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25 WAYS TO WEAR A BROOCH

25 WAYS TO WEAR A BROOCH

“Accessories are what makes or marks a woman”. Coco Chanel

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Brooches … forgotten for decades. There’s a common misconception that a brooch is an accessory worn by someone 60+, the Queen of England, aged Park Avenue Socialites, you get the picture. 

It’s unfortunate that brooches have gotten such a stodgy reputation, considering they’re one of the most versatile accessories out there. The styling possibilities for brooches are much wider as oppose to most other jewellery that can be worn only the way it’s intended.

statement brooches

Let’s talk history

Brooches didn’t start out as jewels. They began life as functional items that were used to hold together a piece of cloth. The first recorded brooches were made from natural materials such as bone, shell, wood and carved stone and they date back to the Bronze Age.

Throughout the centuries brooches were slowly refined by craftsmen using more precious and higher quality metals.  By the 1400’s, gem stones were for the first time introduced and the brooches became a status of wealth.

As time went by, the use of precious stones such as Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires has increased and the brooch was further lifted as an accessory for the more privileged and higher classes.

In the 1800s the process of making glass jewellery became popular thanks to the work of a French jeweller called Georges Frederic Strass. Strass invented imitation gemstones.  He is best known as the inventor of the Rhinstones, so called because of a particular type of glass he found in the river Rhine.  Just imagine if we didn’t have the imitation gemstones… my fairly sizeable jewellery cabinet would most definitely have decreased in size …

Around 1900 the locking C clasp was invented which used a locking mechanism to keep the pin from falling away from the C.  

By the 1920s costume jewellery was introduced.  Synthetic materials brought the price down and now brooches were back within the reach of most people.  Since it was inexpensive, it had the advantage over precious jewellery that when styles changed it could be discarded.  The French dress designer Coco Chanel loved costume jewellery.

The 1940s and 1950s saw the demure cocktail brooch, the 1960s and 1970s saw the kitsch pop art brooch.

25 WAYS TO WEAR A BROOCH

Now

Nowadays the brooch is a chic piece that can bring class and elegance to any outfit bringing even the dullest of outfits to life.

Brooches come in and out of fashion with certain predictability. They were back in fashion in 2016 and the trend continuous strong into 2017 with stylish creations that look like nothing your granny would wear.

Forget those little golden bouquets anchored to tweed jackets. Today, all the top designers from Chanel, Dior, Chaumnet, Chopard to Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels, are injecting a dazzling dose of glamour and attitude into this forgotten jewel.

Scroll down for styling inspiration and to shop my picks along the way.

JACKET OR COAT

Traditional placement for a brooch worn on a jacket or coat is the upper bodice, either right or left, about halfway between the shoulder and the jacket opening. Since jackets and coats typically are fabricated of substantial material, this is a good spot to wear a weighty brooch.

Down Hall Hotel & SPA Hertfordshire

   LAPEL

Another way to wear a brooch is on a lapel of a coat or suit. This is an easy place to position a brooch because the back of the lapel is accessible just by turning it.

DRESS UP A BORING BAG

If you have any plain purses or bags in your closet and you would like to carry those from day to night without having to buy an evening clutch, adding a brooch is a great way to carry it out for a dressier occasion.

MULTIPLE BROOCHES PLACED CLOSE TOGETHER

If you are bored with wearing the same brooches over and over again how about adding a pinch of creativity and making a bigger impact by positioning brooches close together. Two or more smaller brooches can take on the appearance of one large brooch

HAT OR CAP

Brooches make great decorations for both caps and hats. Whether you’re wearing a beret , knit cap or a more formal hat attaching a brooch will add glamour to your outfit.

BROOCH WORN IN HAIR

Who says a brooch has to be pinned to items?

You can mix it up by using it as a hair accessory. Hair ornaments are popular, especially for parties and formal occasions.

To add a little sparkle to your ponytail attach a brooch to a plain ponytail.

If you put your hair up in a bun secure the brooch or pin to a hair comb or a large clip.

SWEATER

Brooches can be worn on sweaters, not only jackets or coats. One benefit to wearing a brooch on a sweater is that the pin in the pinback can be fitted between the fibers so that it doesn’t puncture delicate fabric.

DRESS, BLOUSE OR SHIRT

Brooches can be worn on dresses, blouses and shirts, but care should be taken not to damage the fabric of the blouse with the pin of the brooch.

It works best if the brooch is light in weight.

V-NECKLINE

V-necklines are flattering to petite women because they have the fashion effect of making the woman look a bit taller. Positioning a brooch at the point of the V can add a little extra glitz, too.

MULTIPLE BROOCHES WORN ALONG NECKLINE

Lining a neckline with brooches can make an effective fashion statement. The brooches do not have to match, but it works best if they’re about the same size.

