From reality TV to the silver screen to the red carpets, male and female celebs alike have brought a once-antiquated gem back into the spotlight, and mainstream fashion has, without a doubt, embraced it. We’re talking, of course, about pearls. From the Kardashian clan to pop stars like Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift, Hollywood’s A-listers have put America’s most classic jewelry back on top. Barbara Bush was well known for her elegant strands. Kate Middleton wore hers exiting the hospital after giving birth to the royal family’s new bundle of joy. Designers are working them into shoes, denim, hair pieces, and handbags. Their ubiquitous at this point.
But popular as they may be among Hollywood and fashion’s elite, don’t expect to rummage through your mother’s jewelry box and think you’ll have the look pegged. This summer and fall, the trend is of the “go big or go home” variety. Much focus is given to large fashion accessories, and pearls will be no different. This year’s collections prove beyond a doubt that despite the saying, less isn’t always more.
Here are a few hot pearl jewelry trends from the runways and red carpets of 2018.
Chokers
As Vogue points out, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent are into this trend in a rather large way; both showcased rather “blingy” looks earlier this year, while Marni and Alexander McQueen were minimalistic, featuring sleek, streamlined metals – almost futuristic in style.
If you’re trying to tie in pearls with the choker trend, you’re not alone in your thinking. The Kardashian’s have made the look their own, and many of the styles they choose to wear feature the gemstone studded to the nth degree. Fun side note, too: This will likely be a popular look over the summer as June’s official birthstone is actually, yep, you guessed it – pearls.
Shoes
Coco Chanel once said “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” She wasn’t wrong. But, as it turns out, a woman also needs those pearls on her pants, shirts, and shoes, too. Here’s a bit about the latter. Pearl-studded shoes continue to be hot, and as the weather warms up look for them adorning ballet flats and sandals.
Denim
More specifically, distressed denim – classed up a bit, of course, with faux pearls. The look is perfect for a casual night out or even for cooler days near the beginning of the summer season.
Back in Black
Your pearls don’t have to be whiter than white. In fact, black pearls – you know, the kind made famous by the beautiful Tahitian Islands – continue to be very trendy for earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Work them in for an edgier look during the day, of course, but they’re also perfect for formal affairs. Black does go with everything, after all.
Dress to Impress with Excess
According to JCK, the industry authority on jewelry, less is not more. More is more.
“The classic 16- or 18-incher [necklace] will do in a pinch, but according to pearl companies, there’s increased demand for opera-length styles that can be looped and layered to create the effect of multiple necklaces worn at once. And the influence of The Crown is cited often by leaders in the category.”
Do with that information what you will, but it sounds like it’s time to up the ante.
Whatever you’re going for this season, know that you can work in one of the hottest gemstones of 2018 in just about any way you like. Need a little inspiration first? You won’t have to go far. Clip through your favorite mag or pop on the television – you’ll find all the inspiration you need, courtesy of world famous designers, fashion icons, and Hollywood’s A-list.
