The Little Accessory That Instantly Makes You Look Like a Fashion Insider

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Over 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

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

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

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

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

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

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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