Ever since the 1930s when fashion designer Coco Chanel famously layered heaping strands of faux pearls around her neck and shoulders, the sophisticated gem has been synonymous with the French. While classic pearls have ridden waves of being in and out of the fashion spotlight, we can say with confidence that 2019 is undeniably the year of the pearl. The fashion crowd has been donning them all over Instagram—from stylistic pearl earrings to pearls emblazoned on fitted cardigans and trending hair clips snapped nonchalantly into undone hair. Pearls made an unmistakable appearance all over the S/S 19 runways too. There were statement single earrings at Oscar de la Renta and pearl belts and iconic layered necklaces that got a modern touch at Chanel.
Loved by first ladies, royalty (Kate Middleton is a fan), and style icon Carrie Bradshaw, pearls undoubtedly add a touch of elegance to any outfit. Scroll below to see how French women are giving them a modern touch and adding the gem to their outfits this season.
The cool new way French women wear their pearls? Embellished as buttons on fitted cardigans. This charming cardigan sweater by Musier is a favorite among the style set.
Is there anything chicer than pearls embellished on black mules? The French are into it—and so are we.
Trending pearl earrings add the perfect finishing touch to an effortlessly chic outfit.
Pearl bags have been seen hanging on the arms of our favorite French fashion girls for some time now, and they're undoubtedly the accessory of choice for more casual outfits.
French girls love layering pearl hair clips into their (envy-inducing) undone hair. It's an easy way to jazz up an outfit without trying too hard.
Replace your dainty, round-pearl necklaces with chunky statement ones instead.
Layered Chanel necklaces are practically a French fashion staple. Will they ever go out of style? Mais non.
Pearl belts are an easy way to add interest to a clean and simple monochrome outfit.
Pearls of all different shapes and sizes with special detailing are preferred to cookie-cutter round pearls.
Just add cropped jeans, black heels, and a tweed Chanel bag, and you're practically French.
The French don't tend to "dress up" for a night out as much as Americans do, but they spruce up outfits with accessories like long-string pearl earrings (preferably worn in just one ear à la Caroline de Maigret).
Say oui to embellished pearl cardigans in neutral hues.
Navy blue is a perennial French-girl favorite.
Channel your inner Chanel in a tweed-and-pearl embellished jacket. Très chic.
Up next, under-$200 jewelry that looks triple the price.
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