DressesTips and Trends | September 2, 2023
Pearls of wisdom for your wedding day: You can never go wrong with pearls. Like truly — this regal fashion staple is the perfect choice for a range of boho, romantic, vintage, and ultra-stylish wedding aesthetics, and SO simple to incorporate throughout your celebration with major payoff. To honor your chic and very of-the-moment “pearlcore: aesthetic, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about pearl wedding dress trends and how to style them. Keep scrolling!
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What is “Pearlcore?”
PC: Dewitt for Love Photography | PC: Elizabeth Austin Photography
Pearls may have been around since, well, forever but a wave of irresistible “pearlcore” trends proves they’re having a major moment in 2023. Like for real — it’s a whole vibe. There are pearls for mermaid-inspired shimmer, pearls for bold streetwear and oversized baubles, pearls for makeup, pearls for face masks…. The list of standout ways to style “pearlcore” as a head-to-toe aesthetic goes on (and on!). For example —
- Create a pearl wedding dress style: Add effortless pearl embellishments to effortless bridalwear; it’s a chic and playful juxtaposition
- Indulge in pretty details like a simple pearl ring or broach
- Channel a campy, vintage vibe with jumbo pieces and pops of color
- Pair with glowy, iridescent makeup for a gorgeous siren effect
- Indulge in heirloom-worthy accessories for your entire bridal party
These trends offer a fresh yet timeless upgrade to your ultra-romantic wedding vision. With pearls making an indelible impact on gowns, jewelry, hair pieces, and makeup this season, check out our latest collections for pearlcore wedding dress inspo!
Learn more about pearls from one of our favorite blogs focused on all things pearls!
Pearl Wedding Dress Styles
Abrienna by Maggie Sottero
We’ll start with full pearlcore fabulousness: a dazzling beaded wedding gown with exceptional tailoring. This glam yet effortless silhouette gives us “Old Hollywood” meets “modern muse.” Personalize by adding a veil, gloves, or cape!
Jonah Lane by Sottero and Midgley
Pearls add a delicate and dreamy accent to the soft bodice details on Jonah Lane. This show-stopping style is a little boho, a little princess, and 100% romantic.
To personalize this gown:
- Add covered buttons down the back for a vintage vibe
- Extra lace motif included for minor neckline alterations
Fiona by Maggie Sottero
One of our most beloved and top-reviewed pearl wedding dresses — Fiona by Maggie Sottero features a sexy bodice, unique layered lace, and gorgeous accessory options. Graceful pearls add a delicate shimmer to the illusion lace neckline.
A few ways to make Fiona your own:
- Change the glitter tulle to classic tulle
- Change the glitter tulle to sparkle tulle
- Add covered buttons down the back
- Style with the detachable long sleeves with cold-shoulder detail, sold separately
- Add the detachable train, sold separately
- Add the matching veil, sold separately
Betsy by Maggie Sottero
Sweet meets sexy in this ethereal wedding dress with pearls — a gorgeous fusion of airy details and shimmery embellishments. You can also change the glitter tulle to a chic organza; just ask your Authorized Retailer for details!
Explore more corset wedding dresses like Betsy in our trends gallery.
Shoshana by Rebecca Ingram
Opt for simple yet sophisticated with a minimalist crepe style like Shoshana by Rebecca Ingram. This silhouette is sleek, curve-enhancing, and so easy to style, and the pearl beading adds the softest touch of romantic shimmer to the bodice.
Looking for a touch of whimsy? Style pearlcore wedding dress Shoshana with the off-the-shoulder puff sleeves in 3-D layers of tulle.
Explore more glamorous strapless wedding dresses in our latest collections.
Fiorella by Sottero and Midgley
Vintage-inspired pearls and beading make a regal statement in Fiorella by Sottero and Midgley. It’s “princess perfection” with a modern, effortless twist. Here are a few ways to personalize:
- Change the glitter tulle to plain tulle
- Add pearl buttons down the back to match the pearls in the bodice
- Add a classic or over-the-top bridal veil
And of course, here are more gorgeous ballgown wedding dresses for your consideration!
Lottie by Rebecca Ingram
Simple is chic and beautiful in Lottie by Rebecca Ingram — a long, graceful fit-and-flare with a modern neckline and stunning back treatment. We love every inch of this curve-hugging silhouette and effortless crepe fabric! Pearls add the perfect shimmer to the illusion details in the back.
Positano by Sottero and Midgley
If simplicity isn’t really your thing, opt for an exquisitely beaded number like Positano by Sottero and Midgley. This high-end gown is pearlcore perfection, from the mermaid silhouette to the waves of illusion, beading, and shimmer.
To personalize this wedding dress with pearls:
- Add crystal buttons down the back
- Add the off-the-shoulder puff long sleeves with crystal button closure, sold separately
- Add the matching train, sold separately
Oriana by Maggie Sottero
An ultra-feminine A-line with lush beading and pearl details, Oriana by Maggie Sottero offers a fresh spin on a fairytale classic. This style is a little boho, a little regal, and 100% tailored and embellished to perfection.
