Why Converse Chuck Taylors and pearls are everywhere (again)

Sometimes it can feel like social media trends fall right out of a coconut tree, but as Vice President Kamala Harris would say, they “exist in the context of all in which [we] live and what came before [us].” The resurgence of the Chucks and Pearls trend is a great example.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because it should. It first made a splash around Inauguration Day in 2021 when Kamala Harris became the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to be elected Vice President. In honor of her signature style—a pair of Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers and a pearl necklace—women around the country donned these two accessories to celebrate the historic moment.

When Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race this week, Harris was suddenly thrust back into the national spotlight as she quickly became the favorite for the Democratic nomination for president. At once, years' worth of Harris-related memes and content collided across the internet. From coconut trees to Brat references, social media users have quickly become Harris-obsessed. If you want to get in on the fun, the Chucks and Pearls trend is a great place to start.

The meaning behind the Chucks and Pearls trend

Why does Kamala Harris wear pearls so often?

While pearls have long been a staple accessory for prominent public figures, Harris’ pearls have a little extra meaning behind them. She first started wearing pearls back in college when she attended Howard University and joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority (the oldest historically Black sorority in the country). Pearls were a prominent icon within AKA, and membership badges often included twenty pearls. According to Glenda Glover, former international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated,, AKA’s pearls are meant to represent “refinement and wisdom.”

What about the Chucks?

The reason that Harris wears Converse’s iconic sneakers is simple—she likes them. The comfortable footwear is well-suited for a campaign trail full of travel, walking, and standing, and the casual feel helps Harris have a more down-to-earth vibe. While Harris certainly can and does sport fancier footwear on a regular basis, her Chuck Taylor All Stars (or “Chucks” as they’re affectionately known) became a staple part of her look during her campaign with President Biden in 2020. She even wore them when she was featured on the cover of Vogue.

Why are we talking about a politician’s fashion choices?

What we choose to wear can make a powerful statement and has been a part of social and political movements for a very long time. While it’s true that women tend to be unfairly criticized for their clothing choices, they also have a storied history of using fashion to make a point. For instance, wearing white has been a signal of women’s rights since the suffragette movement, and has been used by politicians to show support as recently as this year.

Harris’ fans also aren’t the only ones using their clothing to show their support during the 2024 election cycle. The Republican nominee, Donald Trump, has long sported a red ballcap reading “Make America Great Again” as part of his campaign, and the look has become a symbol of his presidency and politics.

Shop the Chucks and Pearls trend

A note of caution around the trend

You might see some Black women pairing this trend with the colors pink and green. While anyone can certainly join the chucks and pearls trend as a visual sign of support for Harris, it is courtesy for those who aren’t a part of the AKA sorority to avoid these additions. The combination of pink and green—as well as the ivy leaf—are symbols from AKA and should be reserved for those who are a part of the sorority.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneaker

While these iconic sneakers are available in multiple different color designs, the white and black are what Harris is most known for. The classic colors are easy to match with any outfit and will have a long life well after the election is over. Plus, for those with an artistic side, converse are famous for making the perfect canvas for painting a custom design.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Top Sneaker

For those who prefer a higher rise around their ankle, these Hi Tops are an outstanding choice. With the highly recognizable Converse design, they still fit the “chucks and pearls” trend well and are even sometimes sported by the Vice President herself.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Platform Sneaker

If you want a little added height with your kicks, you can't go wrong with the platform version of the classic Chuck Taylor sneakers. The platform sole gives you an added 1.5 inches of height without sacrificing foot comfort.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneaker

Fans of Converse High Tops will be pleased to know that the platform design is also available in a high-top version. Style these with skinny jeans and a blazer for a Kamala-inspired vibe, or throw it on with any casual look for an easygoing vibe.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70 High Top Sneaker

If you need a larger shoe size, Chucks also come in men's shoe sizes, and these stylish sneakers come in ten bold colors. Opt for something neutral and versatile like gray, black, or white for every day, and then grab a pair in green or royal blue when you want to make a style statement. These shoes are classic without being boring.

Converse Custom Chuck Taylor All Star By You

If you love the idea of personalizing your look but aren’t feeling that confident in your painting or sewing skills, Converse has you covered. Its customizable Chucks are fun and easy to personalize with your choice in color, patterns, placement, embroidery details, and words. Pick everything down to the last detail for a product that will truly be one-of-a-kind.

Converse Chuck Taylor Low Top Sneaker (Baby, Toddler)

Who said that grown-ups get to have all the fun? With Chucks in baby and toddlers sizes, even your kids, nieces, nephews, and friends kids can get in on the Chucks and Pearls trend.

Babeyond Round Imitation Pearl Necklace Wedding Pearl Necklace

This simple strand of pearls is an easy (and affordable) way to wear the Chucks and Pearls trend. The budget-friendly necklace has over 8,000 glowing reviews on Amazon currently, with some fans saying that it's built well, while others say it's only suited for a one-time wear.

Gold Pearl Necklace

To nail Kamala Harris' iconic gold pearl necklace look, reach for this wallet-friendly take from Amazon's Trinckle Store. Best of all, the stylish option rings in at just $10 with an exclusive discount.

P. Blake Pearl Necklace 8mm White Pearl Choker

While the original Chucks and Pearls trend was primarily a way for women to celebrate the first female Vice President, this trend can easily transcend gender. Whether you’re a man, woman, somewhere in-between, or none-of-the-above, a simple pearl strand is a timeless piece that is well worthwhile to have at hand. Plus, the affordable price that comes along with faux pearls makes this pick accessible to just about everyone.

Nordstrom Graduated Imitation Pearl Necklace

Graduated pearls increase in size as you can see in the center of this luxurious strand of pearls available from Nordstrom. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a great place to save on all of your fashion essentials, and right now you can save on this necklace with this exclusive deal.

Coco Necklace from ByChari

This piece is offered in three different lengths and is the perfect addition to any outfit. It evokes a similar feeling to Harris’ favorite style while adding a trendier touch with its baroque pearls and less uniform layout. Shop styles from this Black-owned, woman-owned business to complete your Pearls and Chucks look.

The Pearl Source Tahitian Pearl Baroque Necklace

Though pearls likely bring to mind the most common white variety, the beautiful black color of Tahitian Cultured pearls is an absolute showstopper. While these rarer pearls may run a little more expensive than their more common cousins, they’re well worth the splurge for those who can afford them.

Mateo New York 16” Baroque Pearl Strand Necklace

If you’d like to add a little twist to the Pearls and Chucks look, this necklace from Mateo New York is a great way to do so. Its baroque pearls add visual interest and a unique feeling to each necklace, helping you stand out while joining the trend. This strand is from a Black-owned business and features a lobster lock clasp.

Irene Neuwirth One of a Kind Gumball Link Necklace

If you’re hoping to find a necklace that’s as similar to Harris’ as possible, consider this Irene Neuwirth gumball link necklace. This style is a favorite of the Vice President’s, as she’s worn a similar piece from this designer for moments like her official White House portrait. This high-quality addition from a woman-owned business is sure to become an instant family heirloom.