Ready to upgrade your Winter 25/26 wardrobe? Discover how pearls, from dainty strands to oversized statement beads, are being layered over cozy sweaters for a fresh, modern twist, with celebrity inspiration and runway-backed trends to copy this season.
Winter dressing used to mean choosing warmth over wow. Not anymore. For Winter 25/26, designers and stylists are pairing the unexpected, pearls, with the ultra-comfortable sweater, turning classic knitwear into a canvas for jewellery and creative layering. The result is a look that’s equal parts cosy, polished, and now very of-the-moment. ELLE
Why pearls and sweaters work (and why fashion loves the combo)
Pearls have been undergoing a full-on renaissance: chunky pearls, pearl-embellished bags, and pearl-as-trim have dominated recent runways, reimagining the gem as playful and boundary-pushing rather than strictly classic or conservative. That renaissance makes pearls a natural partner for sweaters, the hard/soft contrast (hard lustre against soft knit) is visually rich and instantly elevates simple pieces. ELLE
Runway shows for Fall/Winter 25/26 reinforced this push toward maximal details and tactile contrasts. From oversize jewelry to embellished outerwear and collars, the season’s mood encourages mixing statement accessories with practical staples like turtlenecks and cardigans. Numéro
Celebrity moments: real people doing pearls + knitwear
Celebrities have been essential in bringing pearls off the runway and into everyday wardrobes. Big moments, including red-carpet gowns adorned with thousands of pearls and street-style stars wearing single pearl earrings with sweaters and tailoring, have normalised pearls as a casual-chic option. Lupita Nyong’o’s couture Chanel look encrusted with pearls at the 2025 Oscars was a dramatic reminder that pearls can be both couture and conversational.
On the more wearable end of the scale, style icons like Harry Styles have popularised the single-pearl earring and layered necklaces that read modern rather than matronly, a great reference point for adding subtle pearl details to knitwear.
How to style pearls with sweaters this Winter 25/26
Want that magazine-ready, street-style-approved look? Try one of these approaches:
Layered necklaces over a crewneck sweater — Use one or two delicate pearl strands with a longer chain for balance. Works best with solid-color knits to keep the focus on the jewelry. (Tip: Play with scale — a small pearl choker + longer beaded chain looks current.)
Statement single pearl earring or pair with a relaxed turtleneck — One dangling pearl earring peeking out from under a high neck is subtle but striking. This is an easy way to nod to the trend without committing to head-to-toe beading.
Pearl-embellished sweaters — If you love maximal touches, choose sweaters with sewn-on pearls at shoulders, collars, or cuffs. This merges accessory and garment into one cohesive statement — a runway-ready idea that’s trickling into mainstream collections. Byrdie
Mix textures: chunky knit + oversized pearls — Pair chunky, relaxed knits with big, bold pearls (think oversized chains or pendants with pearl details). The scale contrast is on-trend for FW25/26 and reads fearless. ELLE+1
Outfit formulas to try
Weekend coffee run: Boxy cashmere sweater + mom jeans + single pearl drop earring + loafers.
Office update: Fitted ribbed turtleneck + tailored wide-leg trousers + layered pearl necklaces + blazer draped over shoulders.
Evening: Pearl-embellished cardigan buttoned over a slip dress, or a crewneck knit with a chunky pearl collar necklace.
Shopping and sustainability notes
This season you’ll find pearls in unexpected places: vintage pearl pieces repurposed into modern chains, pearl-accented sweaters in high-street collections, and couture interpretations on the red carpet. If sustainability matters to you, consider cultured or recycled-pearl jewellery and secondhand knitwear, both add unique character and a smaller fashion footprint.
Final styling mindset: a modern twist, not a costume
The key to nailing pearls with sweaters for Winter 25/26 is intention. Choose one focal pearl element and build around it, don’t try to recreate a runway look exactly. Whether you’re inspired by Lupita’s dramatic pearl moment or Harry Styles’ gender-fluid pearled accessories, the goal is to make pearls feel personal and wearable. When paired thoughtfully with knitwear, pearls make winter outfits feel edited, modern, and unexpectedly chic.
