Most people think of their grandmother or Queen Elizabeth when they hear the word brooch. But you no longer have to think that way as the brooch has made a comeback! Yes, they are back in vogue. Wearing a brooch today can add a touch of elegance to any outfit from tee-shirts to evening gowns and everything in between.
Bring Back the Brooch
If you have any of your grandmother’s brooches (lucky you!), dust them off and put them to use. If not, look on Ebay or visit some vintage stores. You can also find them in fine department stores such as Nordstroms. Regardless of how you acquire your them, just bring back the brooch!
Still not sold? You will be once you see these clever ways of adding style to any outfit.
Gorgeous Vintage Brooches via DKMart
Brooches come in all shapes and sizes. The ones that I will never understand are the ones in the shape of a bug! No. Thank. You. I don’t like bugs and especially don’t want to wear one, jeweled or not.
What I do love is the look of a brooch added in unexpected places.
My Favorite Unexpected Places to Wear a Brooch
Enjoy these 15 examples of how to incorporate brooches in your wardrobe. These clever, unexpected places will make you think outside of the traditional placement on the lapel.
Add Style to Your Coats with a Brooch
I love how this brooch serves as a closure for this coat.
I shared this cape with you in a previous post. This large brooch is the perfect size to jazz up this cape and make a statement.
There is a new trend on placing jewelry on the shoulder as shown below. It adds a pop of style to an otherwise plain outfit.
Brooches Add Extra Glamour to Evening Gowns
This brooch in the form of a “t” is the ideal shape for this halter style gown. I read a tip that if you don’t want to pin delicate fabric, you can convert the pin using magnets to attach it to your clothing.
Strapless sweetheart necklines offer the perfect spot for a brooch. Don’t you agree?
The combination of the up do and the style of this dress shows off this elegant jeweled bow on Nicole Kidman’s evening gown. So elegant and feminine.
Brooches Add a Touch of Pizzazz to Dresses
This brooch gives this dress personality.
This curved pin is perfect for this red striped dress.
Loving the Unexpected Brooch on this Skirt
Clever, classy and chic. Need I say more?
Chic Sweater Brooches
Boring turtlenecks turn chic, accessorized with these vintage gems.
via Source Unknown
The Blouse Brooch
This brooch adds a feminine touch to a masculine tuxedo blouse.
I thought this was so clever! Use a brooch to make a blouse more form-fitting in the back.
The T-Shirt Pin
The same goes for this t-shirt. Cinch a t-shirt at the waist with a decorative pin to give it shape.
The Scarf Brooch
Accessorize your scarf with a beautiful pin such as the one shown below.
So tell me, are you sold on the re-invention of the brooch?
Sold!
I covered each one with my thumb, and each outfit looks better WITH a brooch. Lucky me. I have several of my grandmother’s brooches. I wear two of them a lot, but felt one of them was too dressy, but you’ve changed my mind. Especially like the unexpected one on the skirt. Thanks!
Thank you so much for all these fabulous ideas, Elaine! I love brooches and never thought about most of your ideas.
!!!!! I love the suggestion of using a brooch for a coat closure. I have so many I’ve inherited from grandparents and aunts… And I never wear them.
Very cool post. I loved the brooches at the waist. I don’t have many brooches, but I know where I can get some, and I’m definitely going to try this. Tamara Beardsley made bracelets out of brooches and those were wonderful too. So glad I “found” you. Anita
I started collecting beautiful brooch’s a couple of years ago and your post has reminded me that wearing them will be much more fun than keeping them in a drawer. Thanks for the inspiration.
Love the brooch ideas but not the anorexic models used ,so sad .
I’ve had my grandmothers brooches for years and have always worn them with dresses, blouses, sweaters and coats. One of my favorites is to pin several on the pocket flap of my jean jacket, whether on one side or both. Depending on the brooch size, I either cluster several small ones or one large; and, with a common theme, whether it’s gemstone color, metal color, etc. Wrapping a scarf around your wrist and pinning the brooch to it turns it into a bracelet. Additionally, a converter can be purchased that allows you to wear as a necklace.
Thanks Carrie! Love those ideas and never heard of a converter! I will have to check it out. I especially love that many of your brooches were your grandmothers!