YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Pearls

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Pearls - ideas? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:23:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Eliza on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1607053 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 17:38:20 +0000 Eliza 1607053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet- do you have a small jewelry clip that allows you to take your longer ones doubled over and then clip both sides together in the back, creating a shorter, double strand? They could also be twisted or two together.. I understand not wanting a choker; the longer ones might be a nice "crew" neck length. I have a similar dilemma trying to make pearls work. The dark ones are less prominent on me also (dark hair). Thanks for posting. I look forward to checking out all of the ideas. Inge on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1607047 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 17:25:22 +0000 Inge 1607047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jeanne - *chuckling* Janet and Texstyle - I hope there was something there that appeals. I've also been thinking about your pearl earrings, Janet. I don't know if you like that look, but perhaps "mixing earrings" might make them feel less classic? So, for example, wear one pearl earring in one ear, and a very modern or edgy different style (and length) earring in the other ear. Your asymmetric 'do will further emphasize the modern effect. texstyle on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606999 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 15:29:35 +0000 texstyle 1606999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I never feel quite right in pearls these days (used to wear them in the late 80's sometimes) but I also own several strands so I'm loving this thread and going to look at Inge's links. Janet on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606989 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 14:23:24 +0000 Janet 1606989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Inge, you are the BEST. I am going to go make a fresh cup of coffee and look at the links you've posted. Thank you!  Inge on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606943 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:46:11 +0000 Inge 1606943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ETA: Here are some more examples from the Dries Van Noten collection: <a href="http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2010-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#5" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-s.....llection#5</a> <a href="http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2010-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#9" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-s.....llection#9</a> <a href="http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2010-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#20" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-s.....lection#20</a> <a href="http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2010-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#22" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-s.....lection#22</a> <a href="http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2010-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#23" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-s.....lection#23</a> <a href="http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2010-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#30" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-s.....lection#30</a> <a href="http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2010-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#32" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-s.....lection#32</a> <a href="http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2010-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#43" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-s.....lection#43</a> <a href="http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2010-ready-to-wear/dries-van-noten/slideshow/collection#51" rel="nofollow">http://www.vogue.com/fashion-s.....lection#51</a> Jjsloane on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606942 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:45:34 +0000 Jjsloane 1606942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love Anna's suggestion, but Inge wins the day with so many great ideas you can only just keep them now and start playing! Inge on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606939 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:34:58 +0000 Inge 1606939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have some gorgeous pieces here, Janet, and I'm liking all the ideas. Layering with silver chains sounds right up your alley, and I could really see Zibbets' suggestion of going "tonal" work too. I'm adding a few more visuals for extra inspiration: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/394768723559701513/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/394768723559701513/</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/381750505893368350/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/381750505893368350/</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/460704236856075017/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/460704236856075017/</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/459507968210418369/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/459507968210418369/</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/564427765773051772/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/564427765773051772/</a> (I like the idea of knotting the pearls together with a gold or silver chain, and then adding a shorter pendant on a chain in the same colour to tie things together) <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541487555171121893/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541487555171121893/</a> (mixing your dark and white pearls when sporting a black and white outfit) <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/249175791860098683/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/249175791860098683/</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/73605775135215827/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/73605775135215827/</a> The tonal effect <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/74802043788459900/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/74802043788459900/</a> Wearing a longer strand like this + adding an extra necklace to fill in the space <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17310779794059978/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17310779794059978/</a> Creating a "new necklace" with your pearls by attaching an edgy pendant (this is just an example to illustrate the concept) <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/390898442631457067/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/390898442631457067/</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/505740233130704140/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/505740233130704140/</a> Pairing one or more strands of pearls with an oversized statement pendant Janet on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606637 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 19:26:35 +0000 Janet 1606637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's kind of fabulous, Anna. Not sure I could pull it off (and that's a lot of weight around the neck!) but I may have to try it for fun. annagybe on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606629 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 19:15:58 +0000 annagybe 1606629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wear all at once? <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337488565802936950/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337488565802936950/</a> Destri on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606617 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 18:38:09 +0000 Destri 1606617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, I vote layering with chains for you (and your edgy style). I have a long strand of pearls that I inherited from my grandmother similar to the first two strands you have showing in Pic 2. I double loop (if that makes sense) my long strand over a necklace I have that is three different levels of chains (three different metals). When I wear this look it feels edgy to me. Janet on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606575 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 15:21:16 +0000 Janet 1606575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Jules! Nice to see you! I would like that idea but my neck has started that unfortunate phase...well, let's just say if there are other things about my looks that belie my age, my neck tells the whole truth. Chokers were never my thing, but especially not now. However, the idea of layering with a more "tough" piece may spark some ideas. Also, the idea Barbara Diane has of mixing chain and pearls has me thinking too -- I have a longer, slightly chunky silver chain that dates back to the 90s that has also gone unworn, which might mix really nicely with some of the longer Pearl strands. Thank you! RoseandJoan on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606559 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 14:33:07 +0000 RoseandJoan 1606559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Perhaps you could try layering a necklace with a plain black leather choker 1-2" wide? Barbara Diane on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606497 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 08:28:18 +0000 Barbara Diane 1606497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know your style. I like mixing pearl necklaces with other necklaces. Also, leather or chain can really change it up. It is possible to take apart one or more strands and doing something different with them. It is fairly easy to add one or many pearls to a leather cord, or to chain. Another idea is alternating sections of chain and pearls - a smaller necklace could turn into a long necklace that way. Youtube is a great resource for skills like this. I tend to keep my jewelry if I like it even if it isn't in style; I'm so glad I kept my bangle bracelets which went unworn for years.  Firecracker (Sharan) on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606419 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 03:27:04 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1606419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I could picture the multistrand bracelet with a leather jacket and a pair of jeans rolled with some sleek or tough looking boots. Jjsloane on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606314 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 00:24:32 +0000 Jjsloane 1606314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice stash of pearls and some good inspiration.  Angie on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606306 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 23:57:22 +0000 Angie 1606306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gorgeous pearls, Janet.  I echo what Lisa said, and like Bonnie's example. You might draw inspiration from these outfits too.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.blogdajulianaparisi.com.br/tendencias/como-usar-listras">http://www.blogdajulianaparisi.....ar-listras</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/239887117622193119/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/239887117622193119/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/294282156871872320/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/294282156871872320/</a> Aida on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606304 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 23:51:58 +0000 Aida 1606304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet FWIW I haven't yet come up with a good way to wear any of mine, even the funkier costume pieces, in a way that feels punk enough. I do wear my pearl studs for weekends sometimes since they are my husband's favorites (he likes most pearls really) but for now that's probably it. Would love to see how you end up sporting yours, if you do! Janet on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606245 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 21:19:29 +0000 Janet 1606245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I like that, Bonnie! Love the visual inspiration. Simple is where I am at these days when it comes to accessorizing, so that appeals to me. Great ideas, all. I agree, the earrings will probably not get worn again -- the top ones will probably go to consignment, but I may keep the bottom ones for sentimental reasons. I have a very hard time getting rid of jewelry, so much of it feels to me like it might come back around, or it's a bit nostalgic, and I am definitely sentimental. I'm glad I didn't give these away even though they have not been worn. Bonnie on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606239 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 21:03:06 +0000 Bonnie 1606239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I thought of you when I saw this on unefemme's blog.  