Pearlcore: A Celebrity-Backed Fashion Phenomenon

Pearlcore is having a major moment in fashion. Revolutionizing the conventional perception of pearls, pearlcore reimagines the timeless jewels into bling with edgy appeal that resonates with modern aesthetics. In the world of jewelry and accessories, the pearlcore trend introduces a paradigm shift, steering away from traditional notions of pearls as exclusively feminine or formal. It transcends gender norms, encouraging everyone to embrace the pearls as a unisex fashion statement.

And with each red carpet event, more and more celebs and social media influencers are hopping on the trend. The latest celeb to do just that: Justin Timberlake, who rocked the queen of gems both on Saturday Night Live back in January and at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards in April.

Justin Timberlake on SNL: More Than a Just Musical Comeback!

Justin Timberlake made a strong comeback as he performed his new singles “Selfish” and “Sanctified” from his forthcoming LP, “Everything I Thought It Was” on Saturday Night Live on January 27, 2024. Timberlake made his first appearance in over a decade at Studio 8H at the NBC Studios in Manhattan as he was joined on stage by Tobe Nwigwe and an army of dancers. “Selfish” is Timberlake’s first solo release in over five years.

The popstar donned a casual white tank top paired with a cropped black peacoat jacket and black dress pants – but it was the bling that took the spotlight. Timberlake rocked a single white pearl strand that perfectly accented the crew neckline of the jacket.

Doubling Up on Pearls

In April, Justin was back on the pearl trend as he sported a double strand pearl necklace at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Paired with a classic gray blazer, the star looked sharp in his white pearl double strand neckpiece in front of the cameras.

The classic pearl necklace holds the status of an unequivocally sophisticated, elegant piece – yet it looked unapologetically effortless as part of a hip stage look, bouncing with every dance move. After all, this is what pearlcore is all about. Metamorphosing the classics. Reinventing them – now with an extra dose of urban appeal.

From layered pearl strands paired with casual streetwear to the now unisex pearl studs and pearl-adorned accessories, pearlcore always champions individuality and self-expression. It’s a symbol of reinvention—after all, what’s more fitting than that to accompany a much-anticipated musical comeback!

Breaking Norms: 4 Ways for Men to Slay in Pearl Necklaces

1. Add Layers

Why go small when you can double up on the bling with a two-strand neckpiece featuring round Freshwater pearls. After all, pearlcore is all about those ‘ropes and ropes of pearls’. Layer this piece with button-downs and crew necks. Or, pair it up with a tank and a classic smart-casual blazer à la Justin!

2. Juxtapose Like Justin

Pair a casual tee or tank top like Justin with an otherwise classic pearl strand featuring round white pearls. It’s a game of incongruity, an eclectic play of high and low that creates visual interest and merges contrasts effortlessly. Wear the strand on its own or layer different neckpieces at different lengths, featuring slim chains or pendants for a mix & match look that can take you from day to night.

3. Edge It Up

Divergent in bling form. Speaking of an eclectic game of contrasts, there’s no other jewelry piece that evokes the same vibe better than the half-chain, half-pearl necklace. The classic pearl mixes with chunky chain for that grunge-meets-glam fusion. Contradiction, done right. Dress it up with a button down shirt and dark denims or leather. You can take the white round pearl route or opt for dark, baroque gems for an extra dose of moody pearlcore appeal.

4. Keep It Simple – And Single!

Not ready to commit to a full strand of pearls just yet? Keep it simple and casual with a single pearl necklace on leather. It pairs well with anything from your classic white tee to a slim button down or your favorite hoodie. A versatile piece that works with everything, be it weekend attire or business-casual getups. Keep it interesting by opting for an off-round statement pearl that’s large, iridescent and dark on matching leather.