It’s the Year of the Brooch! Here’s How to Style Them
Redefining modern accessorizing, brooches are adding personality, polish, and plenty of whimsy to everything from blazers to handbags. Image: Free People
Brooches are back in a big way, and this time, they’re anything but traditional. Popping up on tailored blazers, everyday knits, and even handbags, this formerly “old-school” accessory is being styled with a newer, more modern perspective. Whether subtle or statement-making, today’s brooch styling proves that small details can pack a big punch and completely change your look.
Pin It to Polish It
“Brooches are having a real moment again, and honestly, I’m here for it,” says Nashville wardrobe stylist Caitlin Costello. “There’s something kind of nostalgic about them — like pulling a little piece of the past into a modern outfit. They add just the right amount of personality, so even something simple feels intentional without trying too hard.”
Pinned to a lapel or used as a closure instead of buttons, brooches and blazers make an easy, polished pairing. It’s a simple way to elevate a white tee and denim — or sharpen things up for work. You can even use a brooch to turn a classic blazer into a funnel-neck jacket.
Try It on for Size
If you don’t already have a favorite blazer and brooch on deck, you can easily recreate this look with budget-friendly pieces like these:
Elevate Your Scarves and Bandanas
Ideal for chilly spring nights or on layered winter knits, this styling trick adds both function and edge. Brooches can secure a scarf at the nape, anchor it over the shoulder, or fasten a draped knit into a makeshift shawl at the back. Talk about a small detail with major versatility!
Try It on for Size
For a fun way to lean into spring and summer florals, try a colorful printed neck scarf, paired with a dainty floral brooch or pin like the one pictured below!
A Subtle Statement
Consider it an extension of the shirt or sweater — a brooch at the hem adds instant dimension and a point of interest. It’s an easy fix for those pieces you still love but feel like they’re missing just a little “something.”
Try using your brooch to cinch a top at the back to create a more defined waistline, to expose a layer under a pullover sweater or sweatshirt, or as an alternative way to secure a cardigan sweater.
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The Maximalist Moment
This is the moment to go all in. Think patched denim jackets, but instead of badges, layer on brooches for a look that feels entirely your own.
“The brooch aesthetic is not only making a comeback but has been reinvented,” Levy’s at Gus Mayer Manager Jennifer Hunter says. “They’ve gone from an old-fashioned accessory to one of the easiest ways to make an outfit look styled, intentional, and unique.”
Try It On for Size
Transform an old (or new) denim jacket with a variety of brooches. Now’s the time to show off all of those old heirloom and costume pieces that never see the light of day. MORE IS MORE!
Tiny, But Mighty
A softer take on the trend, a small brooch at the collar or cuff offers a clean, understated contrast to bold styles. It’s an easy entry point for minimalists who want the look, just with a lighter touch!
Try It on for Size
Again, this trend is a fabulous way to elevate your basics. Think crisp button-downs, plain white tees, simple pullovers, and even basic baseball caps.
Carry the Charm
Consider the brooch the new bag charm — an easy way to layer multiple brooches at once. The more, the better. This is a great way to elevate even the simplest utilitarian tote.
Brooches Are for the Boys, Too!
Recently, there’s been a noticeable shift — more men are reaching for brooches to elevate black-tie and red carpet looks. The appeal is individuality; a brooch adds a refined, unexpected edge to a tailored suit.
“We’ve always loved a confident man who can wear a diamond-encrusted brooch on his lapel. It’s timeless, a little unexpected, and incredibly self-assured,” says Brooke Griffith, founder of Glen & Effie. “Historically, men were never strangers to jewelry. From signet rings to ceremonial chains and gem-set brooches worn by aristocrats and military leaders, these pieces signaled identity, status, and legacy. Jewelry was language.”
This past year, singer-songwriter Noah Kahan styled his suit with an Edwardian brooch from the 1900s, reworked and restored by the Glen & Effie team. The piece was originally prepped for a necklace, then reassembled as a brooch for its night out — proof that a little bling goes a long way.
Old Meets New
Brooches can also be transformed into something completely new, while retaining their heirloom appeal. At Southern favorite Yearly Co., that often means reimagining inherited brooches into custom designs by resetting stones into bangles or necklaces, or refining the original into something more wearable. The result preserves the sentiment while giving the piece a new life.
“Brooches often carry a personal history,” Yearly Co. Director Abby Leathers tells us. “They’re pieces that have been worn, gifted, and passed down. We’re seeing a renewed appreciation for them, not only styled in new ways but also reimagined into something that can be worn more often.”
Show us how you’re styling your brooches! Tag us on Instagram at @styleblueprint.
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Anne Marie Hanna
An Ole Miss alum residing in Nashville, Anne Marie is passionate about telling the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.