On January 20th, women everywhere put on their pearls in solidarity with Kamala Harris, the first woman inaugurated as Vice President of the United States. Basically, pearls are to Kamala Harris as a lace collar is to RBG. By now you probably know the story behind why Kamala Harris wears pearls to almost every significant event in her career. As a graduate of Howard University and a member of the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, which was founded at her alma mater, the founding members, known as the 20 Pearls, reflect her choice to wear pearls as a way to honor her affiliation with this sorority.
Harris’ choice to wear the pearls by jewelry designer Wilfredo Rosado was also significant. Like Harris, Rosado is the son of immigrant parents. The design of Australian South Sea pearls within large oval 18k gold links, accented with sparkling diamonds at regular intervals signifies the “theme of strength, combined with softness and a bit of glamour,” according to Rosado.
Pearls never did or will go out of style but Kamala Harris certainly has ignited many women to break out their pearls or shop for styles. Pearl necklaces expand way past the classic strand. Here are five looks using different pearl necklaces. And be sure to shop for more styles at the end of this post.
MODERN WAYS TO WEAR PEARLS
For a simple finish to this basic zip-up-and-go dress by BOSS, I added this triple pearl pendant by Poppy Finch which is a nice alternative and simplified version of a classic strand. I finished the look with beige pumps by Marc Fisher.
Outfit #2
You can embrace various ways, including pearls in a variety of colors and with a variety of stones. This Chan Luu multi-stone necklace is comprised of stones like abalone shell, labradorite, silver jasper, and rutilated quartz in addition to peacock pearls and green pearls. I styled this necklace with a camel blazer from J. Crew, Akris Punto black pants, a grey basic cashmere sweater from White & Warren, and cognac block heel pumps.
Outfit #3
Freshwater pearls have less of a uniform appearance and can add some variety to your pearl jewelry. This double freshwater pearl necklace from Jennifer Behr has a more modern appearance in design and is perfect for someone who enjoys pearls but doesn’t like a traditional look in their necklaces. I styled it with a satin t-shirt style from Club Monaco under a grey cashmere cardigan from Saks Fifth Avenue and the same Akris Punto pants in black. I further finished the look with black booties from Louise et Cie.
Outfit #4
This simple pearl pendant from Anna Beck perfectly fills in the neckline of this bottle green satiny blouse from Mango. A style like this is perfect when you want a light touch of a finish at the neckline. I styled the top with wide-leg trousers from Cos and use the same beige pumps as used in the first look.
Outfit #5
Pearls can be the stars or they can be the background players. In this look, the pearls delicately accent the asymmetrical links in this necklace from Majorica. I added this necklace as a neckline filler for this wrap shirtdress from Winser and finished the outfit with the same cognac pumps as in the first look.
Shop for pearls
Looking for more pearl necklaces? Check out these additional styles.
Oh, how I LOVE this post! I have always loved pearls (partly because the pearl is a June birthstone). I still have the pearl-and-sterling-silver set of necklace/earrings my parents gave me for my 16th birthday, the string of pearls my husband gave me for my 30th birthday, and the gorgeous freshwater pearl necklace and bracelet he gave me for our 40th wedding anniversary. I am inspired by your modern choices and styling ideas!
You got a good birthstone. Mine is garnett which is meh. I don’t get why January gets so many bland things. Our flower is a carnation. A carnation??? That’s a filler flower. You would think if we’re the first month of the year we’d get first pick.
I am happy to know you found the post inspiring! Enjoy your pearl accessorized looks.
I love pearls but think my plain strings tend to make me look dated. I have tried to add another necklace in an attempt to update the look and that helps, but still they don’t come close to the pictures you show which tend to incorporate a few pearls as part of the overall modern design. My daughter looks good with them and I think they would look great on a woman with an eclectic style. Maybe as pearls become more popular, my strings will look fresh again….or maybe I should just chuck the June Cleaver, Barbara Bush images out of my head and just wear them!
Yea, I’m not much of a pearls person so I get it. A basic string of pearls often reminds me of Wilma Flintstone and most definitely June Cleaver or Barbara Bush. My mom keeps saying she is going to will her set to me and I keep telling her to give them to my sister instead. I do like freshwater pearls, I guess because they aren’t so uniform and, to me, boring. Don’t force yourself to wear pearls. I don’t own any and don’t plan on getting any either, although I did love that necklace in look 3.