Pearls used to be associated with frumpy old ladies, but in recent years designers have taken this traditional decoration and transformed it with a contemporary look. Pearls were taken to new heights in Alexander McQueen's autumn-winter 2013 runway show (left) where lavish, opulent dresses were embroidered with thousands of teardrop pearls. Models wore pearl cages on their faces to complete the regal yet edgy look.

Bring the look into real life with pearl decorations that are either oversized or micro-sized to add texture and depth to winter coats and dresses.

But accessories are where pearls really shine. This season they run the gamut from edgy to timeless. Our favourites are Lanvin's pearl necklaces featuring medallions embellished with words like "cool" and "hot" and classic pearls à la Chanel.