The Real Chic Life

Lately, as many of us navigate tough and uncertain times, I’ve been reminding myself how essential rest and self-care truly are. Burnout doesn’t always come from doing too much — sometimes it comes from never giving ourselves permission to pause. Small rituals matter. Something as simple as a comfort show, a cozy evening at home, or indulging in beauty and fashion inspiration can be a gentle reset for the mind and spirit.

Tonight, I’ll be settling in to watch the Season 4 premiere of Bridgerton on Netflix, dreaming of Regency romance, ornate gowns, and of course… gorgeous jewels. Just take a look at Pandora’s Bridgerton inspired collection to see what I mean. Pearls are the perfect bridge between period drama fantasy and real-life wearability — refined enough for a ball, but versatile enough for everyday outfits. Long associated with elegance, refinement, and timeless beauty, pearls are officially back in the fashion spotlight — and this season, they feel more modern, versatile, and wearable than ever. Let’s talk about how to style pearls for winter and early spring, with a little Bridgerton energy woven in (click the photos to shop).

Pearls Are Having a Moment — Again

Once considered traditional or even old-fashioned, pearls have been reimagined by designers and style icons alike. From runway collections to street style, pearls are showing up in fresh, bold, and unexpected ways — layered, oversized, baroque, mixed with chains, and paired with modern silhouettes.

This revival mirrors the romantic, aristocratic aesthetic of Bridgerton, where pearls symbolize grace, femininity, and social status — but today, they’re just as much about personal style and modern edge.

Winter Pearl Styling: Elegant Meets Cozy

In winter, pearls add softness and polish to heavier fabrics and layered outfits.

How to wear pearls in winter:

Over knits: Layer a pearl strand over chunky sweaters or turtlenecks to elevate cozy basics.

With tailored outerwear: Pair pearl earrings or a choker with wool coats, blazers, and longline trenches.

Mixed with metals: Combine pearls with gold or silver chains for a contemporary, fashion-forward feel.

Statement pearl accessories: Try pearl-embellished headbands, brooches, handbags, or hair clips for subtle glam.

Bridgerton vibe: Think refined, regal, and softly dramatic — pearls paired with velvets, satins, and rich jewel tones feel especially on-theme.

As the weather begins to soften in the coming months, pearls transition beautifully into lighter, more romantic looks.

How to wear pearls in early spring:

With florals & pastels: Pair delicate pearl jewelry with soft pinks, lavenders, blues, and floral prints.

Layered necklaces: Stack pearl chokers with longer pendants for a modern, styled look.

Pearls with denim: Dress up casual outfits like jeans and blazers with pearl studs or layered strands.

Minimal & modern: Opt for sleek pearl studs, drop earrings, or single-pearl pendants for an effortless vibe.

Bridgerton vibe: Soft, airy, romantic — pearls styled with flowing fabrics, ruffles, and feminine silhouettes feel straight out of a Regency dream.

Modern Ways to Wear Pearls (Without Feeling Traditional)

If classic pearl strands feel too formal, try these updated takes:

• Baroque or irregular pearls for an organic, fashion-forward look
• Pearl chokers with edgy outfits (leather jackets, blazers, graphic tees)
• Mixed-material jewelry: pearls + chains, pearls + charms, pearls + crystals
• Pearl-accented shoes, cardigans, or statement tops
• The key is contrast — mixing timeless pearls with modern textures keeps the look fresh and current.

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Pearls may be centuries old, but their style evolution proves they’re anything but outdated. Whether you’re layering them over a winter knit, pairing them with spring florals later, or channeling your inner Bridgerton muse, pearls are a timeless way to add romance, elegance, and individuality to your look.

Xo, Courtney