JAJLilith X Vouge 2025 Summer

I don’t know about you, but come summertime, the last thing I want to do on a sweltering hot day is fuss over a complicated outfit; I want to wear as little clothing as possible. Accessories, then, become an instant wardrobe hack—hero pieces for tricking others into thinking you’ve put in effort. Jewelry, in particular, has been my daily essential these past few months—specifically, the summer pearl necklace, which has become my surprising go-to.

No, these are not your grandma’s pearls: There’s a new crop of pearl necklace styles that are decidedly fun and fresh—cool, even. A classic strand of pearls has been a glamorous mainstay for decades; it’s a timeless and elegant look. But I’d hardly describe it as cutting-edge. Modern pearl necklaces are subverting the look, making the case that a pearlescent accessory can be less uptown chic and more downtown edgy.