There's no question that pearls are a timeless accessory in every girl's jewelry box. The question, however, is whether a girl can wear pearls without looking Queen Elizabeth. In other words, does a strand of pearls scream "matronly?"

According to Teri Agins, fashion reporter for the Wall Street Journal, answers that there are ways to update the classic look of pearls, which went from "First Lady" and matronly to fashionable and modern in the late 1990s. The way to do it is to layer single strands, particularly longer ones, with other necklaces made of other materials like chains, beads, and stones. And of course, there are no more rules anymore about matching earrings to necklaces. If you're wearing pearls, you don't have to wear pearl earrings.