How To Wear A Brooch: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Wear a Brooch PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Jordan Stolch and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 References

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  • Wearing a Brooch on Your Clothing
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  • Finding New Ways to Style Your Brooch
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This article was co-authored by Jordan Stolch and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM). This article has been viewed 134,049 times.

If you're not familiar with wearing a brooch, it can seem like a tricky accessory. Brooches were once commonly used to accessorize clothing, and they typically have a hinged pin you can use to fasten them to fabric. While they aren't as common as they used to be, a brooch can still be a way to add flair and personality to almost any outfit. And even when you're not wearing it on your clothes, there are still plenty of ways you can make use of a pretty brooch in your collection!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Wearing a Brooch on Your Clothing

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  1. Step 1 Pin your brooch to the breast of a blouse for a classic look. 1 Pin your brooch to the breast of a blouse for a classic look. Adding a brooch to your blouse will instantly make you look more elegant and refined. Just pass the pin on the brooch into the fabric on your shirt, then push it out through the other side.
    • Typically, a brooch looks neatest when it's pinned between your breast and collarbone.
    • Don’t gather too much fabric when you’re pinning the brooch to your shirt, or your shirt will look puckered or bunched up.
    • A simple brooch on a solid-colored shirt is a great way to ease into this trend.
    • If you're wearing the brooch into the office, try putting on a white button-down and a thin cable-knit sweater on top of that. Then put the brooch on the outside of the sweater, and tie the outfit together with a simple black skirt with black tights or a simple black pair of pants.[1]
  2. Step 2 Use a brooch to emphasize the collar of a shirt. 2 Use a brooch to emphasize the collar of a shirt. If you have a shirt with a relatively stiff collar, you can use a brooch to dress it up. You can place a single brooch to one side of the collar, or you can use 2 identical brooches on either side of the collar for a symmetrical look.
    • Try clustering several brooches along one side of your collar for a unique look. For instance, in the springtime, a collection of flower-shaped brooches would look great on the collar of a chambray button-down.
    • You can also wear the brooch on your shirt just below the points of your collar. Try wearing brooches with a pearl design to soften a Western button-down shirt.[2]
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  3. Step 3 Wear a brooch to add sparkle to a simple dress. 3 Wear a brooch to add sparkle to a simple dress. Whether you’re wearing a pastel-colored sheath dress, a little black dress, or a sweater dress, a brooch can add visual interest and a unique touch. Experiment with different locations for the brooch to see what looks best.[3]
    • If your dress has ruched detailing, try placing the brooch at your waist right where the material gathers.
    • Wearing a brooch could leave a small hole in the material, especially if the dress is made of a delicate fabric like chiffon or lace. If that's the case, either opt for a small brooch, or put on a jacket and wear the brooch on that, instead.
  4. Step 4 Pin your brooch to a cozy sweater to mix style and comfort. 4 Pin your brooch to a cozy sweater to mix style and comfort. When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comfortable than pulling on a soft sweater. Dress up your sweater with a little sparkle by pinning on a brooch, and you’ll instantly look more put-together![4]
    • Elevate your outfit further by adding on some skinny jeans, ankle boots, and a stylish scarf!
  5. Step 5 Add personality to a jacket or blazer by pinning a brooch to the lapel. 5 Add personality to a jacket or blazer by pinning a brooch to the lapel. If you wear a suit or a blazer to work, it can sometimes be hard to incorporate much of your personal style. By adding a brooch, you’ll stand out—in a good way! Pin the brooch on your lapel just above the widest part of your chest for a flattering accent.[5]
    • You can also wear your brooch on some kind of overcoat. If the rest of your outfit is really simple, this will make the brooch pop.[6]
    • If you have a playful personality, look for a whimsical brooch shaped like an animal, flower, or insect.
    • For a more refined look, stick to abstract shapes, like a simple enamel circle or a jewel surrounded by pearls.
    • Play around with the location of your brooch. Try slipping it through the top button-hole on your jacket instead of using it on the lapel. You can even use a brooch as a fastener if your jacket doesn’t have buttons.
  6. Step 6 Jazz up a simple T-shirt with a brooch. 6 Jazz up a simple T-shirt with a brooch. Sometimes the best style is an understated look. Add a brooch to a fitted T-shirt, and you’ll look like you’re ready for anything. Experiment with different-colored tees, including solids and stripes.[7]
    • However, avoid baggy tees or graphic T-shirts, as these tend to be very casual-looking.
    • A brooch is a great way to dress up a black T-shirt and skirt combo.
  7. Step 7 Stick your brooch to the waist of a skirt for an unexpected touch. 7 Stick your brooch to the waist of a skirt for an unexpected touch. If you want to emphasize your waist, pin your brooch through the waistband of a fitted skirt. You can either pin it right in the center, or you can pin it off to the side if you prefer how that looks.[8]
    • Other unexpected ways to wear a brooch include on the neck of a turtleneck or on the cuff of your pants leg.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Finding New Ways to Style Your Brooch

