Skip to Content

*2026* How to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned (6 foolproof ways!)

*2026* How to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned (6 foolproof ways!)

Ladies, let’s talk about pearls this time.

When it comes to pearls, the most ironic thing is we always think they look flattering on other women but we ourselves just somehow can’t pull the pearls off.


Update: Some of you ask me about the mini croissant and heart pearl necklace; it’s from Fedoma.

charm heart pearl necklace
Get this starfish pearl necklace on Fedoma <3

For 20% off, type in the coupon code “HANNAH477″ when you check out, my loves <3!


If you tend to think this way, let me give you a hug because we’ve all been there.

In fact, wearing pearls isn’t as risky as you think!

With the right tips and patterns, it’s so effortless to carry pearls and elevate yourself to those high-fashion, classy looks.

So if you wonder how to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned, here are my 6 tips!

Hope that helps!

1. OPT FOR DIFFERENT COLORS OF PEARL FOR A REFRESHING LOOK

First things first, the color of pearls matters.

how to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned and old
Source: 1,2,3

In our stereotype, we always thought that traditional pearl necklaces and earrings have to be in white or cream color.

Well, that’s not the case anymore!

These days, you can literally choose any tints and colors for the pearl.

From the mysterious dark blue, dark green, peacock, and grey to youthful baby pink, the choices are simply endless.

As we know, color can affect the vibes and style when we wear it.

For example, if you want a sweeter and more romantic look, the light purple earrings are a no-brainer.

With a messy low bun and an off-shoulder dress, you can look effortlessly dreamy.

In my opinion, pastel colors like baby pink and light blue are all refreshing and stylish these days.

The youthfulness of the colors balances the classiness of the pearl itself and makes it a more versatile piece of jewelry to style.

Whether you wear skinny jeans or a beige trench coat, the pearls can still get the look right!

If you are reading this blog post till now, there’s one thing for sure…

You have good taste! <3 If you approve of some of these looks, please kindly pin or share some of these outfits so many tasteful fashion babes can come across this outfit inspo, thanks pretty! ❤️

share women fashion content

And…it would truly mean the world to me if you stay until the very end. ❤️

2. WEAR SHORTER PEARL NECKLACES FOR A STYLISH LOOK

The second tip, it’s all about the length of the pearl necklaces.

how to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned and old
Source: 1,2

I feel like this is one of the most important yet underrated tips – the length of the necklaces really matters … A LOT.

First thing first, the key to not looking old-fashioned in pearls is you have to pull it off successfully.

For example, if you are a petite girl but you are wearing 3 ropes of long pearl necklaces, that can instantly overwhelm your body and make you look dated in the pearl necklaces.

That being said, the length is a big factor to consider before you purchase the jewelry.

For me, I found that the shorter the pearl necklaces, the easier and more youthful they are to carry.

My personal favorite lengths are the choker (14″, 16″) and princess (18″). As for the long lengths like Matinee (24″), Opera (30″), and Ropes (35″), I just don’t think I am tall enough to carry them on a daily basis.

My personal favorite is the pearl choker.

Not only is it so in style, but it’s surprisingly versatile.

You can definitely pair them with the other colorful necklaces for Coachella and still look harmonious and flattering!

The truth is… if you love pearl necklaces and reading this blog post till now, you have GOOD TASTE.

Please kindly pin some of these looks so more fashion girlies like you can come across this blog post. Thanks, beautiful!

3. OPT FOR PEARL JEWELRY WITH INTERESTING DESIGNS

If you want to look in style with pearls, let’s start with the fundamentals—looking for interesting designs.

how to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned and old
Source: 1,2,3

Nowadays, creative designs are not hard to find at all, you can even order tailor-made ones.

If you are a teenage girl and you want to get your feet wet in pearls, wearing a ribbon necklace with a pearl is a subtle way to try the pearls out.

Also, there are square-shaped pearl necklaces instead of the traditional round ones these days for ladies who want a stronger personality in carrying pearls!

HOW TO WEAR PEARLS everyday
Get this starfish pearl necklace on Fedoma

Added to this, you can always mix and match the different textures with the pearl for a tasteful look.

Instead of a plain pearl rope, you can opt for one gold buckle.

So ladies, if you don’t want some standardized pearl design, Etsy is always the best place to go.