BROOCH WORN AS A CLOSURE

Brooches can serve a practical, as well as a decorative purpose. Since they have pinbacks, brooches can be worn as clasps or closures for example on a fur hood.

CREATE A NECKLACE

Combine a brooch with a short scarf to create a one-of-a-kind necklace. The secret is in the placement – connect the ends of a scarf with a brooch, and you have an instant necklace.

STYLE A SCARF

If you want to add a little glamour to your outfit, pin a brooch at the end of a scarf. It will go a long way as long as you pay attention to the balance of patterns, colours and prints. What does this mean?  Simpler brooches go well with floral or plaid scarves, while ornate brooches are more appropriate for solid colours.

STYLE A WAISTLINE

For those who don’t like a full on belt you can add a glitzy brooch to your dress’s waistline instead of strapping yourself up with a belt.

A large floral brooch can make a big difference to your plain dress. Place it in the middle or to your side, whichever suits the style.

WEAR A BROOCH AGAINST YOUR BACK

If it’s one of those glitzy evenings consider clenching together back straps of your gown.

ACCESSORISE YOUR CHOKER

The chokers are not dead and you can be pretty creative with them. Create one from one of your scarfs and use a brooch to pin the two ends and voila!

MAKE A BROOCH A FOCAL POINT

Wear a striking brooch front and center. Brooches flow perfectly with the front lines plain gowns or tops.

ASOS DESIGN batwing shell button pencil dress | Liars & Lovers cream mock croc bamboo handle cross body bag | Carvela Pointed Asymmetric Strap Heels | MIU MIU Scenique cut-out eyewear | Zara TEXTURED GEOMETRIC EARRINGS | Elegant Duchess Boutique Brooch

ADJUST YOUR OVERSIZED CLOTHES

So you bought a nice but oversized dress, probably on sale … and it’s just too nice to return.

Just gather the extra fabric in the back (like from the bust, because you need that to fit) and pin it with the brooch. Job done!

BANDANAS

If you wear bandanas, don’t forget to decorate them. Choose any size, but make sure it’s not too heavy to be a nuisance, pulling your bandana constantly to one side.

FOR ALL THOSE PRINCESSES OUT THERE, ACCESSORISE YOUR GLOVES

A brooch will go nicely on the back of your glove wrist.

Choose the brooch in the same way would choose a ring: large enough to attract attention, but small enough not to get in your way.

GLAM UP YOUR JEANS

Funky brooches have their place on jeans also. Add buckets of glitz and glam to your denims.

Shimmering crystals and Cubic Zirconia will look good on any jeans. Place them strategically to attract even more attention.

PERSONALISE YOUR DULL SHOES

Add an impressive, spangled look to your shoes by attaching a funky brooch. Dare to stand out a bit more then try different, but similarly styled brooches for the left and right shoe. Boom!

MAKE A PEDANT

Attach a brooch to a chain and voila! – you’ve got yourself a pendant!

MIX AND MATCH WITH SOME OTHER JEWELLERY PIECES  

Wear one as a ring, just pin it to one – it will certainly attract attention!

GLAM UP YOUR PLAIN BELT

If you have a stodgy belt you are bored with…instead of getting a new one attach a brooch to transform it into a head turner.

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66 Comments

  1. Larimar Jewelry
    November 8, 2021 / 7:18 pm

    Thanks for sharing such great ideas. I really enjoy the your article. keep it up

    Reply
  3. Gabrielle
    September 3, 2019 / 8:19 pm

    Ooh, what a creative blog post! I love how many ways you’ve come up with for styling a brooch; one of my favourite ways is on the collar of a thick wool coat 🙂 You look gorgeous in everything you wear darling!!

    aglassofice.com x

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:42 am

      Thanks Gabriellę! I’m obsessed with brooches and finding new ways of wearing them! They are so super versatile. Have a lovely week xx

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:44 am

      Definitely, brooches are super versatile ! Can’t get enough of them

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:45 am

      Thank you beautiful! It’s amazing how many ways you can wear just one brooch! Super versatile accessory xx

      Reply
  6. Jessica
    August 30, 2019 / 2:59 am

    Lovely elegant looks dear. My faves are the 2nd and 3rd outfit. You’re absolutely rocking those girlboss looks.
    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:45 am

      Thank you Jess! Brooches can definitely make any outfit stand out! Xx

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:46 am

      I have to admit that I don’t even leave a house without a brooch on my jacket’s lapel! Xx

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:47 am

      I couldn’t agree more! They add a touch of elegance and chic xx

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:48 am

      Hopefully this will inspire you to invest in one! Truly one of the most versatile accessories xx

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:48 am

      Thanks Kathrine! I’m glad my post has some good tips! Have a great week xx

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:50 am

      I know! It’s sad how this such an elegant and versatile accessory gets overlooked! Definitely not by me, brooches definitely dominate my collection of jewellery xx

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:50 am

      Thank you! I feel the same brooches. They add a touch of elegance to any outfit xx

      Reply
  13. Angela
    August 23, 2019 / 7:55 pm

    Great tips! I love brooches to add some pizzazz to my coats and dresses and love pinning them in my hair for some glitz.

