Brooches have been making a reappearance on the runways this past year, and “Brooched” landed a spot on Pinterest Trend Predictions for 2026. And while this vintage style might be making a comeback, we’d argue that it never really went away! Brooches are elegant accessories that can be styled in so many ways, whether you’re wearing them on your coat, shirt, sweater, or even your socks. There’s no limit to the number of ways you can get creative with brooches this year, but if you want a few ideas to inspire you, keep reading for 8 ways that we’re updating our fashion brooches aesthetic in the new year.
1. Mix metals
Mixing jewelry by styling silver and gold necklaces, rings, bracelets, and watches together is all the rage… so why not include brooches in that list, too? One of the best ways to mix metals successfully is to style a gold and silver piece in the same small area in your accessory stack, which is what makes brooches the perfect pieces to try out this styling strategy. Group your pins and brooches together on your sleeve, lapel, or collar, and then have fun selecting gold and silver pieces to adorn that spot.
2. Commit to a theme
When you’re trying to create a layered look with your brooches and pins on a sweater or jacket, you can always try organizing them by theme. This gives your artful collage a cohesive look, even if you’re playing around with different metals, textures, sizes, etc. Your jacket is a canvas, and your brooches are your artwork! Whether you’re all about animal and nature-themed pins or prefer something a little more celestial, you can turn your outfit into a true work of art by leaning into a themed look with your elegant accessories.
3. Incorporate color
Although silver, gold, and crystal brooches are certainly popular and always look polished, you can also have fun styling your brooch look with colorful pieces! Try sticking to one color and playing with different shades for a look that still feels intentional and cohesive. Think navy and light blue, burgundy and light pink, or forest green and olive.
Whether you’re reaching for pieces with colorful stones or floral brooches in different hues, these fashion brooches can add the perfect pop of color to your neutral blazers, coats, sweaters, etc.
4. Play with different shapes and sizes
Use different shapes and sizes of brooches to create a layered look that’s pleasing to the eye. You might have to play around with the exact arrangement and which pieces you’d like to use, so it always helps to practice a layout the night before you plan on wearing them, and then snapping a photo when you figure out an arrangement that you like.
Think opposites when you’re trying to balance out the look of individual brooch styles. Pair circles with squares, organic with inorganic shapes, rounded edges with sharp ones, and large and small pieces. This is how you’ll get that runway-worthy look that will really make a statement!
5. Express yourself
Fashion brooches can help you infuse your personality into your capsule wardrobe. If you usually stick with versatile, neutral pieces in your everyday style, brooches are a great way to add your individual style to your go-to tops and outerwear. And the great thing is, they’re easy to swap in and out depending on your mood!
If you want to add a feminine, classy touch to your traditionally masculine blazer, try a brooch combo of a crystal-studded heart and gold bow. The look of these two pieces paired together helps to balance out the more rigid, structured blazer.
6. Include gemstones or elegant crystals
Crystals and precious stones can add dimension to your favorite brooch looks. Whether you love timeless pearls or elegant crystals, gems can add a lot to your go-to metallic pieces. Depending on the look you’re going for, they can really help you to achieve the vibe you want to get while wearing your brooches! Pearls might indicate a more traditional, elevated look, while colorful stones are usually a bit more playful, and could even coordinate with the other colors in your outfit to create a monochromatic look.
7. Go for an unexpected look
Brooches might most commonly be spotted on tops, coats, blazers, sweaters, etc., but there are plenty of other style strategies to wear brooches in a modern way. Just think outside the box when you’re considering the placement of your fashion brooches! Pinterest predicts that small brooches and pins might start making an appearance on socks and other accessories like bags and belts. You could also try styling them on scarves, hats, etc., for a unique look. Don’t limit yourself to a traditional lapel placement when there are so many other chic ways to style fashion brooches.
8. Mix and match textures
Mixing and matching textures is one of our favorite ways to make an outfit more interesting… and you can apply that concept to your brooches, too! When deciding what fashion brooches to wear for the day, try choosing pieces that contrast each other when it comes to structure. Just like selecting different shapes and sizes can give you an eye-pleasing, balanced look, different textures can accomplish the same goal.
If you’re reaching for a sturdy gold piece, try balancing it with a more delicate floral pin in soft, gauzy material. You can find brooches in a wide variety of fabrics and metals, which makes the hunt for new pieces all that much more fun!
Styling Brooches for the Modern Age
Brooches may not be new, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t fresh and exciting ways to style them in 2026! A layered look with a full collection of fashion brooches worn in one outfit is just one of the new ways to wear this elegant staple in the modern age. If you want to make a statement, just use one of these 8 strategies to make the most of your brooch collection this year.
Want even more ideas about how to wear your brooches in 2026? Up Next: How to Wear a Brooch: 7 Elegant Styling Tips
I LOVE your fashion and your Fashion Blog! I’ve been following you for a year. I always check you out whenever you enter and arrive in my email box. Thank you for keeping it classy and fresh.
So, so happy to hear this.. thank you!