How to Wear Pearls Without Looking Old-Fashioned

Once pearls were only for the regal and then later, the very wealthy. You had to have the money and status to wear them. In the 20^th century when class structure didn't necessarily define what you could and could not wear, older, well-established women often were the only women who could afford to wear pearls. Pearls were to be earned if you weren't born with the money for them. The association between older women and pearls remains in the minds of many, which is why pearls often come across as stuffy. But pearls can be as fresh and modern as anything in a trendy teen boutique. Like all else in fashion, it's about how you wear them. Here's how to wear pearls without looking old-fashioned:

Add a twist to your pearls: The best way to wear pearls is non-traditionally by altering a necklace's form or purpose somehow. Turn your longer pearl necklace into a choker by wrapping it around your head several times. You can also knot the end of a longer necklace into a little ball that dangles at your cleavage or below (but not at or above the collarbone.) Try wrapping a necklace around your wrist to make a quick bracelet or wear your necklace on the crown of your head like a tiara for a spin on the hippie chic look.

Avoid pairing pearls with pastel colors: Opt for festive colors or darker ones instead but not any color that comes across as too delicate. Pair pearls with pale pink, for instance, and you'll look more like you're heading to a very conservative church than anywhere else. Bright colors---like cardinal red, sunshine yellow, and violet---however make pearls pop. Most pearls do not suit fluorescent or neon colors.

Layer your pearls with other necklaces: Mix it up, experiment, and step outside of your comfort zone! Play with different colors, proportions, styles, influences, weights, price ranges and lengths. You might, for example, pair your pearls with a bunch of punky chains in a range of lengths, widths, and materials. Just make sure that the combination is not too heavy; the necklaces shouldn't weigh too heavily on your neck or chest, otherwise you'll experience aches only a few hours after wearing them. When going for such an unusual mix, it's usually better to wear a simpler top, like a solid-color tee or a non-fussy sweater, that doesn't compete with your necklaces for attention.

Wear peals in the day: Challenge convention! Flaunt your pearls at non-evening occasions, too! Pearls aren't just for galas and other black tie events. Wear pearls with jeans, if you dare. The look is great for picnics, casual parties, strolls in the park, and equally light-hearted affairs.

Wear pearls and just pearls: Try this tip for an effortless look. You don't need the flashy earrings or the giant cocktail ring. Leave the diamonds in your jewelry box. Don't you feel lighter and more at ease now? Looking and feeling relaxed always makes you look and feel younger.