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  1. Step 1 Use a large brooch to secure the end of a scarf. 1 Use a large brooch to secure the end of a scarf. If you love wearing a big, cozy scarf, but you don’t like to have the ends hanging down, a brooch is the perfect solution! Wrap the scarf comfortably around your neck, then use the brooch to pin the end of the scarf in place. This will add a pretty touch that’s as functional as it is stylish![9]
    • You can pin the scarf in the center of your chest, or you can add the brooch closer to your shoulder if you prefer.
  2. Step 2 Pin your brooch to a headband or ribbon to wear it in your hair. 2 Pin your brooch to a headband or ribbon to wear it in your hair. A jeweled brooch can make the perfect hair accessory. For a simple way to tuck your brooch into your hair, pin the clasp to a headband or pass it through a ribbon. Then, slip on the headband or tie the ribbon around your hair for a unique new hairstyle![10]
    • If you want to wear a brooch directly in your hair, spray your hair with texturizing spray. Then, find a place on the clasp where you can secure a bobby pin, and use that to attach the pin to your hair.
  3. Step 3 Make your brooch into a necklace to make it more versatile. 3 Make your brooch into a necklace to make it more versatile. If you want to wear your brooch but you don’t want to put holes in your clothes, try wearing it as a necklace instead. Attach it to a chain, a string of pearls, or even a piece of ribbon to create a one-of-a-kind necklace you can wear anywhere.[11]
    • To make your brooch into a choker, attach it to a narrow piece of ribbon or velvet that’s long enough to wrap around your throat.
    • Make a smaller brooch into a pendant by attaching it to a long chain.
  4. Step 4 Wear identical brooches on the tops of your shoes to add a unique twist. 4 Wear identical brooches on the tops of your shoes to add a unique twist. Dress up your flats, loafers, or even a pair of canvas sneaker by pinning on a pair of matching brooches. Then, plan your outfit so the colors will coordinate with your sparkly shoe decorations![12]
    • For example, if you add matching bright red brooches to a pair of black flats, you might then choose a pair of black skinny jeans, and a black shirt with red details.
  5. Step 5 Add flair to your favorite hat with a unique brooch. 5 Add flair to your favorite hat with a unique brooch. You can add a brooch to almost any hat to give it a little extra style. Just push the pin through the hat material and fasten the hat securely.
    • Use a pretty jeweled brooch to dress up a cozy knit hat during the winter.
    • Add a whimsical brooch to the side of a bowler hat or a fedora for a look that’s smart and playful.
  6. Step 6 Decorate a plain purse with a large brooch. 6 Decorate a plain purse with a large brooch. Add extra flair to a simple bag by pinning on a decorative brooch. Try pinning it where the strap is attached, to the center of the bag, or on the purse flap.[13]
    • Avoid using a brooch that’s highly valuable. If you brush your bag against something, you could accidentally knock the brooch off or damage the clasp.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question On which side do you wear a brooch? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Brooches are traditionally worn on the left side, so stick to the left in formal settings. However, you can always experiment with wearing it in different locations for a more casual look. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 12
  • Question How do you wear a brooch without damaging your clothes? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer If you want to avoid poking holes in your favorite blouse, one option is to modify your brooch by adding magnets. Remove the stick pin from the backing and glue on a couple of magnets instead. Use epoxy rather than hot glue, since the heat can mess up the magnetism. Secure the brooch in place by setting it on the outside of your clothes and placing loose magnets behind it on the inside. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 20
  • Question Can you wear a brooch and a necklace at the same time? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Definitely, but you might want to balance an elaborate brooch with a simpler necklace to avoid a “busy” look. For example, try pairing a fancy gemstone brooch with a simple chain or a classic string of pearls. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 13
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Tips

  • When you're wearing a brooch, you do run the risk of leaving a pin-hole in the garment you're accessorizing. Make sure the fabric is sturdy enough to support the weight of the brooch. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Video

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References

  1. ↑ Jordan Stolch. Image Consultant & Style Advisor. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ http://fashionsy.com/17-ways-of-how-to-wear-a-brooch/
  3. ↑ http://fashionsy.com/17-ways-of-how-to-wear-a-brooch/
  4. ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/style/brooch-unexpected-accessory-need-now/
  5. ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/style/brooch-unexpected-accessory-need-now/
  6. ↑ Jordan Stolch. Image Consultant & Style Advisor. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ http://archive.jsonline.com/features/fashion/there-are-modern-ways-to-wear-a-brooch-b99714142z1-377835551.html
  8. ↑ http://fashionsy.com/17-ways-of-how-to-wear-a-brooch/
  9. ↑ http://archive.jsonline.com/features/fashion/there-are-modern-ways-to-wear-a-brooch-b99714142z1-377835551.html
More References (4)
  1. ↑ http://archive.jsonline.com/features/fashion/there-are-modern-ways-to-wear-a-brooch-b99714142z1-377835551.html
  2. ↑ https://people.com/royals/princess-diana-jewelry-collection-tiaras/#the-queen-mothers-sapphire-brooch-necklace
  3. ↑ http://archive.jsonline.com/features/fashion/there-are-modern-ways-to-wear-a-brooch-b99714142z1-377835551.html
  4. ↑ https://lemonstripes.com/fashion/outfits/how-to-wear-brooch/

About This Article

Jordan Stolch Co-authored by: Jordan Stolch Image Consultant & Style Advisor This article was co-authored by Jordan Stolch and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger, BA. Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM). This article has been viewed 134,049 times. 37 votes - 77% Co-authors: 15 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 134,049 Categories: Jewelry Article SummaryX

If it's your first time wearing a brooch, try pinning it to the breast of a blouse for a classic, elegant look. If you have a shirt with a stiff collar, use a brooch or 2 to dress it up. You can also pin your brooch to a dress to add a little sparkle. Alternatively, attach it to a sweater or sweater dress for a mix of style and comfort. For more formal occasions, affix your brooch to the lapel of a jacket or blazer to add a little personality. For more tips, including how to add your brooch to accessories like a scarf, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jordan Stolch Co-authored by: Jordan Stolch Image Consultant & Style Advisor 37 votes - 77% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 15 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 134,049

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