Polarizing trends. You know the kind—you either embrace them wholeheartedly or you claim "I'm just not a [insert trend here] type of person." They typically fall into one specific style camp. Well, pearls seem to be one of those trends. We'd actually be lying if we said we didn't fall into the category of previously claiming to not be the type of people who wear pearls. Again, previously.
Pearls, probably because they're so polarizing or maybe in spite of that fact, are subject to being reinvented by designers time and again. This year, we're seeing them adorn not just jewelry, but bags, shoes, and even key pieces of clothing. You won't see any pearl strand necklaces or pearl stud earrings in this roundup, but instead, expect to discover pieces that are more modern than classic. This is how to wear pearls the 2018 way.
Pretty Hair Accessories
Headbands, hair clips, and other hair accessories of the early aughts are racing back into the spotlight right now. The pearl-adorned pieces of the moment are tinged with a preppy feel, something we could envision Blair Waldorf wearing.
On Alexa Chung: Simone Rocha Silver-Tone Faux Pearl and Crystal Hair Slide ($130)
Handbag Adornment
Pearl-accented handbags are nothing new, but it's the designs emerging from brands like Shrimps that are getting us excited once again to try out the pretty embellishment.
Sculptural Earrings
Sculptural, modern art–inspired jewelry is a trend that's been gaining ground for a few seasons recently. The one-of-a-kind pieces have evolved yet again with the addition of just one or two pearl accents.
Gathered Detailing
Clothing is by no means exempt from the trend. We're seeing pearls make their way onto tops, skirts, and pants alike via ruching and gathered details.
Available in size 41.
Available in sizes XS to L.
Available in UK sizes 6 to 14.
Embellished Shoes
Fans of Miu Miu and Nicholas Kirkwood are used to keeping pearl-embellished footwear in their rotation. But it's emerging shoe brands like Yuul Yie that are making us reconsider pearly shoes this year specifically.
Available in Italian sizes 35 to 42.
Available in sizes 4 to 12.
Drop Earrings
While classic pearl studs will always be around, there's one style of pearl earrings to emerge that we can already tell will win out among the fashion set. Drop earrings, both streamlined and imaginative, are the new way to wear the jewel in an everyday sense.
Which way to wear pearls speaks to you the most? And next, see the jewelry trend that is coming back in a major way.