7 Ways to Wear Pearls and Look Cool (Not Fussy)

Whether they dotted earlobes or were worn at the neck, it was about time for pearls to be taken out of their classic ladylike element. Take it from Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci, who upped the ante on the look yesterday combining macabre influences of Victorian mourning traditions and California’s Chola culture. His were sprinkled on the face amid slicked-back Josephine Baker–style kiss curls, some in lieu of tattoo teardrops.

British designer Stella McCartney put her spin on the classic single strand, swiveling and curving the pearl into an asymmetrically looped necklace. Not a bad way to put a little attitude into the jewelry box in our opinion.

So why not get a head start on the look right now—with these seven non-traditional pearls, the world’s your oyster.