HOW TO WEAR BROOCHES

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Unlike other items of beautiful and luxurious jewelry that are designed to be worn in a specific way – rings on your fingers, earrings dangling from your earlobes, and pendant and beaded necklaces encircling your neck – brooches are far more decoratively versatile.

Also commonly known as a ‘pin’, a brooch is a chic and timeless fashion accessory that allows you to embellish and highlight just about any area of the body. Brooches were originally utilitarian, and were created to hold garments together, and to alter the fit of clothing. Nowadays, they are primarily worn for ornamental purposes.

Brooches date back to the early medieval period, when they were made of flint and thorns. During the Byzantine period, a brooch was worn as shawl fastener (1), or to keep a scarf securely tied around the neck. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, mourning brooches (3) were worn after a bereavement, to commemorate the passing of a loved one.

Brooches later evolved into pins that were commonly decorated with signature ornamentation. In more recent times, brooches became the accessory of choice for ladies wishing to flaunt their wealth. Queen Elizabeth II (4) is a fine example of a mature lady that proudly celebrates a love of brooches. Seriously style conscious Catherine (5) , the Duchess of Cambridge, has also been seen showing her own affinity with beautiful brooches.

Unlike royalty, when it comes to choosing a brooch to wear, you’re not limited to wearing a particular style or design. Fashion brooches are now made from an unlimited range of precious and expensive, and inexpensive materials, to help you effortlessly upscale your appearance.

When strategically placed on a lapel, neckline or collar, a brooch enhances and elevates your fashion style, regardless of your social status. It therefore makes perfect sense to update your jewelry collection with a selection of beautiful brooches that are suitable for every formal and casual occasion.

Although brooches are traditionally worn on the left side of the body, there are actually no formal rules to brooch wearing. The brooch you choose to wear should reflect your personality and creativity, and complement your personal style.

You’re not restricted by placement either. It’s fun to experiment by wearing your brooch in a variety of different ways. Do however always consider the color of your dress, blouse, jacket, or other item that you plan to wear the brooch on before you attach it. To create the maximum visual impact, pick out a pretty brooch in a contrasting color to the ensemble.

It’s also a good idea to check the strength of the material to avoid causing damage. A material that is too thin won’t support the weight of the brooch.

As the most versatile accessory in your jewelry collection, a brooch can be pinned on just about anything… The more elaborate and unique the design of your brooch/es, the more you will stand out from the crowd.

On Jacket & Coat Lapels

The most popular place to pin a brooch is on the lapel of a jacket or coat. To accessorize in a refined regal style, pin on a beautiful gold or silver brooch that is adorned with sparkling diamonds, lustrous semi-precious gemstones, or shimmering crystals. To fully express your originality, attach an odd number of multiple brooches.

On The Collar

Dress up the collar of a blouse, shirt or shirt-dress with a large brooch worn as a top button embellishment, or two small brooches pinned onto the collar flaps. You can also create instant collar decoration on a high neck sweater or dress.

Around The Neckline

A brooch can be effectively used to define your décolletage, bust and garment neckline. The best place to pin it depends on the size of the brooch, and the shape and style of your dress, blouse or top.

On A Scarf

To rock the brooch look with little effort, use it in the manner that it was originally intended – to secure a scarf.

On The Waist/Hip/Sleeve

Pinning your brooch to the front pocket of your favorite denim jeans, or on the hip of a skirt, is a fashionable way to upgrade your casual style. You can also experiment with placement on shirt and coat pockets, and gloves and cuffs.

On A Hat Or In Your Hair

Adding ornamental decoration to a hat is one of the chicest ways in which to wear a brooch. You can also use a versatile brooch as an alternative hair accessory.

On A Bag

A handbag provides an excellent blank canvas on which you can ex press your artistic creativity. Pin a single, opulent bejeweled brooch on a small bag or clutch, and scatter a cluster of themed brooches on an oversize tote.

As you’ve probably realised by now, a brooch is the perfect accessory to add the finishing touch to any outfit. With so many gorgeous brooch styles to choose from, there’s no need to reserve brooch wearing for special and formal occasions.

At Work

In the workplace you can wear a stylish brooch to polish your professional look. Pin a brooch on a jacket lapel, or dress up your work bag with a cluster of brooches.

On Date Night

Make a great first impression on a date, by adorning your favorite dress with a sparkling jewelled brooch that commands attention.

On A Night Out

On a night out on the town with friends, flaunt your fashion sense by wearing luxurious brooch bling on a dress, hat or jacket.

At A Sophisticated Dinner Party

A special occasion requires lavish statement accessorizing. Choose a beautiful brooch that perfectly complements your earrings, cocktail ring and pendant necklace.

To join the current fashionable revival of this must-have statement accessory, it’s a great idea to start a collection of brooches, so that you are always able to find the perfect piece to embellish any outfit. Browse our stunning collection of glamorous and bold modern and vintage inspired brooches to select the perfect one for you…