It’s all thanks to one detail.
Pearls have long been associated with elegance and charm—why else would original It girls such as Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe don the sophisticated gemstone? Even 2023 Met Gala attendees couldn’t get enough of the trend and Kate Middleton might as well be the poster child for the look. But pairing pearls with sweatpants? Now, that’s something new—but Sarah Jessica Parker managed to pull it off.
Seen on the set of And Just Like That…, Parker wore an oversized button-up shirt (aka one of my go-to essentials), comfortable split-seam sweatpants, and carried a self-branded tote. She pulled back her golden tresses with a large flower clip and tied the look together with a pair of kitten heels that featured one detail that caught my eye.
Betsey Johnson Zane Mule
Orig. $119 $80 at Dsw.com
Dolce Vita Kanika Pointed-Toe Pump
$135 at Nordstrom
The shoes featured a walkable heel, round toe, front bow, and—wait for it—a chic, pearl-lined strap. The white beads instantly elevated her casual look, surprisingly combining two contrasting styles with ease.
Similar unassuming footwear silhouettes aren’t loud or obnoxious, either. Still, they command attention thanks to the simple femininity they add to any ensemble. Plus, the timeless nature of the trend will have you wearing lookalike versions (such as the Betsey Johnson Zane Mule or Dolce Vita Kanika Pointed-Toe Pump) for years to come. Don’t be surprised if your grandma, mom, or daughter want in on the look, too.
But don’t get it twisted; you don’t have to wear heels to rock the elegant style. The secret is securing a pair of shoes that A) you feel comfortable in and B) boast a pearl-adorned detail. Anne Klein offers a comfy wedged silhouette, while Stuart Weitzman sprinkles the trend onto its popular ballet flat. Whether you opt for a heel or not, you can dress the Parker-inspired footwear up or down just the same.
Shop more pearl-adorned shoes, below, including sandals, wedges, heels, and flats.
Get the Look:
Anne Klein Brynn Wedge Sandal
Shop now: $62 (Originally $89); amazon.com
Dolce Vita Tinker Block-Heel Sandal
Shop now: $135; nordstrom.com
Badgley Mischka Collection Loretta Imitation Pearl Ankle-Strap Heel
Shop now: $150 (Originally $255); nordstrom.com
Steve Madden Knicky Flat Sandal
Shop now: $57 (Originally $80); amazon.com
Dolce Vita Lucca Imitation Pearl Flip Flop
Shop now: $70; nordstrom.com
Stuart Weitzman Goldie Ballet Flat
Shop now: $315 (Originally $450); nordstrom.com
Jeffrey Campbell Pearl Kitten Heel
Shop now: $165; anthropologie.com
Monrovia Gladiator Sandal
Shop now: $37 with coupon (Originally $39); amazon.com