Close up of dress hemline and hand holding a pearl bag

Pearlcore is the Classy Trend We’re All Wearing Right Now

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Pearlcore was one of the biggest trends of 2022, taking the runway, high street and our wardrobes by storm. As genderless fashion  flourishes in 2023, pearly staples are set to be more popular than ever. As Grace Kelly once said, ‘the pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens’. 

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Trending for 2023: Pearlcore

According to Pinterest, in 2022 ‘people of all ages embraced iridescent accents in their homes, in their jewellery boxes and even as nail art. Pearl-themed parties were on the rise, too, as people opted for pearly gowns and wedding décor.’

But what exactly makes pearls so special? Considered a symbol of perfection, long life and fertility, the pearl has long been considered a valuable gemstone. Found buried in oyster shells, pearls are the hidden treasures of the sea. Like most precious gems, you have to dig deep to find them – and the result is certainly worth the effort.

Model in white fur coat and pearls walking down runway

(c) Instagram, @viviennewestwood

Online searches for pearl dresses tripled in 2021, while searches for pearl-themed parties and pearl rings (perfect for weddings) both doubled. An interest in men’s jewellery, in particular pearl necklaces, also soared, with searches increasing seven-fold.

Some of the world’s most acclaimed designers are already ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing all things pearly. Simone Rocha, the Irish designer known for her whimsically dreamy collections, never shies away from pearls when it comes to crafting her signature look. Her recent SS23 collection was testament to this, showcasing Rocha’s love of pearl accessories and iridescent fabrics.

Models walking down catwalk

Simone Rocha SS23 (c) Ben Broomfield

Celebrities have also been a key driving force in the trend, with the likes of Kate Middleton, Harry Styles, Griff and Adele all incorporating a statement pearl or two into their wardrobes. In Harry’s case, Pearlcore has also presented an opportunity to blend the boundaries between masculine and feminine fashion.

Harry Styles in a black shirt wearing a pearl earring, at the MET Gala 2019

(c) Instagram, @themetgalaofficial

Want to get involved with the Pearlcore trend? As always, keep the planet in mind when shopping. Re-wearing old clothes is the best way to be sustainable, but if you can’t avoid it then shop consciously at responsible retailers, as well as rental and resale sites.

Pearly Picks for 2023

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Zimmermann

High Tide Pearl-Embellished Linen-Blend Shirt, £695, harveynichols.com

Pearl drop earrings with purple stones

Kiki McDonough

Pearl Drops with Lavender Amethyst and Diamonds in White Gold, £1,600, kiki.co.uk

White heels

Freya Rose

Chelsea Pearl Heels, £475, harveynichols.com

Stephen Webster Russian Roulette Bullet Ring

Stephen Webster

Russian Roulette Bullet Ring, £12,500, stephenwebster.com

Pearl-covered heels

Jimmy Choo

Sacora 100 White Satin Sandals with All Over Pearls, £1,495, jimmychoo.com

Carousel Joan baroque pearl statement necklace

Carousel Jewels

Carousel Joan Baroque Pearl Statement Necklace, £295, carouseljewels.com

Pearl heart handbag

Simone Rocha

Micro Heart Bag With Pearl Strap, £550, simonerocha.com

Pearl and crystal embellished beret

Michel Millinery

Pearl and Crystal Encrusted Beret, rent from £8 per day or buy secondhand for £145, mywardrobehq.com

VASHI Pearl and Knot Ring

VASHI

Pearl and Knot Ring, £680, vashi.com

Pearl bag

Vanina

White Reveries Pearl Shoulder Bag, £385, brownsfashion.com

Model in cream tweed jacket and blue dress in front of pink background

Sister Jane

DREAM Galaxy Tweed Embellished Jacket, £129, sisterjane.com

Vivienne Westwood Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker

Vivienne Westwood

Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker, £365, viviennewestwood.com

Olivia & Pearl

Olivia & Pearl

Keshi Choker Necklace in Pink, £225, oliviaandpearl.com 

Monica Vinader Alta Pearl Necklace Set

Monica Vinader

Alta Pearl Necklace Set, £210, monicavinader.com

Missoma Harris Reed In Good Hands Bracelet

Missoma x Harris Reed

In Good Hands Bracelet, £98, missoma.com

Featured image: cottonbro, Pexels