Anymore, Brooches are not just old-fashioned trinkets. Maybe it’s just on my Pinterest feed because I’ve been saving these ideas, but there are a ton of different ways to answer the question What are brooches used for, and I wanted to explore some of the best ideas.
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I’m sure you’ve noticed recently that I’ve been sporting brooches all year long. While we might have grown up thinking these were only worn on a lapel or jacket, think again.
What are brooches used for in today’s modern world of style?
The answer is only limited by your imagination.
Because a brooch can be pinned on almost any part of your outfit. And as I’ve been sharing in my emails, you can find some great deals on these trinkets.
These gems are everywhere.
Etsy has an incredible variety, as well as secondhand stores. Below (and at the end of this article) is a widget full of options, too, but even your local Kohl’s could be a source, as well as your mom’s/grandma’s jewelry box.
Remember, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on these fun objects.
Let’s look at how my crew found fresh, creative ways to make brooches modern again.
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Valerie is showing that brooches don’t have to stay in the “jewelry box lane.” She used hers on accessories and fabrics you wouldn’t expect, like the back of her top, her hat, and even her purse.
I Love how Valerie thought to pin a pearl brooch to hold the hood up on her duster in the back. And she did this for 2 reasons.
1-It’s functional because sometimes a hood gets too droopy.
2-See pro tip below.
Pro tip: Just as many people see you from behind, so give them something fun to look at.
Details:
-Valerie incorporated 4 fabulous brooches into her outfit, so you get these glimpses of fun at every turn.
-The Art Deco pin on the hat was found at an Estate sale.
-It’s not easy to see in these photos, but she also used sparkly hairpins on the sides of her mule shoes. There’s no such thing as too much sparkle.
I love making a statement, especially when it comes to accessories. Instead of wearing a single brooch, I decided to turn mine into a collection piece by pinning a bunch of them onto a wide, elastic belt.
It’s a totally unique jewelry accent that instantly draws the eye and gives the outfit a one-of-a-kind touch.
You can mix metals, colors, and themes without worrying about matching. The more variety, the better the story it tells. It’s a conversation starter for sure, and it adds a little bit of whimsy to my outfit.
Details:
-I have to confess that 2 of the “brooches” on my belt are really earrings.
-It may seem obvious, but when clustering your brooches, it’s easier to plan it out when it’s NOT on your body.
Charlotte has always been a lover of scarves, and she’s showing a fabulous option for the query, What are brooches used for.
Instead of tying her scarf into a bulky knot, she used an OWL brooch to hold it neatly in place. Not only does this keep the scarf from sliding around, but it also creates an architectural design with the material.
This is especially smart when you’re wearing a scarf made of slippery material like silk or satin. A brooch gives you both function and fashion.
Pro tip: If you’re not a scarf wearer. Try this technique to hold together a collar, cape, or wrap. You get that same elegant touch without having to buy anything new.
Details:
-Notice that my mom accessorized with more than just 1 owl item. Her earrings, bracelet, brooch, plus 2 rings all have her favorite detail.
-I adore the addition of shoes that are a completely different color. It livens up the look.
Lesley took her brooch game to another level by using one as a styling tool, not just an accessory. She pinned it to her red dress to gather extra fabric and create an empire waistline.
This is such a brilliant way to alter the fit of a garment without sewing or tailoring. Do you have a dress or blouse that feels too loose? A brooch can cinch it in and make it look customized.
Pro tip: You can use them to adjust length, drape, or even neckline positioning.
Details:
-Lesley said: “A brooch/pin for gathering fabric under the bust adds shape and polish to a simple a-line dress. It can also gather the material at the waistband or hip bones.”
-Draping a scarf over one shoulder adds glam to any outfit. The silky scarf did not want to stay put on the silky dress, so we tucked it under the dress material and even under her bra strap.
One of my favorite ways to play with brooches is by using them as buttons.
There are many ways to incorporate this idea:
-If a vest/cardigan/blazer/blouse is oversized, then just layer the one panel over the buttons and use brooches to keep it closed.
-Maybe you have an open-front cardigan or a kimono? Brooches are the perfect closures…either one or many.
-Place brooches over the existing buttons to give them more umpf.
Once you start thinking outside the jewelry box (that’s punny, right?), you’ll see endless possibilities for the question of What are brooches used for.
Here are a few more ideas to get those creative wheels turning:
The goal is to start seeing brooches as modern details instead of something from the “grandma” section of your jewelry drawer.
Pro tip: Another way to think about this…stop categorizing your jewelry. Sure, it’s a pin, but it can be worn everywhere.
Fashion is cyclical, and brooches are proof that what was once considered old-fashioned can come roaring back with a twist. It’s not about how old the piece is; it’s about how you style it.
Pro tip: Getting creative with these items is also a fabulous brain builder. By formulating new combinations, you are also creating new brain pathways.
So don’t think of it as silliness, it’s pure healthiness.
While we showcased a ton of ideas for what are brooches used for in this article, I can confidently say that I have more ideas on my site that you will want to read:
–Wearing 1 brooch in multiple places on your outfit
–Unusual brooch styling
–Near the neck
So the answer to what are brooches used for can be whittled down to:
-make a statement
-tell a story
-give your outfit personality
-hold things together
-reshape a garment
-add sparkle to your day
What more can you ask for?
Brooches are more than accessories. Let’s think of them as tiny works of art that deserve to be worn everywhere, anywhere, and in multiples. The more playful you get, the more fun your style becomes.
If I’ve said it before, I’ve said it a thousand times,
“Don’t save the good stuff for special. Every day is special.”
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