Come winter, “dressing” becomes “bundling.” You start with long underwear, add a tee and cashmere hoodie, then seal yourself into a wool coat, hat, and mittens.

But if that’s the only type of layering you are doing this season, you’re missing out. Add pearls to the list. Bourdage Pearls, a gem of a shop (pun intended) hidden in the basement of Vintage Pine, imports the finest Chinese freshwater pearls in a variety of unique and surprising colors like gold, olive, champagne, pink, red, and, of course, white.

Unlike its better-known cousin, the saltwater pearl, the freshwater pearl comes in many different shapes, from round to drop to oval. That’s where the layering comes into play. By mixing tints and textures you’ll create a look that’s very cool and very you.

And so much hotter than any combination of socks, boots, and long johns.

Bourdage Pearls, Vintage Pine, First Level, 904 West Blackhawk Street at Kingsbury Street (312-254-1200 or idopearls.com).