How to Wear Brooches in 2026

Considered perhaps the oldest form of jewellery, brooches are often thought of in connection to aristocracy, bringing to mind the Queen of England or a Victorian-era lady. With a long and storied history, the fashionability of brooches has risen and fallen time and again; originally a precursor to buttons, used for fastening clothing, their popularity declined after the 14th century, reemerging during the Renaissance era, adorned with gems and pearls, as a symbol of wealth and luxury.

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Styles evolved over the years; from mourning brooches in the Victorian era, adorned with portraits or encasing the hair of a loved one, to Grand Tour brooches, a status symbol purchased by tourists in the late 19th century boasting of overseas travel, to sweetheart brooches, given by soldiers to their loved ones before WWI. More recently, in the 70s and 80s, when modern interpretation of the brooch appeared in the form of ‘message badges’, worn as a political statements or to share pop culture references.

More than any other piece of jewellery, brooches have perfected the art of the statement. A prime example, former secretary of state, the late Madeleine Albright was known for always sporting a brooch during appearances, using the jewellery to convey foreign policy messages - even wearing a golden snake brooch after Iraqi media called her an "unparalleled serpent" in 1994. Although less popular in the early 2000s, nowadays brooches are once again falling back into favour. Driven by reappearances in high jewellery collections by Chanel, Boucheron, Chaumet and Chopard and celebrity adopton at events like the Met Gala, Google search trends for ‘how to style a brooch’, ‘vintage brooch trend 2026’ and even ‘men brooches’ are up over 30%.

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Unlike rings, earrings or necklaces, brooches are a gender neutral, flexible piece of jewellery that can be worn in multiple places and styled in different ways, ensuring the same piece can be worn on multiple occasions in new ways. Vintage brooches make for a sustainable antithesis to fast fashion, with quality, handmade pieces maintaining a place in the rotation for years to come - and with no need for custom sizing or hygiene concerns, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends.

How to choose a brooch

Choose what you love

Brooches are an expression of you - a visual statement of your personality. Choosing a brooch is as simple as finding a piece that brings you joy - whether that’s a beautiful refined elegance for your next night out, or a quirky, fun icon that brings a smile to your face.

Choose to suit your wardrobe

Build your brooch collection around your existing wardrobe. Think about the jewellery you already own, your coats, hats and scarves and consider how this piece will contrast or complement. Choose silver or gold for dark backgrounds, or brilliantly coloured crystals to offset a clean white jacket.

Choose minimalist

A brooch a day keeps the fashion police at bay (or so they say); keep subtle, minimalist options in your repertoire for a quick and easy pop of character - perfect for replacing buttons, pinning scarves or adding to hats when you don’t have time to think.

Choose maximalist

This is the fun one! With larger-than-life jewellery strongly in vogue, a maximalist, crystal-studded cactus, pink bat or artist’s palette is a great way to fit the fashion without trying to wrangle a giant jewel encrusted ring or heavy, lobe-stretching earrings.

Choose sustainable

Avoid mass-produced, generic motifs; let your brooch be a unique expression of yourself and your beliefs. Take Mark Ruffalo’s 2024 Oscars outfit as a perfect example - a classic tuxedo, accentuated by a nature-inspired brooch to symbolise his long-standing commitment to environment activism. Choose from classics like pearl brooches or rhinestone brooches, or opt for more modern takes with enamel detailing.

How to wear brooches: styling tips

On a lapel

It’s a classic for a reason! A brooch adorning the left lapel of a jacket, blazer or coat is a quick and easy way to elevate an outfit. Collars and cuffs also serve as a clean canvas for your brooch art. In the corporate world, brooches are an office-appropriate way to add a touch of personality to workwear, taking an outfit from basic to brilliant.

Accessorising your accessories

A brooch on a hat, handbag, shoes or even the strap of a tote bag is an unexpected addition to any outfit. Ideal for clothing that won’t handle a brooch such as silks or wool knits, this option lets your creativity shine in surprising new ways.

Adding some flair

Outfit looking a little bland? Ruche a sleeve or cinch the waist with a brooch to add shape, visual interest and a pop of sparkle to an oversized shirt or plain dress. Alternatively, if your outfit is designed to draw attention, take it that extra step with a statement brooch - perfect for drawing the eye to a deep V-back or a plunging neckline.

Practical applications

For those unwanted plunging necklines, a brooch can help close the gap and add a touch of modesty to an outfit. Harking back to their original purpose as a fastener for clothing, use a brooch to hold a scarf, shawl or cardigan closed in just the right place. For a more elegant look than casually tying your jumper around your waist, drape it over your shoulders and use a brooch to hold the arms in place, or for that pair of jeans that are just too long, use a brooch to hold the hem turned up. 

Hair accessories

Scrunchies, hair scarves, headbands and even your hair itself; small brooches, strategically placed, add an air of sophistication. Pin one to a tight bun, scatter a few across a headband or add one to the knot of your scarf for a striking finish. And in the winter add as many as you want to a cute beanie to make it even cuter!

Celebrate the season

Christmas only comes around once a year - you have to make the most of it! No matter if you're a believer in December-only displays or if you push for the holidays to start in November, Christmas brooches are a fun and festive way to celebrate the silly season. 

However you want!

If a brooch is an expression of you, then how you wear them should be too! Whether you’re adding your favourite brooch to a chain to make a new necklace or adding your entire collection to your favourite denim jacket (or shorts), you can’t go wrong with a piece that makes you happy.

With an explosion of new styles, materials, and ways to wear them, there’s never been a better time to show off your personality with the art of the brooch. Discover Edelglas’ full range of unique Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Nature and Christmas brooches, hand-enamelled and set with Preciosa crystals, for your next self-expression.