I Took the Charm-Jewelry Trend to the Hamptons—Here’s How I Styled It

Playful pearls and nostalgic motifs added an unexpected sense of whimsy to every look in my weekend suitcase.

Lauren Tappan wearing Pandora jewelry, a picture of a sunset, a picture of a lighthouse
(Image credit: Lauren Tappan)

When crafted intentionally, even the smallest pieces of jewelry can become a portal into a whole new imaginative world. Pandora understands this concept better than most, and its latest collection, Pandora Wonders, is a true testament to that vision.

Co-created with British stylist Harry Lambert, this limited-edition assortment of eleven freshwater baroque pearl charms conveys a narrative of playful escapism. Handset by expert artisans and finished with 14K gold-plated details, the styles evoke powerful nostalgia—from an ice cream cone reminiscent of sweet boardwalk treats to pufferfish motifs that call to mind the briny scent of the ocean.

“I’m such a fan of pearls, so I’m so thrilled to bring a renewed sense of childlike delight and nostalgia to Pandora’s unique world of charms, signatures which already have such a place in so many people’s hearts,” says Lambert.

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This past weekend, I had the opportunity to explore Lambert’s work and celebrate the collection launch at the Montauk Beach House. While personalizing my necklaces, bracelets, and earrings with quirky charms, I felt suddenly transported back to my childhood summers on the shore. These endearing pieces have quickly become core staples of my warm-weather wardrobe, adding the perfect amount of whimsy to every outfit.

Below, I’m sharing how I styled these accessories during my Hamptons getaway with Pandora, and how I’ll continue to wear them throughout the season. With summer in full swing, it’s an ideal time to indulge in these fun styles for yourself, too.

Nineties Nostalgia

collage of lauren tappan wearing pandora jewelry

Pro tip: coordinate the color of your necklace with the rest of your outfit.

(Image credit: Lauren Tappan)

If you haven’t yet heard, ‘90s-inspired cord necklaces have been trending across the fashion set. So, of course I had to try the vintage look for myself with Pandora’s version. I treated the brand’s Talisman necklace as a blank canvas, decorating it with a mini submarine charm and an adorable crab pendant. Then I added cobalt-colored beads that matched my cool blue button-down top. I completed my outfit with minimalist staples: a black tank top, white linen trousers, and sleek leather sandals.

Sardine Summer

collage of lauren tappan wearing pandora jewelry

Sea creatures can indeed look chic. Here's proof.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Who knew that fish jewelry would become a coveted accessory trend? I, for one, can’t seem to get enough of the nautical look. For a day of shopping on Montauk’s Main Street, I styled Pandora’s Sardine Fish Charm with its Squid Dangle Charm. Strung along a shimmering chain necklace, these pendants instantly elevated my relaxed cardigan and striped drawstring pants.

To enhance things even further, I slipped on a two-tone ring and a chain bracelet (I chose the gold option, but Pandora also offers a stunning blue alternative for a vibrant pop of color).

Back to Basics

collage of lauren tappan wearing pandora jewelry

Looking for a low-effort, high-reward outfit? Consider this uncomplicated combination.

(Image credit: Lauren Tappan)

I’ve always been a “less is more” type of gal. For this outfit, I channeled my inner minimalist with a gold rolo chain and a subtle dangle charm. I applied this same pared-down philosophy to the rest of my ensemble, opting for a simple tube top and a pair of blue bottoms that felt oh-so beachy.

Star of the Show

collage of lauren tappan wearing pandora jewelry

Here, I allowed my bold jewelry to do the talking, while keeping the rest of my look straightforward.

(Image credit: Lauren Tappan)

Adorned with a spotted starfish and tiny gold heart embellishments, this bold necklace became the focal point of my coastal-chic outfit. Since it’s such a statement-making piece, I finished off the look with laid-back separates, including a butter yellow button-down, a scoop-neck tank, and tailored trousers. This easygoing outfit formula carried me through brunch outings, casual coffee runs, and everything in between.

Late-Night Elegance

collage of lauren tappan wearing pandora jewelry

A black maxi dress and polished jewels will do the trick every time.

(Image credit: Lauren Tapan)

While in Montauk, the Pandora team treated us to a lovely dinner at Alba Spiaggia. For the fancy occasion, I decided to take things up a notch with my jewelry. I kept on my starfish necklace, but added a bold bracelet, dazzling earrings, and an eye-catching ring. In doing so, my look felt less beach-ready and more dinner-appropriate.

Part of the beauty of the Pandora Wonders collection is that it’s the first of many. Each annual edition will explore a distinct material in collaboration with visionary tastemakers. I’m beyond excited to style next year’s installment, but until then, I’ll be wearing my playful pearls all summer long.

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Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.