How To Wear Brooches: The Ultimate Brooch Guide

Brooches are an excellent way to accessorize yourself and to add that final touch that will complete your look. It is important to make the right choice, though, and with hundreds of designs on offer, it may seem to be a daunting task.

We thought we’d broach the subject by giving you a little insight into what brooches are, what to consider when buying a brooch and how they can be worn so you’re ready to jump on board with the latest brooch trend sweeping the world of fashion.

What Are Brooches?

A brooch is a fashion decorative accessory that usually attaches to clothes with a rotating pin clasp.

A pin is usually a smaller brooch that attaches with a small sharpened rod and push-on safety clasp, but some use the rotating rod with a clasp, similar to that of brooches.

FACTS ABOUT BROOCHES

• Pins and brooches are traditionally worn on clothes such as jackets, shirts, dresses, sweaters and hats.
• In the older days brooches were used to hold clothing together.
• Brooches come in different designs and are made from different materials, including Swarovski crystals, feathers, plastic stones, sea shells, pearls and pearl imitations.
• Bronze, copper, pewter, steel and silver are used to make brooches' base or be the only ingredient in the brooch design.
• A fashion brooch with a good design oftentimes looks better than an expensive gold and diamonds brooch.
• Brooches have a potential to inspire many. Brooches are among the few jewellery categories that almost don't have any size limits.

Are Brooches Fashion Jewellery?

When it's time to be all glamorous, we look for a designer dress, an exquisite handbag, a knockout clutch, a hot pair of heels or beautiful jewellery. But besides the regular accessories like necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings, let's not forget the often overlooked brooch or pin, which can spice up any look from classic to contemporary.

A brooch is like a magic touch from a fairy godmother, it either can make you look stylish or foolish. Make it too large, and people won't notice your face, make it too small and people won't notice any difference if didn't have one. Put a heavy brooch on a thin dress and you're asking for unattractive saggy creases, put an elaborate and colorful-too-much brooch on a formal dress and you'll attract unwelcome attention.

Most people like to wear brooches as a fashion accessory that keeps them with the fashion trend or just to make their outfit more appealing. One thing is for sure - a brooch will make you stand out.

Think of the last time when you dressed-up. If you don't wear jewellery much and find it hard to find yourself a ring to match or earrings that aren't too heavy, then a brooch could be a solution. You don't wear it directly on your body and hence there is a greater field for experimentation: put it on a dress, jeans, jacket or shoes.

When To Wear A Brooch

OFFICE

If you work in the office you need a brooch that reflects style and sophistication. It could be small to medium size brooches, not too "in your face".

CLUB NIGHT OUT

Stand out while on a night out on the town with your friends by adding a stunning brooch to your favourite LBD. An eye-catching brooch can boost your look, and your confidence, meaning you’ll enjoy your evening out all the more!

DATE

You always want to make a great impression when heading out on a date, and any of the brooches in our collection could be the perfect way to make your date night look that extra bit special.

WEDDING

Wedding guest outfits should be extra special to mark the important occasion, and a beautiful brooch is a perfect way to add to the sense of occasion. If you’re part of the wedding party, why not try to match your brooch to the wedding bouquet?

DO's & DON’Ts OF WEARING AND CHOOSING BROOCHES

How To Wear A Brooch

Brooches are one of the most versatile jewellery pieces in your collection, so don’t limit yourself when it comes to how to wear a brooch. Try your brooch in a number of places to decide how best to showcase it without overpowering your overall look.

…With a Dress

Depending on the size of your brooch and the shape of your dress, you can pin a brooch:

• to your chest on either side
• beneath your bust
• on your waistline
• on the ‘v’ of the neckline

…With a Blouse

Many choose to pin a brooch to either side of the chest when wearing a blouse, but for a more on-trend vintage look, we recommend pinning the brooch to the middle of your collar where the buttons join

…With a Jacket

The most popular place to wear a brooch on a jacket is the lapel, and really it’s the only place it looks nice! However, that’s not to say that you can’t get experimental by wearing more than one brooch or pin at a time for a quirky look.

…With Jeans

An unusual choice of placement but one that’s no less effective, why not consider pinning your brooch to the front pocket of your jeans? They can be placed on the back pocket too, but be careful if you plan on sitting down!

…With a Skirt

Create a belt-buckle effect by placing a large brooch at the top of your skirt in the middle – the larger the brooch the better the effect.

…With Knitwear

Scarves, hats and gloves are fantastic accessories in themselves, but you can make them stand out that little bit more by choosing to combine them with a brooch. Pin a brooch to the cuff of your gloves, the side of your hat or nestled in your scarf for a cosy yet glamorous look.

…In Your Hair

Upstyle your ponytail by pinning a brooch to your hair tie – or if you’re planning on wearing your hair down, why not add a brooch to a hairband instead?

…With Accessories

Your handbag is a blank canvas on which you can let your imagination run wild. Pin a single glamorous brooch to a small handbag or clutch, or add several brooches scattered across a larger bag for added personality.

…With Shoes

Another unusual brooch placement that you may not have considered before, shoes and boots can be given an instant boost with the addition of a brooch. Consider pinning a brooch to the tongue of a pair of shoes or the side of a pair of boots for a bejewelled footwear effect that’s sure to elevate your look – can’t find a brooch you think will suit your footwear?

Now that you have plenty more ways to wear them - go and get yourself some more beautiful brooches from Ticara Town!