Many people associate the word “brooch” with their grandparents and therefore assume it’s an old, unnecessary accessory that has no place in the modern fashion world. This is completely wrong, and I’ll now convince you that a brooch has the power to turn even the simplest garment into a luxurious and elegant piece.
Let’s shed a little light on the history of the brooch. The idea of a brooch was born sometime in the 17th century, when aristocrats began wearing small, luxurious ornaments in different spots on their clothing. In this way they displayed their social status. Almost overnight, the brooch became a symbol of aristocracy and financial well-being. Years later, however, the brooch began to lose its glory due to the cheap imitations that appeared. Thus the working class devalued the brooch and it became accessible to everyone. The shine and fame of this fashion element remained in the past as a symbol of an era—but as we all know, contemporary fashion designers love to revive forgotten vintage elements. In the 20th century, the legendary Coco Chanel took the first bold step by “dusting off” the brooch and including it in her fashion collections. Although she did a lot to repopularize the brooch, we can still say that this element is present in the homes of relatively few people. Let’s now see where to wear a brooch and which are the most preferred brands.
Let’s start with my favorite, the Chanel brooch. Like all products from this brand, the brooches are simply perfect in every respect. On the brand’s official website you can find a huge variety of different models in the shape of the logo.
Among the most sought-after brooches are the models from the French brand YSL (Yves Saint Laurent). Besides their amazing perfumes, this maker also boasts truly high-quality and elegant brooches. You can check their official site for more product information.
Blackamoor brooch is the next suggestion for anyone who loves brooches. Italians are phenomenal designers and are known for their sense of beauty. Blackamoor brooches are most often made of gold or silver and invariably include some black detail.
The crystal Poppy brooches also make a very beautiful and elegant finishing touch to any outfit. They are so delicate that you can’t help but fall in love with them. A red flower is their signature.
In fact, brooches are appreciated not only by adults. Children also like such accessories in the shape of their favorite cartoon characters or animals. Very popular among little girls lately is a pearly Princess Anna brooch. Children can be careless, so choose wisely and don’t buy very expensive jewelry.
Materials. In addition to precious metals, brooches can also be made from various plastics with gemstone elements. Textile brooches are also in fashion, so gold and silver are no longer the only options.
And now comes the question: how do we wear a brooch? In fact, the right question is what to pin it to, and the answer depends entirely on your preferences and mood.
If you’re a classicist at heart, you’ll most likely place a brooch on the lapel. If you like gold brooches, it’s best to choose a black, white, emerald green or red coat. If the brooch contains other colors, your options become broader. If you prefer silver brooches, the best combinations are with pink, beige, gray or black coats. Of course, many people choose to place the brooch on the lapel of a shirt or dress instead of a coat, which is also a great option.
Another very popular place for a brooch is in the hair.
This is the best option when you want to refresh your hairstyle. To create a truly delicate and elegant look with a brooch, the hairstyle should not be overly complicated. Never place the brooch in the middle of the head—that’s considered poor taste. Choose either the right or left side. Many of you asked me how to attach a brooch to your hair. You can weave the brooch into your hair or use hairpins to secure this accessory. Be careful, especially if you’ve chosen a pin model, so you don’t prick yourself or injure your scalp.
The most secure hold is on a base of bobby pins/elastic and always slightly to the side (not at the crown/center).
A brooch can turn any dull, cheap bag into a refined, luxurious piece. Choose a substantial brooch to cover the bag’s logo or place it symmetrically on the other side. You can also position the accessory at the opening mechanism. This way you’ll be sure everyone notices your new jewel. Children, for their part, like to attach brooches to their school backpacks.
A more unconventional idea is to wear a brooch on shoes. You can choose matching or different brooches for both shoes, or wear one only on one shoe. However, that’s where you’re most likely to lose your accessory, so I don’t recommend investing a lot of money in such a piece. Choose a brooch made of textile or plastic. Such a model will decorate and uniquely elevate your sneakers.
Jeans are one of those items made for patterns, prints and different colors, which is why they pair so well with a brooch. You can place it near the front pockets or wherever you like. You can be sure you won’t look boring.
If you want to create a romantic look, choose a brooch in the shape of a butterfly or flower. For everyday outfits, go for minimalist options with abstract shapes.
| Brooch | Best clothing colors | Fabrics/surfaces | Effect/occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Black, white, emerald green, red | Wool, tweed, heavy satin | Warm, luxurious accent suited to evening looks |
| Silver | Pink, beige, gray, black | Cashmere, fine wool, jersey | Cool gleam; minimalist sets |
| Pearls | Navy, cream, pastels | Tweed, crepe, chiffon (over lined areas) | Romantic/vintage effect |
| Crystals | Dark tones, monochrome | Velvet, satin, leather (with care) | Shine and luxury suited to formal occasions |
| Enamel/colored | Neutrals (white, beige, denim) | Cotton, denim, knits | Daytime look |
| Black details (Blackamoor style) | White, black, emerald, gold accents | Wool, leather, structured jacquard | Strong graphic contrast |
The truth is a brooch can be made from almost any material, but the most popular are models from precious metals (gold/silver), plastic, and textiles. You can also find versions with stone elements.
It’s generally accepted that the lapel is the most suitable place to wear a brooch, but consider models for hair, bags, shoes, or jeans as well.
Gold brooches look best with black, white, emerald green, or red; silver — with pink, beige, gray, or black.
Chanel and YSL are classics; Blackamoor often combines gold/silver with a black detail; Poppy are delicate and crystal-studded with an iconic red flower.
Yes, but choose more budget-friendly and sturdy models (favorite characters/animals), secure them carefully, and avoid very expensive jewelry.