Susan Miller

·Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design, Pratt Institute, 2012

·Bachelor of Arts in Gemology, University of California, Los Angeles, May 2005

·Editor-in-Chief, White Victoria (2018 - present)

·Write and research feature articles and profiles for print and online publication

·Contributing Writer, Modern Jeweler and Ornament

·Write and publish freelance articles for IGS and WSJ Magazine

·Jewelry Appraiser (2012 - 2020)

Looking to add an elegant, stylish touch to your everyday street style? Pearls are where it’s at. 

As a jewelry and fashion expert, I’m constantly blown away by just how powerful and timeless these beauties can be – they have the power to elevate a look in such a subtle yet impactful way.

The pearl has long since left its stuffy box labeled “for formal occasions only,” with more fashion-forward people working it into their daily looks – often to surprisingly cool effect. 

Think itty-bitty pearl studs worn alongside tough leather jackets or big ol’ knitted jumpers layered over hip-grazing strands of pearls. Yowza!

Here are 15 tips for nailing pearl-adorned street style that all celebrate how modern fashion loves nothing more than teaming up with an old-school gemstone that needs no introduction.

Why Pearls Are So Popular in Street Style Fashion?

Modern Elegance

Pearls have skyrocketed in popularity when it comes to street style.

The reason? They add a dash of elegance and sophistication to any look, which is why they fit so well with the minimalist aesthetics currently dominating fashion trends. 

Pearls are the perfect embodiment of clean lines and timeless chic: small wonder they’re now seen everywhere.

The great thing about this trend is that pearls don’t just belong at glitzy parties or posh events anymore. Instead, they’re being used in ever more innovative ways. 

Contemporary pearl styling includes stacked rings, layered necklaces, and even pearl-covered shoes and bags – a great way for early adopters to make a statement.

Pairing pearls with grungy clothes like ripped jeans, leather jackets, or chunky boots creates an interesting contrast. 

Mixing conventionally “pretty” things with tough-looking ones has always been fertile territory for people interested in making a visual impact.

Top 15 Best Street Style Looks with Pearls

Modern Elegance

For inspiration on how to style pearls in a street-chic way, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve curated 15 of the best-ever pearl looks that incorporate them into the modern-day dressing – and they’re all as elegant as can be.

1. Urban Pearl Chic

Modern Elegance

This look blends classic items with contemporary pieces – and it really works.

A black sleeveless top is draped by an eye-catching multi-strand pearl necklace, which takes center stage. 

Flared denim jeans add an urban edge, while statement teal booties featuring black accents make this outfit pop.

An oversized blazer in the same hue casually drapes over the shoulders for a laid-back but sophisticated finish.

2. Retro Eclectic Elegance

Modern Elegance

Have fun when it comes to fashion with this playful yet grown-up take on retro style.

Think bold green pleated skirt paired with a cinched-waist lime jacket layered with pearls artfully placed around neck and glasses strands alike (all eyes will be on your peepers). 

Add a patterned scarf, white ankle boots, and a classic handbag and voilà! You’re vintage-inspired street chic done right.

3. Glam Grunge Luxe

Modern Elegance

This glam grunge luxe look is achieved by the sumptuous, lavishly detailed oversized black coat to create dimension and texture applied to the entire concept of the outfit. 

The statement accessory is pointed out by the multi-layered pearl choker trickling down the neck and all against relaxed-fit, ripped blue jeans.

High glamour with a hit of streetwear edge - for maximum impact.

4. The Pearl-Encrusted Elegance

Modern Elegance

This option is opulence personified as they are smothered head to toe in gleaming pearls, which have been applied meticulously for a rich, textural, and sophisticated look throughout. 

When every pearl is expertly positioned, it gives you the feel of luxury throughout these classic cream pieces.

Imagine them still being relevant years from now because good design never dates.

5. Timeless Floral Sophistication

Modern Elegance

Take traditional style, then mix with timeless grace to achieve this elegant dress combo, where we’ve paired a bold black-and-white floral bolero over a simple yet chic little black dress. 

The oversized pearl necklace takes things up a notch on the grandeur front, perfectly fitting into the monochromatic theme to give your overall look an air of sophisticated charm.

6. Chic Monochrome Layers

Modern Elegance

With a sleek black turtleneck paired with an intricately designed mini skirt, this look is the epitome of city chic. 

