From Runways to Street Style, Pearls Are The ‘IT’ Accessory For Celebs In 2026
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Luxury brands like Vaquera, Chanel, Givenchy, and many more used pearls for several accessories and outfits as well.
Ananya Panday and Janhvi Kapoor rock their pearl looks
Pearls are no longer just heirloom pieces reserved for weddings or classic looks. The stone took over runways in 2025, and in 2026, they have surged back into mainstream fashion with surprising force. Not just runways, celebs alike embraced the trend. Alia Bhatt wore a pearl-studded dress for the Met Gala 2025. Ananya Panday also wore a dress from Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s ‘Pearl’ collection.
Luxury brands like Vaquera, Chanel, Givenchy, and many more used pearls for several accessories and outfits as well. What once seemed like something your grandmother might have treasured is now firmly in the spotlight. From delicate strands to bold, modern interpretations, pearls are being worn in more creative and contemporary ways than ever before.
Pearls take over runways
Designers and fashion houses are embracing the trend wholeheartedly. Recent collections featured oversized pearl accents on dresses, chunky pearl bracelets stacked with beads and chains, and even pearl-adorned boots and belts. What makes this revival interesting is how designers are blending the timeless elegance of pearls with gritty, modern elements, such as pearls woven into leather or paired with edgy denim.
Historically, pearls were once a rare gemstone due to their scarcity hence, pearls are always associated with “old money.” Pearls are not just for special occasions anymore. Fashion editors have pointed out that the new wave of pearl accessories works just as well with everyday outfits. A simple strand can elevate a basic sweater, while chunky pearl earrings can make even a laid-back jeans-and-shirt combo feel polished. The versatility is part of what has made them so compelling this year.
Experts take on the return of Pearls
Andreas Kronthaler, creative director of Vivienne Westwood, told Elle Magazine, “There’s nothing more flattering than pearls.” He added, “They play with the whites of your eyes and teeth; pearls really talk to you. And they work on everybody, from young to old, women and men, everyone. You can wear them all the time—it’s one of the few things you can. You can even wear them for breakfast.”
Social media has played a big role, too. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, users are sharing styling tips and videos on how to incorporate pearl jewellery into both formal and casual looks. Many fans love how pearls can soften edgier outfits or add a touch of sophistication to streetwear.
Experts say the resurgence speaks to a broader fashion cycle where classic elements are reinterpreted for modern taste. Pearls represent a kind of quiet elegance that feels fresh again because they’re being worn without rules, stacked, layered, and mixed with unexpected pieces. As 2026 gets underway, pearls look set to stay relevant in wardrobes everywhere, proving that traditional jewellery can be forward-thinking too.
January 10, 2026, 18:01 IST
