How to Wear Pearls Casually

Classic pearls were always associated with formality and 'dressing up'; the little black dress, your mother and our late beloved Queen Elizabeth! 

But times are changing and in our every day life, we're beginning to wear pearls casually!  They're fashionable, they're fun and they look fabulous! 

With Fall looming we'll soon be saying goodbye to sunshine and lightweight fabrics in favor of cosy sweaters and winter coats. But there's one piece of jewelry we can introduce that flatters every complexion and works with every outfit.

The richness and lustre of pearls will focus light onto your face on even the dullest of days brightening up the colors and fabrics of Fall.

After featuring the colorful wardrobe of our Rainbow Queen recently and seeing how much her beautiful pearls light up the face prompted me to treat myself to a double strand. Although inexpensive, I find they work with every neckline and give even a simple outfit a touch of pizazz! 

The radiance of Pearls

The high lustre and richness of pearls gives them a glowing appearance that subtlety illuminates your complexion to look more radiant. 

The reason pearls work so well with casual attire is because their formality provides an interesting contrast. The Princess of Wales (above right) wears pearl drop earrings bringing femininity to a utility jacket! 

Wearing one special piece elevates the everyday into what we like to call 'Smart Casual'. A polished but relaxed look that's elegant, comfortable and always ladylike!  

The elegance of a single strand

Of all pearl jewelry, necklaces remain the favorite choice. It's important to choose the right necklace for casual wear, as not all types will suit every occasion.

The best size for an everyday single or double strand is 16 to 18 inch and the single strand is easy to wear and is eternally elegant! 

Choker necklaces are far too formal for casual wear, likewise long pearl ropes over 36 inches unless you want to double them up. 

Modern Pearl Necklaces

Modern pearl necklaces allow you to be creative and fun, and there are many options in terms of color, size, shapes and price!!! 

Classic pearls go well with virtually any outfit but you want them to be seen!

A more complicated outfit or busy pattern needs something neater. A fine single strand, a pearl pendant or even a lariat would work. 

Consider your neckline when picking your pearl necklace length. Avoid having the end of the necklace touch the neckline, instead go over or above to make a better look.

Casual enough with denim! 

Combining everyday ease with a touch of elegance, pearls can look stunning worn with jeans or a denim shirt!  The richness of the pearls elevates an outfit into a smart casual ensemble.   

If you're wearing a simple outfit, dark jeans and a plain top for example a larger pearl makes a statement. 

With cosy sweaters

Consider your neckline when choosing your pearl necklace length. Avoid having the end of the necklace touch the neckline, instead ensure that it sits either within or over the top of a sweater neckline.  

Adding the smoothness of pearls to a soft sweater creates a stunning contrast of texture and color.  

In this case, pearls really take center stage and it's probably better to keep other jewelry to a minimum.

The choice of pearl size probably comes down to your personality here. Pick a size you feel comfortable with and one that works with your outfit. 

Choosing your pearls - color and size

If you want to wear pearls casually with anything, then I suggest keepng to classic White for a Cool skin and a Creamy pearl to flatter a Warm skin.

But now there is so much choice around that you really can have fun with color!

Freshwater and Akoya pearls come in a range of different colors as well as the classic white/ivory.

Tahitian pearls are almost always dark with beautiful overtones while South Sea pearls, the most prestigious and expensive pearl variety, are white or gold.

Beyond the traditional and stylish round shape, pearls also come in tear-drops, oval, button, and baroque, or other irregular shapes.

Baroque pearls are modern, fun and have a quirky irregular shape.

They are also less expensive than classic pearls and are particularly suitable for everyday wear.

The baroque pearl bracelet (right) is in pretty neutral tones and costs about £34.99 from Amazon. 

Baroque pearl bracelet