Not only are the designs unique and dainty, but they’re also meaningful to support the individual creators!

4. Small-sized pearl for a modern minimalist look

Let’s be honest here, not everyone can look flattering in the big pearl necklaces.

how to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned and old
Source: 1,2,3

As the big pearl is best suited for a more formal setting, it may only look best for dressed-up occasions.

Plus, as the big pearl looks slightly chunky and heavy, it can make your face appear to be bigger and also make you have a shorter neck.

As a girl with chubby cheeks, the result is really brutal…

If you pay enough attention, you can tell that small pearl necklaces are so in the rage these days.

It’s dainty, cute, and versatile enough to mix and match with other necklaces as well!

how to wear pearl necklace casual
Get this gorgeous pearl necklace on Fedoma <3

In general, it’s just way more young-looking than the classic version!

I have to admit I am addicted to the super small pearl necklaces these days — they are just super mini and cute!

I urge you to get one because they go well with everything!

5. STYLE IN CHIC CASUAL FORMS WITH PEARLS

Finally, it’s time to talk about the outfit.

how to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned and old
Source: Thatnewdress ,Glam Radar ,Amybelievespink

If you don’t want to look outdated with pearls, the solution is obvious — stop wearing formal clothing and wear it in a casual form!

pearl necklace casual outfit
Source: VETTED

Time has changed. You don’t have to wear a formal setting to pull off the pearls these days.

pearl necklace turtleneck top
Source: Pinterest

With a V-neck top and a pair of skinny jeans, you can achieve a cool, effortless sense of style while wearing the pearls.

If you want to wear the chunky short pearl necklaces in a laid-back way, I suggest you wear the off-shoulder top.

pearl necklace and jeans outfit
Source: Pinterest

As I’ve mentioned, chunky necklaces can make you look clumsy.

That being said, showing your neckline and collarbone can balance out the heaviness of the pearls.

Plus, you just put the necklace in the spotlight and highlight how flattering it is.

Christmas is coming (in 2 months)!! and in case you want to spoil yourself…

Pretties, may I present you the two bags that you will never regret buying AND won’t break your bank so you won’t feel guilty afterwards …

The oh-so-classics – COACH Tabby 19 Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag on Nordstorm<3! (The reason I pick Nordstorm is because it seems slightly cheaper than other sites)

And I totally understand – Fashion comes and goes but this bag is here to stay for real…

ysl bag

Another one – YSL shoulder bag that looks effortlessly chic with a budget friendly pricing <3 I bought one last winter and now I am thinking should I buy another one <3

From my backend data, almost every 3 days someone from my email list will buy these two bags lol (Different sizes – some prefer mini some prefer the normal).

6. WEAR NEUTRAL COLOURS WITH PEARLS FOR A CLASSY LOOK

Last but not least, let’s talk about how to wear pearls in a classy way.

Some ladies may think that looking classy can easily go to looking old-fashioned.

how to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned and old
Source: 1,2,3

Well, that’s not true at all. When we revisit Audrey Hepburn’s classic look at Breakfast at Tiffany’s, her pearl necklace with a little black dress look is not old-fashioned at all!

If you style it right, pearls can for sure be one of the timeless appeals that elevate your style.

classy pearl necklace outfit
Source: Pinterest

If you want to look classy with pearls, one reminder is always to avoid the high saturation of bright colors like bright pink, yellow, green, and more.

Instead, embrace soft and neutral colors like black, white, pink, and beige.

elegant long pearl necklace outfit
Source: Pinterest

These tones can always bring out the charm of the pearls and make you look poised and put together.

For example, you can pair the long pearl chain with the white wool turtleneck and silk midi skirt for a feminine, soft look, just so on point.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

So ladies, here are the 6 ways you wonder how to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned!

Coco Chanel once said, “Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but pearls will make you glow like moonlight.”

Classic jewelry doesn’t necessarily mean it is old-fashioned. As a timeless appeal, pearls these days have definitely come into a more casual form.

With a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, you can create your one-of-a-kind style in a modern, stylish way.

After all, what is important with pearls is the woman who is wearing them.

Carry your pearl necklace with confidence and heels up, this is the only way to look stunning and darling in pearls!

Looking for more styling tips? Check out the other popular articles! See you there loves!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Sharing is Caring <3

    Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!