Kamala Harris [1] keeps it real when it comes to her outfits. We all know politicians are scrutinized for the messages they convey through their clothing, but Kamala's look isn't complicated. She wears Converse sneakers [2] when she wants to because they're functional and comfortable, and they allow her to move quickly and get sh*t done when she's on the campaign trail. She paints a bold backdrop behind the messages she delivers in her power colours [3]. And it appears she wears sensible pearls, too, just because she likes them. Of course, the necklace is timeless, and a sophisticated choice at that, when the majority of Harris's wardrobe falls into the workwear category.
But Kamala doesn't just stick to one strand of pearls. She has curated an impressive collection over the years — starting with the elegant choker she wore for her Howard University graduation photo in 1986. Harris has shared this image across her social platforms, causing many people to make the connection to her personal style. By making the pearl necklace a seamless part of her uniform, and swapping out her favourite iterations depending on her outfit, she's not just participating in fashion or acknowledging trends, she's defining her authentic taste.
Whatever reason pearls are special to Kamala, she clearly treasures them. Most importantly, she wears them in a way that's relatable — throwing them on when they look good or flow with the rest of her ensemble, but do not necessarily stand out to make an intentional statement. Maybe that's why we keep our eyes peeled for them whenever she steps out to make a speech or greet a crowd — Kamala's pearls are also a beautiful sign of comfort.
In October 2008, Kamala accessorised a charcoal suit with shimmering black pearls for a press conference in California, where she's from.
Kamala stood for a portrait as District Attorney for San Francisco in April 2009, coordinating gold-rimmed pearl stud earrings with a double strand of pearls and a fresh pink pinstripe blazer.
In July 2012, Kamala performed her duty as California Attorney General in an ivory cable knit tube top and sophisticated black blazer with her double strand of pearls.
Kamala wore white at the DNC in 2012, which officially nominated Barack Obama as the presidential candidate for the second time. She needed little more than her trusty pearls to complete this ivory pantsuit that came with marble buttons.
Taking a turn back to her darker set of pearls, Kamala played up the black accents of her tweed blazer, pressing her collar just enough to put her jewellery on display in Washington, DC in 2017.
Kamala Harris [5] meant business as Senator at the U.S. Capitol in May 2017, coordinating her pearls with a sleek, fitted tank top underneath her cross-stitch salt-and-pepper pantsuit.
june 29, 2017
Senator Harris arrived for a meeting in Washington, DC in June 2017 in a satin embroidered tank, pearls, and a black pantsuit, armed with her coffee cup.
Kamala showed off a modern gold strand of pearls at the Blue Jamboree in North Charleston, SC in October 2019, finished more casually with dark denim and a navy blazer.
Harris double-looped this chainlink pearl necklace for a campaign event as Democratic Vice Presidential nominee in August 2020.
Kamala's September 2020 Miami campaign stop called for a fitted camel suit, the blazer worn undone, with her chainlink pearls, espadrille wedges, and a protective face mask.