Celebrity stylists are sharing their fail-safe techniques for styling the resurgent brooch trend, ensuring a contemporary look that avoids any hint of old-fashioned charm. The accessory, once linked to prim cardigans and heirloom jewellery boxes, has dramatically reappeared on prestigious runways like Dior and Chanel, as well as on red carpets from the Brit Awards to the Golden Globes.
The Unexpected Revival of Brooches in Modern Fashion
The well-documented twenty-year cycle in fashion has brought brooches back into the spotlight, but this revival feels particularly surprising given their historical associations. Celebrity stylist Ellis Ranson attributes this resurgence to a broader shift in fashion towards classic tailoring, especially within menswear. She explains, "I actually styled Rio Ferdinand for the Brits in 2024, and we incorporated a brooch into his ensemble. Menswear can often appear quite simple—we are witnessing a return to classic tailoring with oversized lapels—and instead of experimenting excessively with the suit's shape, individuality now stems from the brooch."
Why Brooches Are Trending Again in Today's Fashion Landscape
After years dominated by minimalism and the concept of "quiet luxury," there is a growing desire for pieces that feel personal and distinctive rather than anonymous. Luxury stylist Oriona Robb believes this craving for individuality is the genuine reason behind the brooch's comeback. "We have grown weary of looking identical," she states. "Following years of uniform dressing, there is a hunger for pieces that narrate a story rather than merely completing an outfit." Wearing a brooch today is not about signalling formality or status; instead, it serves as an act of self-expression.
The Golden Rule for Modern Brooch Styling: Embrace Contrast
Both fashion experts concur that the quickest method to make a brooch appear dated is to style it too neatly. Matching it with a tweed jacket or an overly classic outfit risks tipping into old-fashioned territory. "The key is contrast," Robb emphasises. "Pair a beautiful brooch with something unexpected—a chunky knit, a leather jacket, or even denim. Allow it to function as the disruptor." This sense of tension between old and new is precisely what renders the brooch feel current. Ranson echoes this sentiment, noting that relaxed tailoring and larger lapels are performing much of the heavy lifting in modern styling.
Innovative Placement Ideas Beyond the Traditional Lapel
While the lapel remains the safest starting point, it is far from the only option for brooch placement. In fact, the most intriguing styling often occurs elsewhere. Robb suggests pinning a brooch at the collar of a shirt for a more editorial feel, or utilising one to gather fabric at the waist of an oversized shirt or dress—a subtle technique to create shape without adding a belt. "I have also observed them worn asymmetrically on knitwear, closer to the shoulder or even at the hem," she adds. Ranson predicts that placement will become increasingly experimental, with brooches appearing on jumpers, knits, T-shirts, and even coats.
Styling Brooches Casually for Everyday Wear
One of the most significant misconceptions about brooches is that they only function with formalwear. In reality, they prove more effective when styled casually with everyday outfits. "A brooch on a shirt feels very smart," says Robb, "but on a knit, it becomes more unexpected—and I genuinely believe that is more interesting." Ranson agrees, proposing that vintage brooches paired with everyday basics represent the optimal approach. "You can opt for vintage pieces," she advises, "teaming them with a suit and a white T-shirt for daytime, or relaxed casual looks."
A Fail-Safe Formula for Hesitant Stylists
If you feel hesitant about styling a brooch, both stylists recommend keeping the rest of your outfit pared-back. Ranson suggests for women: "a white T-shirt, an oversized boyfriend blazer, jeans, and a small-heeled boot—then add the brooch on the lapel." For men, the approach is nearly identical: "A relaxed blazer, suit trousers, a white or black T-shirt, and the brooch. Swap the T-shirt for a shirt if you desire a smarter appearance." Robb seconds this advice, stating: "The plainer your canvas, the more impact the brooch will have."
This expert guidance ensures that anyone can embrace the brooch trend with confidence, blending classic elements with modern sensibilities for a truly personalised style statement.
