Pearls & Streetwear: The High-Low Styling Revolution

Pearls used to be a symbol of elegance at fancy events or in royal portraits. But not anymore. Now these stylish gems are just as likely to be seen on Instagram with skaters, sidewalk stylists, or those who want an everyday edge.

This blend of coolness and chic has shaken up fashion. There's a new wave of self-expression where sports gear mingles with sophistication. Think puffer jackets over evening gowns worn with trainers.

Don't feel that pearls are too formal for you? Then this is your moment. It's less about looking "done" and more about saying: "This outfit is so me."

Today, we will explore the origins of pearls' popularity, the reasons behind their versatility, which brands are pulling off great looks, and how you can, too.

From Aristocracy to Asphalt: The Evolution of Pearls

Some years ago, you may not have even said that pearls may be a part of streetwear. But yes, they do now. Let's explore how this symbol of classic high fashion was given a modern twist.

The History of Pearls

For over 4,000 years, humans have marveled at pearls. Empresses in ancient China wore them. Cleopatra is reported to have won a wager by dropping one in a goblet of wine (she knew the largest pearl in the world would dissolve, didn't she?).

Pearls were and still are symbols of feminine beauty combined with wealth and wisdom. Yet until the previous century, they were worn exclusively at night.

That all changed in the 1900s when women like Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn made pearls part of their signature styles. Whether these famous females were photographed jogging or entering a spaceship, you could bet they had pearls around their necks.

The Shift to Modern Cool

Pearls have recently come loose from their privileged image. They were no longer the preserve of elaborate events like high-society weddings. They now adorn streetwear addicts, rappers, and ordinary fashion enthusiasts.

So why the shift? One possible answer is rebellion: Generation Z or Millennials particularly like upsetting conventional concepts. And what could be more surprising than pairing heritage jewellery with an enormous hoody?

What Is High-Low Styling? Why It Works

Blending unexpected elements is key to high-low style: pairing luxury with thrifted items, say, or sports shoes with glam jewelry. Find out how this look became so popular – and why it works:

What's Meant By High-Low?

Exactly what it sounds like! This style mixes high-end and everyday pieces. Think pearls and worn-out denim, or designer jackets over plain white tees. The result? Outfits that turn heads (for all the right reasons).

The Reason We Are Drawn to Opposites

Opposing forces have always had a pull on us. When you team pretty pearls with tough denim or elegant clothes with sporty kicks, there's a tension that's hard to look away from. 

The pearls soften the streetwear edge. The streetwear gives the pearls a reality check (and makes them feel current and cool). It's this contrast that embodies contemporary style—it's daring, it breaks rules, and it doesn't mind the odd rebellion.

Why These Contrasts Matter Right Now

Today, personal style is far more important than just following trends, and luxury is no longer about labels. It's about being creative and different. 

At the same time, street fashion is driving what everyone wears, all the time. It's not just an afterthought at Fashion Week—it's the main event. 

In this topsy-turvy world, where high fashion has taken to selling T-shirts alongside ball gowns, pearls make perfect sense with jeans.

Celebrities & Influencers Rocking the Look

Celebrities and influencers are changing how pearls are used in fashion, moving them from formal events to everyday wear. These people are at the forefront of this shift.

Leading the Way are Hip-Hop Stars

Take Pharrell Williams, one of the first men to wear pearls in a way that wasn't old-school. Draped on top of a shirt with a tuxedo (not instead of one) or looped through varsity-jacket armholes. 

A$AP Rocky is another trailblazer, mixing pearl jewelry with sportswear so upscale it hurts—he went to the Met Gala in pearls.

And then there's Tyler, the Creator. If you've seen the rapper lately, you've seen him in preppy pastels, often with a cardigan sweater. Oh, he's wearing a pearl necklace too. Or two. For these guys, pearls don't equal grandma; they equal great vibes.

The Mixing of Fashion Eras by It-Girls

Pearls are being worn in a whole new way by style stars such as Emma Chamberlain and Bella Hadid. They're teaming them with Y2K clothes, baggy jeans, and vintage tanks. The look is edgy with a hint of softness. 

Even Rihanna has been seen in pearls with crop tops and denim – a departure from her usual unpredictable glam.

