Pearlcore is a fashion, beauty, and decor trend that surged in popularity in the early 2020s, centered on the prominent use of pearls. The aesthetic is defined by its modernization of the classic pearl, moving it away from its traditionally formal, preppy , or "grandmotherly" associations and recontextualizing it in more contemporary, eclectic, and often gender-neutral styles.

The trend was heavily documented on Pinterest, which noted a significant increase in searches for pearl-themed items in 2022. Pearlcore is characterized by the incorporation of pearls in all forms, from classic jewelry to iridescent accents on clothing, nail art, and home decor.

While pearls have been a symbol of elegance and status for centuries, famously championed by figures like Coco Chanel, the modern Pearlcore trend is a distinctly 2020s phenomenon. Its rise is attributed to several cultural shifts, including a renewed interest in timeless, classic pieces and the influence of the Craftcore aesthetic, which repopularized beaded and handmade jewelry.

A key driver of the trend was its adoption by prominent male celebrities, most notably Harry Styles and A$AP Rocky. Their frequent wearing of pearl necklaces played an important role in breaking down the gendered stereotypes traditionally associated with the gem, making it a staple of modern, gender-neutral fashion. The trend was also heavily featured on the runways of high-fashion designers like Simone Rocha, who is known for her consistent use of pearl embellishments and iridescent fabrics.

In fashion, the trend manifests in both jewelry and clothing embellishments. Pearl necklaces are the most iconic item, worn either as a classic single strand or, in a more contemporary styling, layered with gold or silver chains. The trend also revived interest in other forms of pearl jewelry, such as the three-row pearl choker popularized by Vivienne Westwood. Beyond jewelry, pearls are used as decorative details on clothing, such as pearl-encrusted berets, buttons on cardigans, or straps on heels. The aesthetic also embraces asymmetrical baroque pearls in avant-garde designs.

In the beauty world, Pearlcore is expressed through iridescent and pearlescent finishes. A popular trend has been the use of tiny pearl accents as facial adornments, often placed near the eyes or on the cheeks. Pearl details and iridescent polishes also became a major trend in nail art.