He was one of the first male celebs to start wearing pearls and since he started wearing them in 2021, the pearlcore trend has only gotten stronger.

Who could forget that shot of Harry Styles wearing a pearl necklace with a cobalt blue jumper and white lace collar? Channel Harry Styles and his pearl necklace with this must-have Vivienne Westwood Men’s Pearl Necklace. Harry Styles is often seen on the red carpet wearing pearls, as well as male celebs like Joe Jonas and Pharrell who also prove pearls are for everyone.

Style tip: We’re also giving knitwear a new lease of life and styling jumpers with pearl necklaces. Take your look from casual to effortless glamour in an instant. Get the look with this beautiful Silver Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace.

Blazers & pearls are the perfect combo

Kate Middleton is known to love her pearls and tends to match them with a sleek blazer - we’re loving this combination of elegant pearls with a sharp outfit.

Her drop pearl earrings also nail a statement style, so add double the pearls to your look with this jewellery box essential. These pieces are so similar to Kate’s Middleton’s pearls, you’re guaranteed to feel like royalty when you wear them.

We love the elegant drop design of these 9ct White Gold Cubic Zirconia Freshwater Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings and the circular sparkle of these modern yet timeless 9ct White Gold Diamond Freshwater Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings.

Style tip: Get Kate Middleton’s look and pair your pearls with a casual tee and smart jacket. It’s the perfect office chic look that’s ready for after work drinks too.

Pearl chokers & an off-the-shoulder dress

So we’ve established pearls can now dress up any casual outfit, but they’re of course still a super glamorous accessory for dressing up your evening looks too. Vivienne Westwood, queen of fashion, has given pearls a new lease of life with seriously striking pearl chokers. We adore how she’s given an edgy attitude to such a classic piece of jewellery.

Here’s Dua Lipa showing us exactly how it’s done at the Brit Awards in 2021 wearing a striking Vivienne Westwood pearl choker. Get her look with your hair up, an off the shoulder dress and the must-have Vivienne Westwood Loelia Pearl Necklace, predicted by fashion experts as today’s ‘it girl’ accessory. We adore the Swarovski crystal-encrusted orb that takes centre stage among a string of delicate Swarovski crystal pearls.

Fill your jewellery box with iridescent pearls from pretty pearl earrings to must-have pearl necklaces. Follow our top tips on how to look after your pearl jewellery in our Jewellery Cleaning Guide and how to keep the snowy-white lustre.


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