On Social Media, Pearls Are Everywhere

If you go on Instagram or TikTok, you'll find lots of DIY fashion videos and photos taken on the street. There's a trend for customising old sweatshirts with pearl designs, or creating things like shoelaces and phone straps out of beads. 

One thing these social media posts often have in common is hashtags such as #streetwearpearls #pearlcore. So, pearls are no longer just for formal occasions (they're "a whole new audience").

How to Style Pearls with Streetwear

If you want to try this style for yourself, we've got some wearable outfit ideas for you to test drive:

Wear Pearl Necklaces with Graphic Tees or Hoodies

This is an easy one to start with. Take a single strand of pearls and layer it over an old band t-shirt or your favourite hoodie. 

The contrast between the classic pearls and the edgier streetwear pieces will take your look up a notch. And if you add a denim jacket or biker vest, then it's even more so.

For example: White hoody worn with black cargo pants; short pearl necklace. Finish off with Converse shoes – et voilà.

Team Pearl Earrings with Beanies or Ballcaps

Combining items that are at opposite ends of the formality scale makes for an interesting ensemble.

Wear small drop pearls or little pearl studs with a beanie hat pushed back on your head. Or a baseball cap perched forward. Cool for when you're out running errands, meeting for coffee, or playing laser quest with your mates.

An example would be gold hoop earrings that have a single pearl charm along with a nice, casual crewneck shirt. In addition, wear a New York Yankees baseball cap.

Pearls Galore: Accessories Edition

Items with pearly touches are where it's at. Picture trainers boasting pearl embellishments or shoulder bags with pearl handles. These small style statements pack a punch.

For example, team white Air Force 1s (with pearl detailing) with a mini skirt, boxy crop top, and pearl laces.

An Ode to Pearls, Chains, and Mixed Metals

If you really want to impress the fashion crowd, why not team your pearls with thick gold chains or silver hardware? The contrasting textures will give your look extra depth and attitude.

Wear them all together: layered Cuban chains with pearls, plus a padlock pendant on top of trackies and a fitted tee outfit in black.

Keep It Gender-Neutral

One amazing thing about this trend? Pearls are now meant for all genders. No matter if you identify with soft grunge, skater boy style, or powerful streetwear à la femme, pearls can be styled to suit you. 

Pick pieces that channel your vibe, not just what you're wearing that day.

For instance: Tailoring with joggers and leather boots feels fresh when layered under a long pearl necklace atop a turtle neck. And it works on everyone.

Brands Embracing the High-Low Pearl Aesthetic

Fashion brands are getting wise. Stores everywhere are now stocking pearl-streetwear combos—from high-end names to indie places.

Luxe Streetwear Blends

This isn't just any old fad. Fashion labels and street clothing specialists alike have picked up on it. For instance, AMBUSH made waves by selling necklaces that combine pearls with bullet-like beads. 

Off-White, the brand created by Virgil Abloh, has used pearls to create looks that are both iconic and post-modern. Meanwhile, JW Anderson has launched an eye-catching non-gender-specific range of pearl accessories.

Alternative Approaches by Independent Designers

To discover handcrafted items that blend pearls with punk, grunge, or hip-hop styles, check out Etsy and Depop. These small-scale creators are often trendsetters. 

For example, they might put pearls on shoelaces, craft chokers from vintage beads, or add pearl embellishments to bucket hats.

Jewelry Labels Putting a New Spin on Classics

Mejuri, Missoma, and Vitaly are some of the brands reimagining pearl jewelry. They are creating asymmetrical designs, chunkier shapes, and marketing such pieces as unisex accessories. 

Thanks to them, pearls can now be worn by people of any gender who want to look young, versatile, and cool on the street.

Conclusion

In a world bored with being classy, pearls and streetwear are the fashionable twist you never knew you needed. They speak of opposition, rebellion, knocking down old walls, and creating new ways of dressing.

So next time you go to put on your hoodie, ask yourself: What could I do with pearls instead?

Try layering things up, trying out new combinations. Borrow a necklace from your grandma. Buy a beanie with pearls on it from an independent brand that you love. 

Because style isn't about where you buy things – it's about the way you wear them. And nothing says, "I mix high fashion with everyday clothes" better than wearing pearls and sportswear together.

This is your look – so wear it your way. Now go out there and totally own those pearls!