Last weekend my daughters went to one of their Great-Grandma’s houses. The house was being decluttered and cleared, and one of the things they were asked to take was some of the beautiful costume jewellery, that she had collected. When they got home, it sparked a conversation about jewellery and how the style of it, is very cyclical as fashion is. Take the humble clutch bags for example. I remember them as being the accessory I saw my mum use when I was growing up. I remember so clearly, her having a rust coloured leather one, with a gold clasp, It was iconic, and would be bang on trend today. Seeing a clutch bag today always reminds me of her. Now they are my ‘go to’ bag when I get ready to go out. So my two daughters are seeing the same kinds of fashion as I did all those years ago. How about brooches though?
They were huge in the 80’s, and came in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Well, I for one, have always loved the vintage end of costume jewellery, and used to hunt in thrift and charity shops to find items, including brooches that were a little more unusual, and a great way for me to personalise my outfit. I’ve always been the kind of dresser, that prefers to look a little different to everyone else, boho if you like. Brooches are one piece of jewellery that are making a big comeback and can really add something a little different to an outfit, personality!
How to wear a brooch
Honestly, there isn’t anywhere you can’t wear a brooch. On a dress, scarf, coat or even a bag. Here are are just a few of of my styling ideas.
I’ve worn a brooch on a dress so many times, they can take a simple dress, to a different level, looking like you put just a little more thought into how you are wearing it. I have one particular dress which has gathering across thr waist and I wear one just at the point those gathers finish, and it really helps to emphasis my waist. Great too if the dress is very plain, and you want it to add interest and sparkle.
How about if you using a brooch on a button up shirt, pinned on that top button it can really look very striking.
Something like this Clara Feather Brooch – On a silk blouse, or white cotton shirt style blouse.
A brooch immediately gives a piece of clothing an interesting edge, and can transform simple office attire into opulent eveningwear. Each season there tends to be a coat or jacket that is the must have piece, its fit and colour are what everyone wants. Try adding a brooch to that to stay individual, look at simple brooch shapes and those with flowers which can add an individual feminine touch.
Now my next idea, is to wear a brooch in you hair. It can add sparkle and flair and is is incredibly striking. I think this is especially true in an up do for a wedding, either as a bride or instead of a hat or facinator as a guest.
The best way to get good at accessorising with brooches is to try them in different ways. Spend a little time practising how to waer them with different outfits. You will be amazed at how versatilesuch a simple accessory is.
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