The Princess of Wales is often seen with a dazzling brooch winking on her lapel, while the new head of MI6 recently turned heads with a bejewelled bug as she delivered her maiden speech.
Blaise Metreweli, 48, the Secret Intelligence Service’s first-ever female chief added a playful touch to her sombre black dress, and even gave a fun nod to Miss Moneypenny, who wore a gold and turquoise insect brooch in the films On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and Octopussy.
She has previously admitted that her choice of brooches tends to make people nervous during meetings, as they wonder whether the accessories might secretly double as surveillance devices.
Ms Metreweli has surely happened upon the cleverest way to sport a decorative pin – but for the rest of us, how do you wear a brooch without looking a little, well, dated?
Brooches may well be back in fashion with everyone from Michelle Yeoh to even male stars like Harry Style and Paul Mescal wearing glittering pins on the red carpet.
However, it’s an accessory many will associate with their grandmother’s jewellery box and they don’t have a clue where to start.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Justin Daughters – Managing Director at vintage jewellers Berganza – has revealed how to make a brooch feel fun and age appropriate, without looking overly serious or dated.
He encourages nervous first-time wearers to experiment with a pinned clasp at the waist or neck, rather than the traditional lapel.
‘The brooch has made a dazzling return, moving well beyond its traditional place on the jacket lapel to become one of the most expressive and versatile accessories in modern fashion,’ he said.
‘Today, it’s less about formality and more about individuality. The secret to wearing a brooch without looking frumpy lies in two things: unexpected placement and contemporary contrast.’
Read on for Justin’s tricks on how to confidently make the brooch a statement accessory, rather than leaving it to gather dust in the jewellery box…
This week the head of MI6 sparked ‘Miss Moneypenny’ comparisons when she wore a dazzling bug-shaped brooch during a televised address – but now a jewellery expert has revealed how you can wear the accessory in a way that’s less 007 and more chic
THINK BEYOND THE LAPEL
‘Modern styling is all about reimagining where and how a brooch is worn,’ Justin said.
‘One of the most fashion-forward approaches is the clustered lapel, grouping an odd number of brooches, perhaps three or five, on a single lapel of a tailored blazer or coat.’
Think Billy Porter stacking floral pins at the 2019 Golden Globes – to accentuate the embroidery of his jacket – or Michael B Jordan decorating his suit with not one but two Tiffany bird brooches at the Oscars in 2023.
Justin added: ‘Mixing different sizes, textures and eras, such as pairing an Art Deco jewel with a sleek modern pin, creates a deliberate, editorial look that feels confident rather than conservative.’
Think Billy Porter stacking floral pins at the 2019 Golden Globes – to accentuate the embroidery of his jacket – or Michael B Jordan decorating his suit with not one but two Tiffany bird brooches at the Oscars in 2023
USE THE BROOCH AS A CINCH
Chanel stars like Janelle Monae – who’s fond of a brooch to centre high-neck looks, a practice also taken up by Colman Domingo, who adorned his bowtie with a David Yurman diamond starburst brooch at last years Oscars.
At that same event, Barbie actor Simu Liu fastened his blazer with a diamond pin from De Beers.
‘Another elegant option is to use a brooch as a cinch,’ Justin explained. ‘Fastening a statement piece at the waist of a minimalist dress or heavy-knit cardigan creates shape and transforms a simple silhouette into something that feels bespoke and designer-led.
‘For those who favour clean lines, pinning a large brooch at the centre of a high-neck blouse or turtleneck can replace a necklace entirely, drawing the eye upwards and adding instant sophistication.
‘A brooch also works beautifully as a scarf anchor used to secure a silk scarf draped over one shoulder, it becomes both functional and refined, framing the face with sparkle.’
Barbie actor Simu Liu fastened his blazer with a diamond pin from De Beers at the Oscars in 2024
Chanel stars like Janelle Monae – who’s fond of a brooch to centre high-neck looks, a practice also taken up by Colman Domingo, who adorned his bowtie with a David Yurman diamond starburst brooch at last years Oscars
CONTRAST IS KEY
A brooch is also an excellent way to introduce a new colour to your ensemble without overwhelming it.
For inspiration, look to the likes of Timothée Chalamet who matched his black blazer with a white rose-shaped pin for his red carpet debut with girlfriend Kylie Jenner at the 70th annual David Di Donatello Awards in Italy, in May of this year.
Elsewhere at the 2023 Oscars, Paul Mescal added a dramatic pop of scarlet with a flower pin to spruce up his white tux.
‘Contrast is key,’ Justin said. ‘The quickest way to stop a brooch looking old-fashioned is to pair it with modern wardrobe staples.
‘A vintage or diamond brooch pinned to a denim jacket or crisp white shirt creates an intentional contrast between luxury and everyday dressing. This tension is what makes the look feel current.
‘Monochrome outfits are especially effective: black, navy or cream provide a clean canvas that allows a colourful or glittering brooch to stand out without overwhelming the outfit.’
For inspiration, look to the likes of Timothée Chalamet who matched his black blazer with a white rose-shaped pin for his red carpet debut with girlfriend Kylie Jenner at the 70th annual David Di Donatello Awards in Italy, in May of this year
Elsewhere at the 2023 Oscars, Paul Mescal added a dramatic pop of scarlet with a flower pin to spruce up his white tux
AVOID OVER-ACCESSORISING
A brooch can itself be a statement piece – so Justin says it’s important not to overwhelm your whole outfit with jewels.
Keke Palmer knew how to nail this look to a T, keeping her neckline bare as she pinned a golden bee clasp onto a simple Balmain shirt dress at the Annual American Black Film Festival Honors in Los Angeles in February.
It’s a practice well known by royalty too, most especially the Princess of Wales. Kate is a pro at letting her brooches serve as the perfect subtle accessory that doesn’t get drowned in other glitz.
While the US President was visiting earlier this year, Prince William’s wife accessorised her burgundy Emilia Wickstead coatdress with the Queen Alexandra Three-Feather brooch, which once belonged to the late Princess Diana.
‘It’s important to avoid over-accessorising,’ Justin shared. ‘If a brooch is making a statement, let it do the talking.
‘Skip bold necklaces and keep other jewellery minimal, simple stud earrings or a single ring will ensure the look feels considered rather than cluttered.’
Keke Palmer knew how to nail this look to a T, keeping her neckline bare as she pinned a golden bee clasp onto a simple Balmain shirt dress at the Annual American Black Film Festival Honors in Los Angeles in February
It’s a practice well known by royalty too, most especially the Princess of Wales. Kate is a pro at letting her brooches serve as the perfect subtle accessory that doesn’t get drowned in other glitz
EMBRACE CREATIVITY
Adrien Brody wore a huge eagle-shaped diamond brooch at the Met Gala, while Michelle Yeoh’s feather-shaped pin at the 2024 Oscars was bespeckled in brown and green hues.
Needless to say, there is no right answer to how you can experiment with the accessory.
‘Embrace creativity,’ Justin urged. ‘Brooches are no longer confined to clothing alone. Pinning one onto a structured handbag, tote strap or clutch instantly personalises an otherwise plain accessory.
‘Smaller, lighter brooches can be worn in the hair attached to a velvet headband, hair clip or tucked into an elegant updo for evening.
‘For the truly adventurous, a discreet brooch on the strap of a pump or even on trainer laces offers a subtle, fashion-insider twist.’
Adrien Brody wore a huge eagle-shaped diamond brooch at the Met Gala, accentuating his simple tux
Meanwhile, Michelle Yeoh’s feather-shaped pin at the 2024 Oscars was bespeckled in brown and green hues
