How To Wear A Statement Brooch This Year
Brooches were extremely popular in the 1920s, the 1950s, and the 1980s. They reappeared last year in a big way and are now considered a must-have accessory. Here are some popular statement brooch styles and how to wear them this year…
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Brooch Styles That Are Currently Trending
Your brooch should be a statement of your personal style, so if you love bird motifs, wear your parrot brooch regardless of the trends. But if you’re looking for something new (or have so many that you need to prioritize what to wear), here are some styles that are currently trending:
Diamond Or Pearl Vintage Brooches
If it was made in the last century, consider it fashionable again, especially if it includes real or faux diamonds or pearls. If you don’t already have a vintage piece, Nordstrom carries a collection of Susan Caplan Vintage Brooches from the 80s and 90s. Susan Caplan is a renowned curator of vintage jewelry, based in London.
The 1920s fashion has a strong presence this year, so we’ll also see plenty of rhinestone, crystal, and diamond waterfall brooches. This Susan Caplan Drop Crystal piece is from the 1970s, but reminiscent of the sparkling platinum and diamond jewelry of the 1920s. Even in small doses, diamonds, crystals, and rhinestones always make a statement!
My vintage brooches were gifts from my parents, made in the 1980s. I have to admit, a few years ago, I asked a jeweler to make these into something else. Lucky for me, she wasn’t able to do it – I think I would have regretted the decision!
Safety Pin And Paperclip Brooches
Safety pin accessories were popular in the late 1970s and early ’80s. If you’re looking for an edgy style, take a look at this Chan Luu Safety Pin Brooch, this Aqua Beaded Brooch, and this Anthropologie Paperclip Charm.
Flower Brooches
To make a statement, with a floral design, choose a large or colorful brooch. This oversized Swarovski Flower can be worn both as a pendant and a brooch. It has a stunning array of colored crystals. For an affordable flower pin, take a look at this bold red and gold flower.
I’m also seeing fabric flower brooches, ranging from Prada’s almost $500 Pink Poplin Flower to Tuckernuck’s under $30 Feather Floral Pin.
Bow Brooches
While the bow trend is starting to fade in clothing, shoes, and hair accessories, bow-shaped brooches are popular. Take a look at this Vintage Gold Bow and this Crystal Bow Brooch. This Pavé Brooch is very affordable.
How To Wear A Brooch This Year
Traditionally, brooches were worn on the left lapel of a jacket or the left side of a top/dress. Since most of us are right-handed, it’s easier to pin a brooch on the left side. And if your brooch is an heirloom or has some sentimental value, it’s also nice to know that it is pinned near your heart.
But there are some other ways to wear a brooch…
At Your Neck
If you have a wool or knit scarf, a brooch is a beautiful way to hold it together. For delicate fabric like silk, consider sliding the ends of the scarf through the pin and securing it with elastic so that you don’t damage your scarf. You’ll need to use a skinny scarf and just the right-sized brooch to make it work.
In place of a necklace, you can pin a statement brooch through the top buttonhole of your shirt. This looks best with a symmetrical brooch, but if you want to get creative, try asymmetrical ones too.
Embellish your turtleneck top with a small brooch in the center or off to the side.
In A Cluster
Do you remember the 80s, when we were wearing multiple brooches and pins on our denim jackets? That maximalist attitude is back in 2026, so feel free to get creative with your brooch collection.
Cinq À Sept has an entire collection of clothing that is embellished with brooches to create that maximalist look. Take a look at their Brooches, Blazer and Cardigan.
If you want to make a statement but don’t like the look of a large brooch, try a cluster of smaller pins. I’m wearing the Lucky Icons set from Anthropologie. My sweater jacket is an older style from J.Crew – it has a heavy texture that makes it perfect to hold pins and brooches.
To Cinch A Dress Or Top
Use your brooch or pin to cinch in a dress that is loose on you, or to create flattering gathers at the side. Here are a few done-for-you styles that come with a brooch-style embellishment.
What Makes A Brooch A Statement Piece?
The traditional definition is a brooch that is a large, bold, sparkling piece. But this year, a statement brooch is anything that expresses your personality, allows you to be more creative with your outfit, or starts a conversation!
How To Wear A Brooch Without Damaging Your Clothes
- Choose a lightweight brooch. A heavier brooch will pull on the fabric especially as you walk.
- Wear brooches on heavier durable fabric like denim. On a tighly woven or delicate fabric like silk charmeuse, the brooch may create permanent holes.
- Wear your brooch on fabric with an open weave such as a heavy cotton sweater so that the pin goes between the threads.
- On a lighterweight fabric, consider adding a scrap of fabric to the underside of your garment, to give structure/support to it.
- Take your brooch off at the end of the day, to minimize the time it pierces your fabric.
Will you be wearing brooches this year? Tell me about your favorite statement brooch and how you wear it…
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