    Angela at Blush & Pearls

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:51 am

      Indeed! It’s amazing how you can pin them to anything really, belts, bags and even shoes for a bit of elegance and glamour xx

      Reply
  14. Rena
    August 23, 2019 / 12:05 pm

    I must say brooches are made for you and you know wearing them absolutely well! You have such a talent for elegant looks and a brooch is correspondingly the cherry on the cake!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:52 am

      Thank you Rena! Brooches are most definitely my fave accessory! Enjoy the rest of the week xx

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:53 am

      Thank you Kate! Accessories are a staple of any outfit and brooches offer so many elegant ways to style it xx

      Reply
  16. Hasan
    November 10, 2018 / 9:15 am

    Such an essential & helpful post it is.

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:53 am

      Thank you! Have a great rest of the week

      Reply
  17. robinowensmusic
    March 24, 2018 / 9:17 pm

    I love love love that you included the history! Had no idea that brooches started as functional. Am totally looking forward to trying some of these ways past just pinning it to my sweater 🙂

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      Author
      September 4, 2019 / 7:54 am

      I’m glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful! It’s fantastic how brooches can be styled in so many different ways xx

      Reply
  18. Pingback: Unusual ways to wear your brooch
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  20. Annie Cho
    November 27, 2017 / 1:54 pm

    Love all the different ways to use brooches!!! So inventive!

    XOXO
    Annie

    Reply
  21. Anne
    November 24, 2017 / 5:51 am

    Just a quick point . Costume jewellery was introduced a long time before the 1920’s . The Victorians lived it, The Georgians embraced it . You can even find costume jewellery back as far as the Egyptian era . Hope that helps a little .

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 25, 2017 / 5:00 pm

      thanks Anne. thank you for your insight. It’s always great to learn in addition to research that I do. xx

      Reply
  22. Ellese
    November 23, 2017 / 3:44 pm

    Loving all these ways to wear a brooch! So cleaver and unique. Wearing them on your shoes are such a fun idea. Thanks for sharing gorgeous. XO, Ellese

    Rock.Paper.Glam.

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 24, 2017 / 2:33 pm

      Thank you Ellese. I’m obsessed with brooches and always experimenting with new ways of wearing them. xx

      Reply
  23. Style Appetite
    November 23, 2017 / 1:36 pm

    Wow so many versatile ways to style brooches – love this inspo!!
    Especially the one on the shoes and on your evening gown – so classy ♥

    xxx
    Tina

    https://styleappetite.com

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 24, 2017 / 2:37 pm

      thank you beautiful! I love your teddy coat in your last post! xx

      Reply
  25. Gil Zetbase
    November 22, 2017 / 9:47 pm

    Gorgeous collection!
    Have a nice week!
    Gil Zetbase

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 24, 2017 / 2:39 pm

      thank you Gil! xx

      Reply
  26. Rena
    November 22, 2017 / 3:00 pm

    Thanks a lot for this wonderful post that just came at the right time! I have a huge collection of broches but have to admit I wear them rarely. And you show so many wonderful ways to wear them that you inspired me to do very soon the same! Thanks again and I’m impressed again by your beauty <3
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 22, 2017 / 8:06 pm

      Thank you Rena, you are such a sweetheart! Xx 😘

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 24, 2017 / 3:19 pm

      thank you Rena, you are such a sweetheart! I love you last post about people speaking about others! xx

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 22, 2017 / 8:06 pm

      Thank you Magda! This is one of my favourites too! Xx 😘

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 22, 2017 / 8:07 pm

      Brooches are fabulous, I can’t get enough of them and I have to wear one every single day xx 😘

      Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 22, 2017 / 8:10 pm

      Thank you Marieta! Brooches are fabulous, you can transform any piece of clothing with a brooch xx

      Reply
  37. Ewa
    November 20, 2017 / 1:35 pm

    Świetny tekst, rewelacyjne zdjęcia

    Reply
  39. Amy
    November 20, 2017 / 6:07 am

    This is a brilliant post!! There is so much to do with a brooch and it’s a truly versatile piece of jewellery.
    I feel like I need to get one and try something new. It’s amaizng how you can use it to add some glamour to a bag or a belt!! Xo

    Reply
    • Elegant Duchess
      November 19, 2017 / 9:07 pm

      thank you lovely xx

      Reply

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