Iwas recently asked by a reader for tips on wearing brooches so here they are:
11 Ways to Style Brooches
1. Wear it up high on your lapel or shoulder. Often when we put on a brooch we do so from the angle of looking down (kind of how our head and neck works really) but instead of looking down and pinning on, try looking in the mirror to find the best placement for your brooch. If you want to look taller, high up is better. If you want to draw attention away from your bust, higher up is better. Higher up is better – enough said!
2. Make a statement. If you have a wider or shorter neck, a brooch is a great way to draw attention up to your portrait area (that’s right, think about dressing your portrait area first, rather than your stomach/hips/thighs/butt) which will draw attention to your face (and away from that stomach/hips/thighs/butt). Find a larger scale brooch to make a statement – there are so many amazing brooches available to choose from.
3. Wear it in the middle – traditionally we choose to wear a brooch on one or other shoulder, but how about wearing it in the middle of a high necked top such as a halterneck style – like a necklace just without the chain!
4. Pin it to your blouse collar. This can look great with a smaller more delicate brooch. It doesn’t have to be on a jacket lapel.
5. Put it on a chain and wear it as a necklace. Alternatively, attach it to a wide velvet ribbon and tie it choker style.
6. Use it to “tie” a scarf. Avoid bulky knots and use a brooch to hold a scarf together.
7. Wear it at your waist. A cross over top or cardigan can be clipped together with a big statement brooch
8. More than one at a time. Just like necklaces, you don’t have to stop at one at a time. Group similar styles of brooches together on your shoulder or lapel.
9. Wear it as a belt buckle. This requires a large scale brooch to adorn the buckle.
10. Attach it to your clutch. A fabric clutch can be accessorized with a brooch.
11. Put it on your hat. This is particularly great for larger brooches, or clustering of brooches on a felt hat.
One thing I use brooches for in summer is at the V of a V neckline that’s just a fraction deeper than I want to go. Just use one with a horizontal bar and pin it across the neckline about a centimetre or so above the V. It just hides that little bit of cleavage that is inappropriate for certain situations (e.g. leading a church service on a hot day)
Great idea Lynne
Great ideas. I’ve also seen and worn myself, brooches on turtlenecks – in the neck area – and I always get compliments.
Thank you!! And maybe on shoes?
So I was just wondering if you could wear a brooch with a cowlneck. I haven’t seem it done before, but I have an outfit that needs a third something…( a necklace would be too much) but would a brooch work?
Thanks so much for this great article, dear Imogen! I always shy away from using brooches because of the holes in the fabric that are caused by using them, especially on delicate fabrics. Is there a solution to that?
Hi Chris
I would tend to avoid using brooches on delicate fabrics for fear of doing damage. They are great on woollen jackets and the like, or cottons that are a little more durable.
You can find some brooches that use a strong magnet instead of a pin. Or sometimes a small piece of ribbon or felt can sort of reinforce the more delicate fabric you are spiking through. I still have a few damaged cardigans though.
Thank you very much for the kind advice! @Imogen @Sophie
Imogen – I’ve heard of something called “exit pins” – using on the back of clothing (i.e., cocktail dress). The premise is that a beautiful brooch on the back of a special dress – the wearer makes a great “exit”. Just wanted to get your thoughts. Thanks!
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. I will have a Xmas linkup party on Thursday. I hope you can make it.
Thanks for this! I love brooches and have a really special memento brooch that I never know how to wear. I’ll be following your tips #brilliantblogposts
fab post! I love brooches, although realizing I rarely wear them. Great way to spice up an ordinary or simple outfit! thanks for linking up with Monday Mingle!
Carly
Hello! I love brooches and have been sharing my brooches for about 3 months now in a weekly post and I have done most of these that you have said, I like adding them to hats and especially to shirt collars!!
So funny, I was just admiring my mum’s brooch the other day and wondered why I never wear them myself. Will now. Love the idea on a hat. Thanks for linking up to #fashionfriday
There are so many great ways to wear them without looking Old lady!
I have not worn a brooch in ages, love all the different ideas you have here on how to wear it. Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope you had a wonderful Christmas. See you in 2016!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com