I have a vivid childhood memory of my grandmother’s classic single-strand pearl necklace. Whenever she got dressed up, she’d carefully secure that elegant string of luminous white pearls around her neck—an accessory that instantly elevated any outfit. Back then, I saw pearls as fancy, reserved for special occasions type of jewelry.
Oh, how times have changed! While pearls certainly haven’t lost their luxurious luster, they’ve undergone a modern renaissance as of late. Today’s trendsetters are reimagining pearls as eclectic, eye-catching accessories for everyday wear. And let me tell you, the pearl necklace is leading the charge in 2024.
You read that right—the prim and proper pearl necklace is officially cool again. But this year’s interpretations ditch the stuffy, old-fashioned styling rules. With some trendy tips and an open mind, you can rock pearl necklaces in fresh, contemporary ways that’ll have everyone asking, “Where’d you get that?”
Let’s dive into the must-know pearl styling tricks for 2024. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about this gorgeous gem.
Styling Tip 1: Layer, Layer, Layer
These days, more is more when it comes to necklaces. The layered look is still going strong in 2024, and it lends itself beautifully to pearls. Want to know a secret? I’d been so intimidated by this trend until my fashionable cousin showed me how user-friendly it actually is.
During a recent visit, she grabbed a handful of my lonesome pearl necklaces from my jewelry box. Suddenly, she was layering and stacking them every which way—long strands, short chokers, single strands, multi-strands. With just a few simple layering tricks, what were once safe, snooze-worthy necklaces transformed into one seriously chic look.
To pull off the trendy layered pearl effect yourself, start with a variety of pearl necklaces in different lengths and sizes. Mix and match freely, letting some strands hang longer while others rest choker-style. Stagger the layered strands so they hit at different levels on your neckline.
You can absolutely layer pearls with other necklace styles too! Try combining a delicate gold or silver chain with your pearl strands. Or go bolder by layering a chunky, oversized chain amid your pearls. I recently did this with a lengthy pearl rope necklace and a weighty gunmetal chain, and the contrast was so cool.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun finding your perfect layered pearl combination!
Necklace Layering Examples
Here are some on-trend ways to layer pearl necklaces with other necklaces:
| Pearl Necklace Types | Other Necklaces to Layer |
| Delicate Single-Strand Pearls | Dainty Chains (Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, etc.) |
| Chunkier Pearl Ropes/Twists | Statement Chains (Oversized Links, Vintage Styles) |
| Long Pearl Strands (Opera Length) | Y-Necklaces, Lariats |
| Pearl Chokers | Chain Chokers, Snake Chains, Minimal Pendants |
| Multi-Strand Pearl Necklaces | Beaded Necklaces, Tasseled Styles |
Styling Tip 2: Pair With Unexpected Pieces
For too long, pearl necklaces have gotten stuck with a stuffy, ultra-feminine reputation. But today’s stylists are doing away with those tired conventions, proving that pearls can absolutely have an edgy, modern vibe.
Think about it—pearls are gorgeous, luminous gems formed within the rugged shells of oysters and mussels. There’s an inherent contrast between their delicate beauty and rough, oceanic origins. It’s high time we starting leaning into that unexpected juxtaposition!
I’ll never forget the first time I saw someone styling pearls in an undeniably cool way. I was strolling through a trendy Brooklyn neighborhood when a ridiculously stylish woman walked by rocking a slinky satin slip dress, distressed denim jacket, and stunning multi-strand pearl necklace. She looked equal parts polished and punk—and it was perfection.
That moment was a lightbulb one for me. I realized that pearls could absolutely hold their own when paired with modern, offbeat pieces. From that day on, I started getting way more mileage out of my pearl jewelry by wearing it in untraditional ways.
Some of my favorite fresh combinations? Layered pearl strands with a vintage graphic tee. An oversized pearl choker adorning an edgy moto jacket. Long ropes of pearls draped over a casual henley and distressed denim. You’d be amazed at how pearls can instantly elevate and add luxury to any outfit, even the most casual looks.
I challenge you to start embracing pearls in unexpected ways this year. Pull them out of your jewelry box and start mixing and matching with pieces you’d never thought to pair them with before—funky printed separates, athleisure styles, grungy denim, you name it.
Remember that little unexpected contrast? That’s the key to achieving a totally modern, of-the-moment spin on pearl necklaces in 2024. Have fun playing around until you strike that perfect balance of elegant and edgy.
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
Styling Tip 3: Embrace Unique Pearl Shapes and Colors
Ask any pearl lover what comes to mind when they hear “pearls,” and they’ll probably envision those classic round, white orbs. There’s no denying it—traditional white pearls have been beloved staples for centuries, and they’ll always hold a special place in jewelry boxes worldwide.
However, the modern pearl trend is definitely embracing unique shapes and colors beyond the standard off-white spheres. In 2024, fashionistas are gravitating toward more avant-garde pearls that have serious eye-catching appeal.
I have to admit—I was a traditional pearl gal through and through until I stumbled upon an incredible estate sale a few months back. Among the dazzling jewelry lots was a jaw-droppingly gorgeous baroque pearl necklace from the 1950s. Its pearls were wildly misshapen with riotous curves and contours, and their hues ranged from creamy white to smoky charcoal gray. Needless to say, I scooped it up on the spot!
