How to wear a brooch in order not to look old-fashioned?

Jewelery and bijouterie

Many people treat brooches with caution. The reason is simple and lies in a misunderstanding of how to wear and with what to combine this accessory. We figure out which rules should be followed and which rules can be broken so that the image sparkles with new colors and at the same time looks modern.

General rules for wearing a brooch

Brooches are complementary, accent jewelry, they attract attention and are almost always the visual center of the image. Therefore, the choice of accessory should be approached responsibly. There are several universal rules, the observance of which will avoid frequent mistakes.

  • Use only one accent decoration

The brooch is always the main decoration of the image, the rest fade into the background, become complementary. This rule applies to brooches of any size and design.

Complementary jewelry is basic products without a pronounced style, concise, not attracting too much attention, small size, neutral shades. The maximum number is three. For example, a brooch attached to the lapel of a jacket can be complemented with minimalist stud earrings (studs), a ring and a thin bracelet.

  • Choose the right background

The more complex the design of the brooch, the more concise the cut and the calmer the shades of clothing. Avoid fabric with complex and contrasting patterns, large decorative elements (for example, large buttons). If you use a brooch with stones, the shades of the inclusions should overlap with the palette of clothes.

  • Product weight and material density

The size of the brooch, the complexity of execution and inlay with stones add weight to the product. The heavier the decoration, the denser the fabric should be. For example, a large brooch pinned to a thin silk blouse will pull and damage the fabric.

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  • Style and relevance of the accessory

Choose a brooch according to the place, occasion and match the style direction of clothing and other accessories.

Classic / business style: discreet design, achromatic scale (calm pure shades: white, gray, beige, black), geometric pattern, strict lines.

Romantic Style: refined silhouettes, delicate palette of shades, fantasy design, ornate lines, floral motifs.

Free style: wide color palette (from neutral, natural to bright, dynamic shades), contrasting combinations, use of several materials.

With what and on which side is the brooch worn?

A few years ago, the answer to the question “from which side the brooch is worn” was unequivocal: from the side of the heart, 10-15 centimeters below the shoulder line. Representatives of the aristocracy and royal families to this day wear this decoration in this way. This is a win-win option for everyone who is not prone to experimentation.

The brooch does not have to be alone. Create interesting compositions from several identical or made in the same style accessories. Brooches can be attached symmetrically, in one place, imitating a solid piece of jewelry, or in random order.

To everyone else, modern etiquette gives complete freedom. If you are far from ceremonial restrictions and perceive fashion as an exciting game, the question “which side the brooch is pinned on” should not concern you. Feel free to break the rules and look for non-standard solutions.

Brooch on a coat

In the cold season, when scarves and gloves hide most of the jewelry, a brooch on a coat will allow you to diversify the mass image, dilute the palette of basic shades. A large brooch is preferable - it will not be lost against the background of voluminous wardrobe items.

Brooch on a dress

The brooch used to decorate the dress highlights the area on which it is located. Thus, you can choose which part of the body to draw more attention to (front, décolleté, waist, and so on). A brooch up to 5 cm in diameter is the best option: the jewelry will not be lost and will not look bulky.

Brooches on blouses and shirts

A shirt and blouse are items that can be easily transformed from basic daytime wear to formal formal evening wear with a brooch.

Brooch on a jacket

The brooch will suit a jacket of any style and cut: classic, casual, fitted, loose. With the help of an accessory, you can vary the degree of formality.

How can you wear a brooch?
  1. Classic version on the side of the chest.
  2. On/under the collar.
  3. On the lapel.
  4. Along the neckline.
  5. In place of several buttons (if they are hidden).
  6. On the shoulders, imitating epaulettes.
  7. On a belt instead of a buckle.
  8. As a fastener for a smell.
  9. For one or both sleeves/cuffs.
  10. On a scarf, headdress.
  11. In the place of drapery fabric.

What to wear with a cameo brooch?

Cameo - an ornament with a relief image made on a light stone or shell. Most often you can find a drawing of a female profile or a flower.

Combinations: optimal - with a solid dark-colored dense fabric, on which the cameo will look like an element of the image's architecture. In clothes, smooth lines and a classic cut are preferred.

How to wear a needle brooch?

The needle brooch consists of a decorative element and a tip, sometimes they are connected by a chain. This design allows you to securely fix the accessory on clothing. The brooch is pinned at an angle of 45 degrees, so that its lower edge tends down to the center.

How to use a scarf brooch?

A brooch for a scarf is not only beautiful, but also functional decoration. Choose an accessory so that its color and design are not lost against the background of colors and patterns of a scarf or stole. You can fasten the brooch at any height.

The scarf itself with the help of an accessory can also be styled in different ways: leave the ends of the fabric hanging freely on one or both sides, form a bow, drapery.

Types of brooches depending on the fastening:
  • Brooch-ring. Brooch-ring can be found in the form of a ring or a cylinder. In both cases, the principle of using the brooch will be the same: the scarf is threaded through the central part of the ring or cylinder to the desired height. To prevent the accessory from moving out, a scarf or stole should be chosen from a dense fabric.
  • Clip-on brooch. The clip-on brooch consists of a decorative part and a ring-shaped clip. The scarf is threaded through the central part of the ring, and then additionally fixed with a clip. This type of brooch is suitable for scarves made of thin and flowing fabrics.
  • Brooch of three rings with a decorative element. The basis of the brooch is a construction of three interconnected rings resembling a pyramid. The ends of the scarf are threaded first through the side rings, and then through the central one. This type of brooch allows you to create a drapery effect.
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