The most popular shiny emblem to adorn your chest might be necklaces, but brooches are their underappreciated, more versatile cousin that VALLEY thinks need a comeback. Stop letting grandmothers have all the fun and consider picking up a brooch next time you’re out jewelry shopping.
It’s hard to not fall into the same routine when you enter an antique shop, especially with how overwhelming vintage shops can be. If you want to look for a new item to amplify your jewelry game, try finding a brooch that you like. Brooches are a forgotten piece of jewelry that will elevate any nice outfit and make you stand out amongst the crowd.
What is a brooch?
Brooch (rhymes with “coach”) is essentially a fancy pin that is worn on your lapel, although it isn’t uncommon to see them styled on scarves or hats. Although they were invented to be purely functional fastening tools, it was during the Renaissance that they became associated with status. Today, they are worn by all types of women around the world.
While these pieces of jewelry are as beautiful as any other, they seem to have lost popularity over the past few decades. However, senior lead of women’s fashion and strategic partnerships at The RealReal, Noelle Schiacca, says she has seen a 24% increase in the brooches category on their website over the past year.
On the Runway
To no one’s surprise, the runway has predicted what would become a trend to the masses months later. Brooches were spotted on looks by Tory Burch, Miu Miu and Erdem in their fall/winter 2024 collections early in the year. Don’t fret about the price — you can find brooches that are even more beautiful and unique at thrift shops, antique stores and vintage shops anywhere.
Finding a brooch that’s perfect for you can be the hardest part of integrating it into your closet. Try looking for brooches at vintage shops, flea markets or really anywhere where they are selling old jewelry. Many online retailers are beginning to sell brooches as well, but those can get pricey very easily, so in-person shops might be your best option.
Integrating Brooches Into Your Style
If you don’t have a nice coat to adorn with a brooch (and please don’t put a brooch on your black North Face puffer), you still have multiple ways you can style a brooch. Try using one to pin your shawl over your shoulders, or even just pin one on a knit sweater. Using a brooch to brighten up a dull hat is another option you can try.
If you feel like your jewelry collection could use a new featured player, consider purchasing a brooch. VALLEY believes that brooches need to make a real comeback, and there no better time to start wearing them than right now.
Do you wear brooches? Post a pic of you styling them and tag us @VALLEYmag on Instagram!