Anonymous on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606232 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 20:49:05 +0000 Anonymous 1606232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh my.  I am genuinely jealous.  The pearl necklaces are gorgeous.  The earrings look a little dated to my eye.  I doubt you will be able to make them work, but you can do so much with the necklaces!!   I am currently wearing mine with a plain black crew neck tee shirt.  The pearls stand out and the juxtaposition of dressy with casual is really appealing to my eye.  I tried layering but it did not work for me.  You might better be able to pull it off.   I love the idea proposed of pairing them with similar colored tops.  That would look so perfect.   Zibbets on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606230 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 20:37:51 +0000 Zibbets 1606230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Pretty! I think pairing them with like-colored tops is one way to make them look more current and less 80s-preppy. The silvery gray ones would be great with almost any gray tee or sweater. I'd try the long dark ones against something black or eggplant colored and put any or all of the second group with white. The earrings will be hardest, but you could try them with a white shirt. I agree with Lisap, the ones with the charms are my favorite and probably the easiest to wear, with white, gray or denim. Anonymous on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606229 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 20:35:06 +0000 Anonymous 1606229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is quite the collection you have! Yes, it would be great if you could find a way to style some of them. I like them with a scoop neck slouchy tshirt. Oh, and I think I like the dark purplish grey strand and the double strand. AndiB on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606228 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 20:34:59 +0000 AndiB 1606228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ layer, layer, layer!  Un Femme has French Kande beads/pearls that I've been coveting and trying to replicate.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://unefemme.net/page/3">http://unefemme.net/page/3</a>  Scroll through many pages, she wears them lots of ways.  I think you could get some of these looks, especially with the longer strands.  I found a $25 strand, black, at TJ maxx, removed the tooth looking pendant and replaced it with a cheap medallian I got at Michaels.  Looks a lot like the French Kande but at a fraction of the cost.  I'm wearing it today.  At a banquet recently I wore a crisp white blouse, popped collar and black skirt (ball skirt but a pencil or midi would work just fine, or even black jeans, to get that casual with pearls look)  I layered every pearl necklace I have, and loved the look.  Kind of 80's retro glam.  Lots of ways to go, specially with your arty style. Anonymous on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606224 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 20:21:45 +0000 Anonymous 1606224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Of the necklaces, the one your husb gave you is my favourite - and I think it would look great with a jeans, t-shirt, blazer/leather jacket type of outfit, even a casual dress. .  You could tie in the silver charms on the necklace with a silver bracelet of some sort that has a similar look. I think the earrings are a bit much for casual wear... The multi strand bracelet is beautiful, and again, I'd try it with any rough-edged denim and leather based outfit.  Diamond earrings or a ring, and you're set.   chirico (Chiara) on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606217 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 20:10:20 +0000 chirico (Chiara) 1606217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll first try all of them with a casual outfit. I love the grey and the black ones a lot, but all are beautiful. At first I would not wear necklace, earrings and bracelets together: IMO only one pearl piece, so that it really stands out. Also, you might need to experiment with different necklines for the ones in the second picture. Above all, have fun! Janet on "Pearls - ideas?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pearls---ideas#post-1606214 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 20:03:44 +0000 Janet 1606214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Reading some of the recent posts on pearls has been interesting. I have never been a huge pearl fan, but I am a little interested to see if I could make them work for me and my style because I have a collection of them, most of which are inherited. I don't even know if most are real (I suspect many are not, but who knows?). I thought I'd post some pics and see if you all have any suggestions for casual, nontraditional styling of any of these, considering my style (which is not very traditional/conservative/preppy), and my coloring. It seems like most of the ladies rocking these pearl looks lately are fair-haired and I think that makes a difference. My dark hair means more contrast and the pearls tend to stand out more. 1. Two sets of silvery grey pearls -- I think the graduated one was a gift from my mom when I was in college. I wore the two sets layered in the 80s when my style was more driven by my professional working environment. The white ones with the charms were a gift from my hubs -- I've worn them a few times with white shirts and, again, work attire, but I have no need for work looks anymore. The long dark purplish-grey strand was a purchase from Hawaii. I thought the color would make them easier to style, but I haven't been wearing beads, much less long strings of them, for the last few years. 2. Various inherited strands ranging from 18" to 36". 3. Bracelets. I'm partial to the multi-strand one and wore it for dressy occasions many years ago. 4. Earrings. One set dates to the 80s, the other was a maid of honor gift that I wore for a friend's wedding. What do you think? Any ideas? See anything promising here? Photos of styling ideas incorporating denim and casual/rock'n'roll elements would be particularly welcome.