That distinct baroque style completely changed my perspective on pearls. Soon I was scouring shops for any uniquely shaped pearls I could find—angular, baroque, puffed, you name it. I’ve grown especially enamored with freshwater pearls, which are more affordable and often boast mesmerizing iridescent colors like turquoise, lavender, golden yellow, and even inky black.
Incorporating unique pearl varieties like these into your necklaces is a surefire way to make a modern statement in 2024. They add so much unexpected character and visual interest! Baroque pearls are particularly buzzworthy at the moment with their artistic curves and swirls. Freshwater pearls are another hot commodity for their vast rainbow of lustrous hues.
Here are some alternative pearl varieties and examples of how to style them:
| Pearl Type | Pearl Colors / Shapes | Styling Ideas |
| Baroque | Metallic White, Cream, Gray, Golden | Opt for a bold, statement-making single strand, or mix different baroque shapes/colors |
| Freshwater | Purple, Blue, Yellow, Pink, Peach, Green, Lavender | Combine complementary colors or different sizes; layer freshwater strands |
| Keshi | Organic Forms, Ringed Shapes | Pair with contrasting round pearls; mix pearls of varied shapes |
| Tahitian/Black | Deep Charcoal, Inky Black with Colorful Undertones | Great for edgy looks; combine black and white pearls |
With their dynamic shapes and lustrous colors, unique pearls instantly modernize any pearl necklace. Start experimenting with these one-of-a-kind gems to put a fresh spin on your pearl jewelry this year.
Styling Tip 4: Play With Proportions
Listen, I’m all about that lavish look in 2024. After years of minimalism dominating the fashion world, I’m overjoyed to see maximalism making a major comeback. And what better way to partake in the ‘more is more’ movement than with statement-making oversized pearls?
Chunky, hefty pearl necklaces are having a serious moment right now. These loud-and-proud pieces instantly elevate any outfit with their bountiful proportions and eye-catching presence. But let’s be real—pulling off an oversized pearl necklace isn’t as easy as throwing on a delicate string of petite pearls. It requires a little styling strategy.
When I first invested in a glorious multi-strand necklace comprised of gigantic pearls, I wasn’t quite sure how to wear it. Those babies were chunky! At first I tried pairing the necklace with an intricately detailed dress, but it was just too much. Then I went the opposite route and wore it with a simple tee and jeans, but it felt underwhelming and a bit disconnected.
After some trial and error, I learned oversized pearls look best when you strike a balance between streamlined and statement-making pieces. Now I love letting a whopping pearl necklace be the star of the show by pairing it with sleek, minimalist separates like a slinky silk slip dress or a crisp blazer-and-trouser combo. The clean lines and tailored fits allow those big, glamorous pearls to really pop.
When wearing large-scale pearls, I also make sure to keep other accessories relatively minimal so they don’t compete for attention. A pair of gleaming pearl studs and a chic wristwatch are typically all I need to complement my showstopping pearl necklace.
Remember, the key to styling oversized pearls is letting them be the clear focal point of your look. Balance out their hefty, eye-catching proportions with sleek separates and understated styling elsewhere. With a little strategic pairing, you can easily pull off lavish, look-at-me pearls for day or night in 2024.
Examples of Oversized Pearl Necklaces
Check out some of these insanely gorgeous oversized pearl necklace styles worth investing in:
| Pearl Necklace Style | Description | How To Style |
| Jumbo Single-Strand | Chunky individual pearls on a long strand | Pair with a streamlined knit dress or turtleneck |
| Multi-Strand Opera Length | Several dense ropes of large pearls at opera length | Let it take center stage over a slip dress or simplified suiting look |
| Bib-Style Pearl Necklace | Large pearls clustered into an ornate bib style | Go monochrome with a solid top and bottom to let the details shine |
| Pearl Necklace with Pendant | One or more extra large pearls featured as pendants | Keep everything else sleek and unfussy |
Putting It All Together
You made it—we covered all the major styling tips for modernizing pearl necklaces in 2024! We discussed layering different pearl strands, juxtaposing pearls with unexpected pieces, incorporating uniquely shaped and colored pearls, and playing with proportions via oversized pearls.
These techniques are all about breathing new life into pearl necklaces and making them feel current, fresh, and anything but stuffy. Gone are the days of stringent styling rules for pearls. In 2024, it’s all about having fun, getting creative, and letting your personality shine through.
So go forth and start reworking those pearl necklaces into your wardrobe in new, trendsetting ways! Layer and stack them with abandon. Challenge yourself to pair them with totally unexpected pieces. Experiment with baroque, multicolored, or jumbo-sized pearls. Keep things balanced when wearing oversized styles.
However you choose to style your pearls this year, make sure you feel confident, empowered, and 100% yourself. Few accessories pack as much elegance and luxury as pearls, but they’re no longer reserved just for formal events or stuffy affairs. In 2024, it’s time to bring those gorgeous gems into your everyday life and have a blast wearing them in new, modern ways.
Trust me, everyone will be lusting after your contemporary take on the pearl necklace trend. And at the end of the day, what’s more stylish than feeling happy, comfortable, and oozed with confidence in your look? Embrace the rebirth of pearls with open arms— they’re about to become your newest fashion mvps this year.