Why Pearls Are Always in Style: The Eternal Allure of a Fashion

“Pearls are always appropriate,” said Jackie Kennedy, and decades on, the sentiment still rings true. There’s an undeniable allure to pearls - their creamy lustre, their quiet sophistication, their versatility - that transcends trends, seasons and generations. As a stylist with over two decades of experience in the fashion world, I can confidently say that pearls are not merely accessories; they are icons in their own right. Whether gracing the lobes of a minimalist in Melbourne or cascading down the décolletage of a boho dreamer in Byron, pearls have remained a steadfast companion to those who appreciate timeless style.

Let’s rewind to the runway of history: Pearls first captivated the fashion elite during the Roman Empire, revered as a symbol of status for the affluent. But it wasn’t until the 1920s, when Coco Chanel herself made pearls part of her signature aesthetic, that they truly became a fashion essential. Chanel famously quipped, “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls,” and she wasn’t wrong. Back then, pearls were worn in long strands, layered decadently over drop-waist dresses and finger-waved bobs. Today, while the silhouettes have shifted, the essence remains. Pearls are no longer reserved for the traditionalist - they’ve evolved into a bold statement for the fashion-forward.

Take a cue from pop culture’s ultimate preppy muse, Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl, who brought the pearl headband and the classic strand back into mainstream vogue. But don’t be fooled - this is not your grandmother’s jewellery box. Modern Australian designers are reimagining pearls with an edge. Think Aje’s sculptural silhouettes paired with a bold pearl choker or Anna Quan’s refined tailoring, made all the more striking with a baroque pearl drop earring. Labels like Reliquia and Natasha Schweitzer have redefined pearl jewellery with modern, asymmetric designs that feel both polished and provocatively current.

CAMPAIGN SHOOT: for Melbourne Fashion Week, designer PITRA

I adore pearls for their chameleon-like quality. For a boho-luxe look, I often layer long strands with vintage chains, creating a fluid, effortless energy. My favourite piece? A vintage statement necklace with Swarovski - encrusted pearls that quite literally turns heads. When styling clients for a seasonal wardrobe update, I always recommend investing in a beautifully crafted pearl stud. It’s that one piece that will forever elevate a look, from corporate cool to cocktail chic, with zero effort. They’re like the little black dress of the accessory world.

Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion changes, but style endures.” And that’s exactly what pearls offer: enduring style. Whether you’re embracing tradition with a single strand or flirting with rebellion by pairing them with leather and denim, pearls never scream - they whisper with confidence. So next time you want to add a touch of timeless elegance with a modern twist, remember – “Pearls aren’t just having a moment. They are the moment”.

Tamarra Mc Naught - attending the opening of MFF

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Stay Stylish Tamarra x 🦩 x