Pearls, Reimagined:
A Modern Style Guide to Pearls
Timeless. Classic. Everlasting. Pearls have always carried an elegance that feels both familiar and ethereal, there’s a reason you’ve heard these words whispered about them time and time again. And that’s exactly what we love about pearls.
But when it comes to styling pearls, there’s no real rulebook. At Wanderlust Life, we believe personal style always trumps trends. If your inner compass is pulling you in a certain direction, follow it. That’s where the magic happens.
Of course, when thinking of pearls, it’s easy to picture the classic pearl ‘look’: a 1950s glam wife, maybe married to a golfer, likely dressed in tweed and jodhpurs…
And if you’ve found your way to our humble corner of the internet, chances are... that’s not quite your vibe. So if you're drawn to pearls but want some guidance on a more modern take, one that reflects your spirit and your style, read on. We’ve got you.
1. Let’s talk size
When it comes to pearls, scale matters. Chunky, multi-stranded pearl necklaces might conjure visions of old-school glamour - the kind that’s more at home in a country club than a coastal café. At Wanderlust Life, we keep things dainty, delicate and unpretentious.
Take our Kai Mother of Pearl Beaded Necklace, crafted with perfectly sized pearl beads that strike a balance between elegance and coastal charm. It’s refined, but never fussy.
For something even finer, look to our Oceanus Pearl Necklace or our Beachdaze Cowry Necklace. Both pieces use sweet, slender mother of pearl beads that catch the light with a soft shimmer. Finished with touches of gold - whether beaded accents or a delicate shell pendant - they’re a gentle nod to our love of the shore.
"When building your necklace stack, this combo is your golden ticket."
2. WHITE AND GOLD
There’s something undeniably dreamy about the pairing of creamy pearl and glowing gold. It’s a classic that’s stood the test of time and for good reason.
When building your necklace stack, this combo is your golden ticket. Try layering a pearl beaded choker with a gold pendant piece that sits just below it. Or flip the look: a shorter gold chain paired with a longer pearl pendant also works perfectly.
To bring in a celestial feel, opt for dainty gold chains with intricate detail - a satellite chain is ideal. Mixing beads with fine gold pieces brings depth and texture to your look. It’s all about balance and this combination always delivers *chef’s kiss*
2. White & gold
an enduring romance
There’s something undeniably dreamy about the pairing of creamy pearl and glowing gold. It’s a classic that’s stood the test of time and for good reason.
When building your necklace stack, this combo is your golden ticket. Try layering a pearl beaded choker with a gold pendant piece that sits just below it. Or flip the look: a shorter gold chain paired with a longer pearl pendant also works perfectly.
3. Black & white
The most iconic colour pairing of all time? Quite possibly. Black and white is timeless and endlessly wearable. On those “nothing to wear” days, it’s your black pieces that come to the rescue and they make the perfect canvas for luminous pearl jewellery. A Mother of Pearl Porthole Necklace looks perfect against a black knit.
Show off a layered pearl stack framed by a black cami or vest. Pair mother of pearl rings and bracelets with glossy black nails for a modern, high-contrast finish. Like ink on crisp white paper, pearls against black will always be poetry in motion.
4. YOUR NECKLINE MATTERS
If we circle back to that country club aesthetic, one key feature is the preppy polo shirt, and honestly, it’s a look best left in the past when pearls are involved.
Instead, lean into silhouettes that celebrate the neckline. Think dramatic open shirts with deep V cuts, square-neck dresses, or strapless bandeaus. These styles allow your collarbones to shine and your pearls to really sing.
So there you have it. Embracing pearls in today's fashion landscape is a dreamy combination of honouring their rich heritage, considering modern fancies, and - of course - infusing your own personal expression.
Have a browse of our pearl collection and see what takes your fancy…
Mother of Pearl Fine Cord Necklace
Pearl Set
Mother of Pearl Gift Box
Mother of Pearl Set
Mirage Pearl Pendant Necklace
