Pearls were once seen as reserved for special occasions, smart outfits, and jewellery that came out of the box only for weddings or formal dinners.
But you don't have to save pearls for those moments.
Wear them with a simple jumper, a denim jacket or your favourite everyday clothes, and they can look relaxed, modern and completely natural.
The secret isn't finding the perfect outfit. It's choosing pearls that feel like you.
Forget the old rules about pearls.
Pearls have a long history in classic jewellery, but that doesn't mean they belong to one particular style.
A perfectly matched strand can look beautiful with a smart outfit. An irregular baroque pearl necklace can feel more artistic and contemporary. A single pearl pendant on a sterling silver chain can be subtle enough for everyday wear.
There is no single way to wear them.
If you love pearls but worry they'll make you look too dressed up, start with a design that suits the clothes you already enjoy wearing.
Pair pearls with casual clothes.
One of the easiest ways to make pearls feel less formal is to wear them with something simple.
Try a pearl necklace with a plain T-shirt, a soft knit jumper or an open shirt. The contrast between the natural lustre of the pearls and the relaxed fabric can look effortless.
For a more individual look, wear baroque pearls with denim, a leather jacket or a simple black top.
You don't need to dress differently just because you're wearing jewellery you love. For more ideas on building a wardrobe that works with jewellery, read our guide to jewellery that works with everyday clothes.
Choose shapes with character
Not every pearl has to be perfectly round.
Baroque and keshi pearls have irregular shapes that bring a different feeling to a design. They can look sculptural, organic and a little unexpected. Read more in our guides to baroque pearls and keshi pearls.
If your style is creative, modern, or slightly edgy, these shapes may feel more natural than a traditional matched strand.
Pairing pearls with natural stones can also change the overall mood. Turquoise introduces a strong pop of colour, while labradorite brings subtle flashes of blue and green. If you'd like to explore how baroque pearls pair with the stones linked to your zodiac sign, the series covers all twelve: Aries · Taurus · Gemini · Cancer · Leo · Virgo · Libra · Scorpio · Sagittarius · Capricorn · Aquarius · Pisces
Think about the metal, too.
Sterling silver can give pearl jewellery a cooler, more contemporary feel. Gold tones add warmth, while mixed materials create contrast.
Choose the metal you already enjoy wearing rather than feeling you must follow a particular rule.
If you wear silver earrings every day, a pearl design with sterling silver may be an easy addition to your collection. Browse our sterling silver pearl jewellery to see how the combination works.
Keep the rest of your outfit simple - or don't
You don't have to follow strict rules about how much jewellery to wear.
A statement pearl necklace can be the outfit's main focus, while smaller earrings or a delicate bracelet can add detail without drawing too much attention.
If you love layered necklaces and bold accessories, there is no reason not to pair them with pearls.
Try different combinations and notice what feels comfortable and enjoyable.
Pearls belong in everyday life
You don't need a special occasion, a certain age or a particular type of outfit to wear pearls.
They can be part of the way you express yourself every day.
If you're also thinking about how your personal style has evolved over time, you might enjoy reading about finding your style after 40 — on choosing jewellery and clothes that feel genuinely like you.
At Pearl Art Nature, I work with genuine pearls and natural stones to create individual handmade jewellery, including pieces with unusual shapes and natural character.
If you've always loved pearls but thought they were too formal for your lifestyle, it may be time to try a different style.
You might discover that pearls look just as lovely with your favourite everyday clothes as they do with an evening outfit.