For occasion dressing, start with the neckline and mood of the garment. Minimal dresses can carry more shape, while textured clothing often benefits from a cleaner, more luminous earring.
Pearl accents work especially well when the rest of the look is matte: silk crepe, fine knit, black tailoring, or soft suiting. Woven metal adds detail without requiring extra color.
Choose the pair that gives the outfit one clear focal point, then let everything else stay quiet.