A few ways to personalize this charming style:
- Remove the train for a more casual look
- Also available with a fully lined bodice
- Add the off-the-shoulder beaded lace cap-sleeves, sold separately
Bernadette by Maggie Sottero
If you love a romantic yet formal vibe for your big day, look to classic tailoring and dreamy nature-inspired details. Bernadette offers an elegant silhouette with unexpected lace details and pearl embellishments — it’s a modern upgrade to a truly timeless design.
Accessory options to make this pearlcore wedding dress unique to you:
- Change the sparkle tulle to classic tulle
- Remove the train for a more casual look
- Also available with a lined sweetheart front bodice and illusion back
- Use the extra lace motif included for subtle neckline alterations
- Add the gorgeous fingertip veil
Racheal by Rebecca Ingram
Pearl-embellished lace adds the perfect dose of shimmer and dimension to this deceptively simple gown — a soft yet sophisticated statement at an exceptional price point! Speak to your Authorized Retailer about options to personalize and style this gorgeous design:
- Add covered buttons down the back
- Also available with a lined front bodice
- Use the extra lace motif included for minor neckline alterations
- Add a simple or luxe bridal veil
Learn more about coverage and accessory options in our guide to sleeves and gloves from our latest collections.
Ernestine by Maggie Sottero
Looking for a unique pearlcore wedding dress that’s a little sweet, a little sexy, and perfectly (exquisitely!) on trend? Ernestine by Maggie Sottero offers understated styling with shimmery details… It’s a dreamy look for a summery and effortless wedding vibe.
Options to personalize Ernestine:
- Add covered buttons down the back
- Also available with a lined bodice for more coverage
- Use the extra lace motif included for subtle neckline alterations
If you’re smitten with this mermaid silhouette, dive into more magical inspo in our trends gallery.
Marvine by Sottero and Midgley
PC: Athena Galgiani
If you’re planning to get married in some kind of enchanted fairytale venue for your happily ever after, look to the over-the-top shimmer and flourish in Marvine by Sottero and Midgley. This look is romantic, luxe, and beautifully embellished with pearls and beading.
Ways to personalize Marvine include the option to change texture tulle to organza; remove the train through special request; or add pearl buttons down the back. (In case you love the pearls and need more!)
Gayle by Rebecca Ingram
Our next pearlcore wedding dress — if you’re into gorgeous texture, a sexy neckline, and curve-enhancing embellishments with a fabulous price tag, this beachy chiffon wedding gown is your kind of divine! Gayle by Rebecca Ingram is the perfect fusion of sweet, soft, and sexy.
Boston by Sottero and Midgley
Our final pearlcore wedding dress is Boston by Sottero and Midgley, a luxe statement in all-over beading and shimmer. This dreamy, vintage-inspired gown is equal parts mermaid, Gatsby, and nature-inspired perfection.
Love this bodice? Want something a little more daring? Order with an illusion plunging neckline for a sexy statement.
Pearl Accessories
Flirting with the pearlcore trend? Look for subtle (or over-the-top) ways to incorporate the embellishment into your accessories. Here are a few dreamy pieces for your consideration:
- Vesta — a statement bow trimmed in delicate pearls
- Clover — a vintage-inspired illusion jacket with delicate clusters of pearls and beading
- Taryn — a bold statement piece in illusion. Opt for the nontraditional colorway for an exceptional upgrade!
- Ladonna — beautiful pearls in a chic bridal veil, picture-perfect for an elopement
- Geddes — a subtle waist highlight in delicate pearls
Pearl Jewelry, Hair Styling, and Other Accessories
PC: Elizabeth Austin | PC: Love Story Films
To help complete your head-to-toe pearlcore bridal look, we’ve compiled a few statement accessories that caught our eye —
Shoes
- A simple yet luxe pair of strappy high heels with pearl embellishments
- A whimsical pair of vintage-inspired pearl heels
- Beautiful pearl-embellished bow heels
Hair Accessories
- Lovely pearl accents for a loose and romantic updo
- A regal headband decked out in pearls
- A boho-chic hair clip featuring freshwater pearls
Jewelry
- Lovely and subtle freshwater pearl drop earrings
- A dainty chain choker featuring a single pearl
- Post earrings feature dual-sized pearls
- A chic and simple freshwater pearl bracelet
Pearl-Inspired Decor and Details
PC: Leah Lombardi | PC: Elizabeth Austin
Once you’ve curated your pearlcore wedding dress look, use the details to bring your full wedding vision to life! Pearls can be incorporated into virtually any wedding detail — from venue decor and wedding party aesthetics to the banquet table and florals. Here are a few trends we’re loving:
- Edible pearls in your wedding cake and treats
- Pearl accents in your bouquet
- Pearl-embellished hangers with custom names for your bridal party; or a style with all-over pearls
- Heavenly accents in your cake topper
- A serving set for your wedding reception
- Pearl fairy lights to sweeten up your table and banquet decor
Love what we’ve curated for pearlcore bridal? Follow our socials for more beautiful inspo:
More Blogs Like This:
- Beaded Wedding Dress Options and How to Style Them
- How to Accomplish the Ultimate Cool Girl Wedding Aesthetic
- 10 Vintage Wedding Dresses Inspired by Bridgerton
Happy shopping and best wishes!
