Modern Ways to Wear Vintage Brooches

For all our old pins

You know when you've been putting something off for months, for some unknown reason, and then finally you get the motivation to tackle that something? Well, that happened to me this week. I have been procrastinating for a little while about mending an ever growing pile of vintage dresses, why I do not know; possibly because repairs take a lot of time, attention and patience. It’s a process that one should not attempt to speed through - it’s important to move slowly & handle the items with care. Maybe it’s due to higher caffeine intake (I've switched from drinking tea to coffee this week), or the realization that the hours of sunlight will be dwindling before I know it - I find it easier to make repairs in daylight - but by the end of this past week I had finished all the mending. 

Recently I have also been photographing lots of mid-century brooches for the shop. Brooches have been around forever it seems, they go back to Roman times when they were used to hold cloaks in place. They have so much history and elegance, and at times are made with rare and precious materials. They are, also according to reports, back in style as I write this, they can be observed adorning the clothes on present-day runways of contemporary fashion designers. But I really don’t often see many people wearing them in real life, which is a shame as many of us have broaches from our mothers or grandmothers, or that we have collected over the years. They can be overlooked often, but they can offer a unique way to express personal style. They are also not as tricky to wear with modern clothing as they first may seem and can be easily incorporated into contemporary wardrobes. So, let us explore some classic and some fresh ways to wear vintage brooches in your everyday looks. 

On Dresses or Tops

Vintage brooches can look great when worn with dresses and tops, they can add interest to your outfits. For a waistline accent, try pining a brooch at the waist of a dress or blouse to create a cinched silhouette. If you're looking for an alternative to traditional jewellery, try placing a brooch towards the centre of your blouse’s neckline—this instantly draws attention and serves as a statement piece. With off-the-shoulder tops, a brooch near the shoulder adds a decorative touch that highlights the lower neckline and skin.

Blazers, Jackets and Knits

For a classic, polished look try positioning a vintage brooch on the lapel of a tailored blazer. Traditionally this would have been on your left side, but obviously it can be worn as you like. They can easily elevate your outfit. For a more modern twist, try asymmetrical placement by pinning a brooch near the shoulder or collarbone, which can compliment your outfit. You could also layer a collection of brooches in a cluster; individually they may not seem special, but in a group they can work. Perhaps try adding to one side of your jacket or cardigan. When layering brooches, placement is a key factor, you can use them to create a cascading effect down the lapel of a coat, arrange them in a pattern on a sweater, or cluster them at the collar of a blouse

Accessorizing Bags and Scarves

Vintage brooches are a versatile way to accessorize more than just our clothes, they can elevate bags and scarves, too. Try pinning to the strap or flap of a modern handbag, especially for simple evening bags in velvet or silk fabric. Brooches also make perfect scarf holders—they can secure your scarf in place while adding an interesting focal point.

Hair Accessories

You could also transform a brooch into a unique hair clip by pinning it to a headband or hair tie, creating a focal point that elevates your hairstyle. For a playful update to your wardrobe you could also use a brooch to adorn a hat or a cozy beanie.

On Footwear or as Jewellery

You could attach a brooch to the front or side of your flats, heels, or boots to create a distinctive detail that instantly enhances your footwear.

For a personalized touch, transform your brooch into a necklace by converting it into a pendant or attaching it to a chain, giving you a custom piece. You can purchase little converters that allow you to wear them as pendants on a chain. Additionally, pin a brooch onto a thick cuff bracelet for a wrist accent.

Vintage brooches are incredibly versatile and offer many ways to enhance our wardrobes. From the classic use to add interest to blazers and bags to adding flair to footwear and other jewellery, these vintage pieces can easily integrate to contemporary wardrobes. Why not have a go experimenting with your own brooches?