The world as we know it today is ever-evolving, and men's fashion is no exception as well as options for the brave fashion lover. In today’s post, I’ll highlight a rather popular trend for men’s accessories, that I first noticed in 2014. Over the years, the conventional array of accessories for men has been silver or gold timepieces, necklaces, and matching piercings. Some notable fashion icons have even mixed and matched their gold and silver pieces to keep things interesting. While gold and silver jewelry is classic, the accessory that captivated my attention were the pearl necklaces often seen on male fashion aficionados, Pharrell and A$AP Rocky. At the time the two stars debuted this accessory, street fashion was still widely defined by skinny jeans, elongated tees, and the overall grunge look. Pharrell and Rocky have set themselves apart by spicing up their outfits with these pearl necklaces, most notably from the luxury designer brand, Chanel. Why is this noteworthy? From last year going into this year, pearls are being seen more and more on men, with stars such as Harry Styles, Young Thug, Pharrell, and Rocky affirming the trend, just to name a few. With so much innovation in the fashion industry, it’s safe to say that the era of pearls only dangling from the necks of the Queen, or the old lady sitting a few tables away at (insert fancy restaurant), is long gone. A new option is becoming more readily accessible and acceptable in men’s arsenal. If you’re looking to mix up your style like the aforementioned male fashion icons, keep reading for the best way to style age-old stones, and where to get them.
Like with any piece, if you’re going to wear pearls, it’s essential to style them “right”. A common thought maybe “ But how? ” or “ Will I have to wear an all-pearl look?”. Unless, that’s your preference, the good thing is you don’t have to. As diverse as fashion is today, you can always choose another styling approach like one of my personal favorites, unique combinations! Currently, I like to combine my double pearl necklac
es with diamond earrings and silver timepieces. This styling hack keeps the accessories minimal while letting the pearls be the standout piece. Not to mention, layering the necklaces puts a subtle emphasis on the pearl look. Another combination that works well is gold timepiece and bracelets. These stones are versatile, making them an easy addition to your accessories collection that’ll last for a long time.
When should I wear pearls? Fortunately, you can dress them up or down, like with most classic pieces in fashion. T-shirt, jeans, sneakers, and pearls? Yes. Since the stones are so timeless, they can easily elevate your streetwear outfit, adding a touch of personality to the everyday look. My favorite method is dressing the necklaces up with a pair of slacks and a graphic button-up. Like with most accessories, it’s essential to consider the base of your outfit, so that you can create a unique, yet cohesive look. Although pearls are versatile, they will be biased towards certain tones and colors. My two favorite bases to style pearls with are browns and whites. If you’re going for a clean look, white tees are a good option, while browns are a good option for dressing them up...
One of the hottest styling trends of 2022, the popularity of pearls is a clear indicator of the shift happening in menswear. Fashion is all about finding new ways to express yourself and be creative, and if you’re daring like me, pearls do just that. If you're looking to elevate your style with unconventional pieces, consider this your sign to purchase a pearl necklace. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
