Brooches have made a comeback, and they’re showing up in all kinds of places that you might not expect to see them. But how do you wear one of the chic on-trend luxury brooches without channeling a “grandma” or “Queen Elizabeth” vibe? (Unless that’s what you’re after, of course). Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has the rundown on the most creative ways to style and wear a brooch right now.
brooches are back
We know what you’re thinking: I am too young – or too cool, or too iconoclastic – to wear a brooch.
Dear reader, you couldn’t be more wrong.
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It’s true that traditionally, brooches have a reputation for being formal and a bit fussy – sort of like the annual Christmas dinner at the home of the family matriarch back in the day.
Brooches have long been the perennial favorite of boss women in big corporate and government jobs, European royalty, and celebrities on the red carpet. Yep, we’re looking at you, Madeline Albright. A vintage-looking brooch would frequently appear at a wedding, and then never again be seen on the person of the bride.
But luckily for those of us who tend to be a little extra in our sartorial choices, they’re back!
Louis Vuitton, Schiaparelli Couture, Erdem and Versace. Courtesy Photo.
That’s right. The bedazzled brooch has made a comeback on high fashion runways, including LV and Versace.
Traditionally, there were unspoken rules about how to properly wear a luxury brooch. For example, brooches were to be worn one a time. And pinned on the left to avoid getting in the way of handshakes and pecks on the cheek.
But nowadays, those rules are out the window. To keep it fresh, fashionable, fun and even a bit quirky and irreverent, just follow the lead of the creative placements you can see all over fashion editorials and the street style syndicate right now:
1. In Clusters on a jacket
2. Off-the-cuff
3. On a hat
4. On pockets
5. Centered on a collared shirt
6. And of course, on a scarf
They’re not just for women, either. Men can easily rock the look on their collars, lapel and tie.
An added benefit? As we reevaluate our wardrobes in an effort to be more sustainable (not to mention, financially responsible), a brooch is a versatile way to adorn what’s already in the closet and give it an updated and elevated look.
Ahead, check out some our favorite brooches to start or add to your collection.
the best brooches to buy Right Now
1. Animal Motifs
These wildlife inspired brooches add a touch of whimsy to your ensemble. Erdem’s gold-tone monkey brooch ($490) is embellished with faux crystals and pearl embellishments for a look that’s playful and pretty. For an exotic and worldly look, check out Iradj Moini’s exotic beetle brooch ($975) featuring crystals, citrine, turquoise and serpentine ornaments and Tiffany & Co.’s salamander brooch ($11,495) featuring emeralds, and diamonds.
On the bottom row, we love these adorable critters: an 18K white gold frog brooch ($445) featuring round brilliant diamonds, cultured pearl and sapphires, Begüm Khan’s crab ($550) decorated with white pavé-set opal crystals, and Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly brooch ($8,550) with carved mother of pearl wings and round brilliant diamonds.
2. Logo Mania
An easy way to upgrade a plain white tee or blazer and make it designer? How about a brooch featuring your favorite luxury label? This Fendi plaque ($550) is the perfect shape to pin across a flap pocket. Saint Laurent’s textured YSL logo ($495) brooch design isn’t too in-your-face but still shows your fashion insider cred. Louis Vuitton x Supreme’s set of pins ($875) adds some street style to any item in your wardobe.
These classic and iconic pieces will never go out of style. Consider a vintage Chanel brooch ($545), an Hermès enamel brooch ($325), or Gucci’s glittering double G brooch ($515).
3. Flowers and Bows
Embrace the femininity and elegance inherent in wearing a brooch with these florals and bows. We love the romantic look of Lanvin’s silk and crystal flower ($675) and the sweetness of this 18K yellow and white gold strawberry brooch ($2,250) featuring round brilliant center diamonds. Marni’s sculptural cotton rose ($250) pin adds a sophisticated and artistic touch.
How to style an on-trend new brooch.
We are all about Gucci’s House Web stripe bow ($450) with crystal beads. Center on the collar of a blouse for style and fierceness. Whether it’s a floppy bow with diamonds ($1,995) or a picture-perfect bow with faux pearls ($1,047), these brooches give a scarf or top instant luxury.
4. Pearly Pins
Pearls are back in vogue and on brooches, it’s a perfect pairing. To keep it from looking too prim and proper, we like it styled in clusters with other pins or patches, and in unexpected places like on a cuff or jean pocket.
On the top row are three radiant and circular designs that are pure eye candy: Patou’s faux pearl circle-cross design ($262), an 18K yellow gold brooch ($4,950) featuring pear shaped emerald center with diamond and pearl halo accents, and a diamond and pearl embellished flower brooch ($1,375).
How to style an on-trend brooch.
These intriguing and creative silhouettes also showcase the organic beauty of the gorgeous pearl. Consider this regal tiara-like pin with turquoise stones ($345), a starburst of pearl and diamonds ($1,525), a nest of baroque pearls and diamonds ($2,350) and a graceful gray pearl feather ($845).
5. Stone Age
These brooches featuring stone and enamel elements have a a fine art museum quality about them. On the top left, this multistone brooch ($1,795) is made from free-form carved quartz and onyx and embellished with diamonds and emeralds. The next two brooches- one with a silver intaglio center ($1,695) with tourmalines and baroque pearl and Yves Saint Laurent’s ($145) featuring resin and glass, remind us of jewelry on the fine ladies in Renaissance portraits.
How to wear and style an on-trend brooch. Courtesy Photo.
We love the funky and rhythmic composition of Marni’s wood, horn, resin and brass brooch ($145). David Webb’s glitzy Art-Deco piece ($8,595) has androgynous appeal. And this tiger eye brooch ($1,025) with a smattering of flowers is a timeless and neutral piece that works with almost anything.
How to Wear a Brooch
There you have it! So many ways to style an on-trend luxury brooch right now. What do you say? Are you ready to pin one on?
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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.