In early January, Hope Aloaye inspired thousands of women to wear pearls with her Facebook group ‘Wear Pearls on January 20, 2021’. This date was the historic American Inauguration Day where President Biden was sworn in, more importantly where Kamala Harris – the first female vice-president, the first woman of colour and Asian decent who achieved such a position in office – was sworn in. Wearing of course her signature pearls, just as she did “when she graduated Howard University, was sworn into Congress, grilled Brett Kavanaugh, debated Vice President Mike Pence and as she received her Covid-19 vaccine” notes Alyson Krueger of the New York Times. Across America, and no doubt across the world, pearls were worn on January 20, 2021 to honour and stand in solidarity with Madam VP Kamala Harris.
Kamala Harris on her graduation day via her Twitter
Pearls have long been a symbol of sophistication and purity of heart, but today the feminine pearl is imbued with so much more. It’s a sign of sisterhood, of women stronger than we’ve ever been before. Gone are the days when pearls were just your grandmother’s staple, here’s how to wear them in 2021:
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- If you’re buying new keep your eye on shape and texture. Celebrate the uniqueness of pearls by sticking to natural forms like the popular baroque pearl.
- Layer up! Pair your necklace with simple chains, especially the mod chain link which gives a little edge. However, make sure your pearls are still the statement piece so you don’t overwhelm your look.
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- Pay attention to your neckline and ensure your necklace plays into it, rather than fights against it.
- Add touches of pearls in practical places – like on a hair clip, an aliceband for a bit of dress-up drama, or replace your blow’s buttons with chunky pearls.
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- Create a statement ‘Girl With a Pearl Earring’ moment with a bold drop pearl earring. Scrape hair away from your face for a formal look, or keep hair tousled so your statement pearls peek casually in and out of view.
- If you want to make use of grandma’s heirloom pearls, try wearing them in a choker style for a modern take on the classic look.
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TOP TIP: Use a soft, damp cloth to lightly wipe your pearls after you have worn them. And be careful not to let them come into contact with perfume and chemicals, as this can damage them.
PS. Take it in your stride if you see your hip teenage son sporting a pearl choker or drop earring too. Harry Styles has made femininity on men incredibly attractive again, especially with a pearl or two as evidenced in his ‘Golden’ music video.