A stringy white classic pearl with a modern twist cascades on top, adding a dash of timeless elegance and femininity while still staying in the monochrome color pattern. 

Thigh-high leather boots and a quilted bag finish up the ensemble, balancing all the edgy elegance together.

7. Casual Lace Elegance

Modern Elegance

This look pairs the louche ease of distressed light-wash jeans with a simple white top. 

Put over this a lace cardigan featuring pretty pearl embellishments, and voila, you’ve got yourself an ensemble that’s all about marrying everyday denim with timeless pearls. 

For the final touch and to keep things relaxed, add classic white low-top sneakers.

8. Bohemian Pleats Charm

Modern Elegance

This outfit dials up bohemian vibes (with a touch of sophistication) via two key items: a pleated pastel midi skirt that nips in at the waist thanks to a chunky belt and an eye-catching blouse in vibrant, voluminous-sleeved splendor—its pattern adds further pizazz. 

Accessory-wise? A smart-ish bag adorned with pearls lends polish, as do those white block heels.

9. Regal Tailored Elegance

Modern Elegance

Looking for regal elegance on your next fancy outing? Enter this cream coat dress – tailored to perfection – which has embroidery aplenty to help give you the ultimate silhouette-flattery factor. 

Classic yet understated pearl jewelry works well accessorized alongside such luxe-looking attire; try a pendant and matching earrings for added effect.

10. Elegant Bistro Layers

Modern Elegance

Casual and elegant styles combine in this outfit that features a deep V-neck top layered under a sleek leather blazer for an interesting contrast. 

Softening the edginess of the leather, several delicate pearl necklaces hang at varying lengths from the neckline, offering a cascade of elegance. 

This is an ideal look to achieve if you’re going for relaxed but put-together, such as on a visit to a charming café.

11. Winter Whites

Modern Elegance

This ensemble harmoniously mixes winter whites: A cozy knit sweater encrusted with pearls pairs perfectly with flowing wide-leg trousers to create an effortlessly chic look from head to toe. 

To keep things sophisticated without overdoing it, there are oversized pearl hoop earrings; meanwhile, the coat and textured bag in white offer both warmth and style on cold days spent exploring cities.

12. Minimalist Touch of Pearl

Modern Elegance

In this simple yet polished ensemble, we see a classic ivory blouse tucked into high-waisted denim jeans — nothing more or less than what’s needed for clean lines. 

The addition of one small accessory takes it up just slightly: feather-light hair clip adorned with pearls — perfect for anything casual or smart-casual during daylight hours!

13. Pearl Draped Sophistication

Modern Elegance

Exude sophistication with this outfit: a distinctly pearl-draped top embossed in large pearls flowing across the chest and shoulders.

It is certainly one extravagant standout piece that will attract all eyes to you. 

This look is featured by the close-fitting white pants, which unveil timeless grace in a modern way.

The minimalistic background contrasts professionally with the pearls’ extravagant nature. Leave for only sophisticated gatherings or high fashion.

14. Summer Chic Elegance

Modern Elegance

Spruce up your summer collection with this stylish outfit: a chic black jumpsuit that works with a versatile neckline for accessorizing. 

Raise its glam to the power of infinity with pearl-studded eyewear—quirky, unexpected style accessories are always welcome! 

Perfect for a sunny day, whether brunching or for a pleasant walk beneath blue skies, a white clutch of casual style but contemporary will complete the look.

15. Polka-Dotted Poise

Modern Elegance

The first perfectly proper and translucent polka-dotted dress will blend two worlds – daintiness plus futuristic fashion – and an outfit will ooze poise and sophistication. 

With its sensual waist-hugging silhouette and a neck that almost plunges, this piece of clothing is ultra-feminine; what further accentuates it is the addition of a regal touch, similar to sporting a headband studded with pearls. 

Urban outings or swanky daytime socials? You’ve found an on-trend spin on ethnic elements!

Bottom Line

Modern Elegance

When it comes to street-style fashion, pearls are in a league of their own.

These little gems have the power to make any outfit look more elegant and sophisticated than ever before – trust us! 

Whether you’re going for a subtle pearl earring or a bold statement necklace, there’s no limit to how much you can wear your favorite accessory on the streets. 

So embrace your inner elegance, get creative with different combos, and let pearls steal the show when it comes to street style. Because timeless, classic, and contemporary all at once? 

Yeah, that’s what we call modern elegance…Let your street style shine with these stunning pearl inspirations!