3 min readOver the past few years, brooches have made their way out of grandmother’s jewelry box and onto the runway—and as a result onto jacket lapels and sweaters. I’ve even seen them used to fasten loose scarves on both starlets and everyday people alike. This small accessory gained popularity during the quiet luxury trend, no doubt as a way to add some personality to otherwise quite minimal clothes. Though we have, for the most part, moved past those more stringent, pared-back days, the brooch has endured. It still functions as a way to add character and glamour to an outfit.
There are a number of directions one could take when embarking on a brooch journey, but the motif that feels the most universal, and likely the most approachable, is a brooch in the shape of a flower. Floral brooches have, of course, had their own moment in the spotlight recently, especially at Chanel. Matthieu Blazy, the house’s recently-installed creative director, has been breathing new life into the brand and its house codes, including the camellia. His interest in bridging the history of the house with the present day is part of what has made his Chanel feel so desirable.
For those who weren’t able to secure one of those highly coveted Chanel appointments—or those who simply want to bring a touch of the brand into their everyday wardrobe—a floral brooch can be an entry point into a fresh new feeling for spring. Below, I’ve styled five looks featuring a floral brooch (or a few) to show there’s not just one cookie-cutter way to wear them.
Try It on a Hat
From top: Gap straw bucket hat; Considered Objects silk falling flower brooch; Tory Burch oversized waxed canvas jacket, oversized silk polo, wool skirt, resin earrings, and resin necklace; La Botte Gardiane boots; Lizzie Fortunato embellished bag; Chan Luu onyx necklace.
If fully committing to a brooch feels a bit daunting, pin it to something more low-stakes, like a hat. A straw style instantly signals that warmer days are here, while also offering a bit of sun protection. And because spring weather is rarely predictable, a poppy rain jacket is always a welcome companion.
Gap
Straw Bucket Hat
Now 52% Off
Tory Burch
Oversized Waxed Canvas Jacket
Cos
Jersey Midi Pencil Skirt
Simkhai
Lowen Leather Knee-High Boots
Tateossian
Red Rose Pin
Wear More Than One
From Top: Banana Republic linen blazer; Auralee wool blend plaid shirt; Arlo Mott ribbed turtleneck; Partow Bermuda shorts; Jacquemus x Nike Moon sneakers; Jennifer Behr enamel brooch (Left lapel); Kule black and white brooch (right lapel, top); vintage Chanel camellia (right lapel, bottom).
Why stop at one brooch when you could have multiple? These decorative accents function almost like punctuation marks within an outfit, adding an eye-catching element to an otherwise simple all-white ensemble. To build on that sense of intrigue, consider introducing a pop of color to draw the eye even further.
Mango
Fitted Double-Breasted Blazer
Posse
Marchello Linen Shorts
Helena Simon Red Poppy Floral Brooch
Saint Laurent
Silk Rolled Rose Brooch
Dries Van Noten Retro Runner Sneakers
A Classic Approach
From Top: Jacques Marie Mage acetate sunglasses; St. John tweed jacket; J.Crew Tencel two pocket shirt; Arlo Mott utility skirt; Chanel slingbacks and vintage Chanel classic flap; Swedish Stockings tights; Jennifer Behr enamel brooch.
The easiest way to wear a brooch is pinned to a jacket. If you want to take direct inspiration from Chanel, opt for tweed, which captures the refined look the house is known for. To offset the overtly ladylike feel, add more utilitarian pieces—like a two-pocket safari shirt and skirt—for a fresher, more modern mix.
St. John
Provence Tweed Jacket
Buck Mason Officer Shirt
H&M
Denim Cargo Maxi Skirt
Hook + Albert
Satin Dahlia Lapel Flower
Jacques Marie Mage
Corniche D-Frame Sunglasses
Pin It to a Shirt
From Top: Madewell poplin shirt; Considered Objects silk falling flower brooch; Auralee bleached trousers; Prada crisscross sandals; Charvet ribbed socks.
One of the pleasures of this time of year is the ability to leave the house with fewer layers, or no jacket at all. Taking a cue from the runway, pin a brooch directly onto your shirt to refresh an everyday button-down. To keep the look relaxed and in step with warmer weather, consider looser fatigue pants and sandals, adding socks if temperatures begin to dip.
Considered Objects Hand-Stitched Silk Flower Brooch
Madewell The Signature Y-Neck PJ Shirt
Everlane
Utility Straight-Leg Cargo
A.Emery Jalen Slim Leather Sandals
Mejuri
Single Mini Hoop
Dress Up a Sweatshirt
From Top: Uniqlo tinted sunglasses; A.Presse cotton jersey sweatshirt; Ruadh Agnes distressed jeans; Tecovas suede cowboy boots; Valentino Garavani Viva Superstar shoulder bag; vintage Chanel pinwheel brooch.
There’s no reason your more casual looks can’t benefit from a bit of adornment. Try pinning a brooch onto a sweatshirt and pairing it with your go-to jeans and an errand-ready bag. The overall effect remains relaxed, but the brooch is able to add a dresser element to the look.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cotton-Blend Jersey Sweatshirt
Ruadh
Agnes Distressed Straight-Leg Jeans
Valentino Garavani
Viva Superstar Leather Shopping Bag
Tecovas
The Jamie
Kenneth Jay Lane Metallic Anemone Flower Pin
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