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The Pearl Edit: 7 ways to wear them in 2023 and the coolest ones to shop now

Check out our favourite ways to wear pearls and the best pieces to add to your accessories roster

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN - NOVEMBER 27: A guest wears white lace tights, white tutu or tule skirt, black vest, white shirt, and big pearl necklace during the Tashkent Fashion Week 2023 on November 27, 2023 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. (Photo by Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images)
Lauren Ramsay
Online Writer
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Since Coco Chanel (who famously once said: “a woman should have ropes and ropes of pearls,") first introduced faux pearls into mainstream fashion, they've never really left

There were of course times when pearls were considered 'old fashioned’, but like many other retro trends this year, they are back with a bang. If the influence of the Y2K girlies wasn’t enough to make them cool again in 2023, or the mermaidcore trend that dominated during the summer, or the Princess of Wales' appearance in a Camilla Elphick pearl belt, the Met Gala’s Karl Lagerfeld themed gala this May certainly was.

Balmain AW23
Balmain FW23

At Balmain's Paris Fashion Week FW23 show back in February, pearls shrouded Olivier Rousteing's designs in the form of everything from jackets to glasses, berets to two-pieces. Plus, pearl earrings dominated the SS24 runways, notably from Givenchy (particularly ear cuffs) - proving they're equally as trendy as they are timeless as we head into the new year.

From A-listers to TikTok's coolest subcultures: fashionistas have constantly proved that pearls are the chicest, most versatile accessory on the planet, particularly for 2023. They can be dressed up or down, and you can dictate how much of a statement they make with the way you wear them.

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There’s no better time to update your jewellery box with some perfect pearls than right now.

7 ways to wear pearls and the coolest ones to shop now:

Pearl Necklaces

One Row Pearl Drop Choker - Vivienne Westwood
One Row Pearl Drop Choker - Vivienne Westwood

I have received Vivenne Westwood jewellery for various birthdays, and I still wear every piece because its so timeless. I love the crystal-embellished orb with the drop pearl hanging below, it's a statement piece yet isn't overbearing.

Faux Pearl Triple Strand Choker - Asos
Faux Pearl Triple Strand Choker - Asos

It's giving Princess Diana and I'm here for it. This triple-stranded necklace is perfect for giving any look an elegant touch, from summer to winter.

Pearl Statement Earrings

Large Pearl Crystal Stud Earrings - Soru
Large Pearl Crystal Stud Earrings - Soru

The bigger the earrings the better according to the FW23 runways. These iridescent majorca pearls set with sparkling crystals ooze vintage glamour.


Amie Bead & Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings - Oliver Bonas
Amie Bead & Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings - Oliver Bonas

Oliver Bonas have a great variety of pearl earrings this season. I'm all for injecting a pop of colour into accessories, and I love these sophisticated multi-coloured gems.

Pearl Statement Bags

Eos Beaded Marbled Acrylic Clutch - Cult Gaia
Eos Beaded Marbled Acrylic Clutch - Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia bags have been the It-girl go-to in 2023, and the timelessness of its classic pearl Eos makes it one you will use forever. 

Cream Pearl Embellished Handbag - River Island
Cream Pearl Embellished Handbag - River Island

River Island has been my high street go-to in 2023. This bag looks so much more expensive than it is, plus top handle bags are going to be big in 2024.

Pearl Clothing

Veronica Cutout Faux Pearl-embellished Cady Mini Dress - Rebecca Vallance
Veronica Cutout Faux Pearl-embellished Cady Mini Dress - Rebecca Vallance

What do we love more than bows and pearls combined this season? Nothing. Both adornments dominated the AW23 runways this year, and this Rebecca Vallance piece is truly stunning.

White Bandeau Pearl Midi Dress - Mint Velvet
White Bandeau Pearl Midi Dress - Mint Velvet

If you're a bride to be, this dress is perfect for any season. It's so elegant and the scattered pearls offer an unique design. For winter events, pop a cropped fluffy shawl over the top and wear with diamante heels.

Pearl Hair Accessories 

Square Edge Pearl Hair Claw Clip - Anisa Sojka
Square Edge Pearl Hair Claw Clip - Anisa Sojka

Anisa Sojka has the most exquisite range of elevated hair accessories. This pearl claw clip will give your 90s updo the chicest makeover.

2 Pack Faux Pearl Hair Slides - New Look
2 Pack Faux Pearl Hair Slides - New Look

These high street clips are a great addition to your accessories closet. They'll add some subtle glam to any outfit.

Pearl Ear Cuffs

Twisted Double Ear Cuff - Missoma
Twisted Double Ear Cuff - Missoma

This stunning statement ear cuff twists together beaded freshwater pearls around a molten cuff. No piercings are needed to wear this dramatic piece of ear glam...

Hope Pearl Ear Cuff - Mara Paris
Hope Pearl Ear Cuff - Mara Paris

This silver ear cuff looks like it came straight off the SS24 runway. I love the symmetrical arrangement of the pearls, plus Mara explains the cuff "evokes a sense of wisdom, serenity, and deepened connections". 

Pearl Phone Straps

Pearl and Gold Crossbody Phone Strap - Casetify
Pearl and Gold Crossbody Phone Strap - Casetify

Phone straps are Instagram's favourite accessory right now. This crossbody strap is an easy way to add interest to your favourite top, whilst allowing you to be handsfree with your phone.

Rosé Pink Pearl Phone Charm - Burga
Rosé Pink Pearl Phone Charm - Burga

Burga has the sweetest range of pearl wrist straps. I love this delicate pink colourway to amp up the femininity.

How I chose:

I looked for pearl pieces that either adhered to current trends, are timeless or will suit upcoming trends. I used my fashion expertise plus trend research to pick out a variety of accessories to hopefully offer something for everybody. I also tried to choose pieces from high street to high-end, depending on whether you are grabbing a bargain or searching for an investment piece.

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