This ensemble was inspired by my own desire to reincorporate pearl necklaces into my style. The long and short of it is: wear your pearls with just about any outfit. Don’t worry about them looking overly dressy because they’ll work if you wear them with conviction. 

The trick to wearing pearls is to wear them with TRENDY casual outfits so that they don’t look overly classic. There are hundreds of ways to do this, and here are two easy outfit formulas to get you started. Choose any colour palette. Personally I prefer oversized white pearl necklaces, but feel free to wear any style of pearl necklace with these renditions. 

Cropped Jeans, Top, Pearls & Booties 

Combine trendy cropped jeans with an oversized pullover or pretty blouse. Choose solids or patterns. Make sure the necklines are no higher than crew in order to provide an adequate backdrop for the pearls. An open shirt collar works well too. Close the gap of the cropped jeans with higher shaft booties. White or cream footwear does a great job of bookending white pearls, but is not a necessity. Add a topper and bag to complete the look. 

Flares, Trendy Top & Pearls

Combine flared trousers or jeans that are fitted on the hips and thighs with a trendy swing top, peplum top or upscale sweatshirt.  Make sure the necklines are no higher than crew in order to provide an adequate backdrop for the pearls. Add heeled booties or pumps, a bag and topper. I’ve chosen to pattern mix the tops and topper within the same colour palette, just for fun. By all means choose solids if that’s more your preference. Add jewellery, eyewear, watch and headgear as desired.

I’ve been wearing version #1 with a blouse, pullover or plaid shirt over a thermal top quite a bit over the last few weeks. Greg is delighted to see my pearls again, and Yorkie Sam has helped himself to a little pearl necklace chew when I hold him close.

Ensemble: A Casual Pile of Pearls