Brooches, once considered old-fashioned, are making a comeback in modern fashion, blending historical significance with contemporary design and personal expression.
The resurgence of brooches, once reserved for special occasions and elegant attire, marks a notable shift in modern fashion, capturing the interest of both designers and everyday style enthusiasts alike. These accessories, which have evolved significantly through history, are now being embraced not only in casual outfits but also on fashion runways worldwide. Luxury brands and renowned fashion houses are reintroducing brooches into their collections, prompting many fashion aficionados to explore ways to incorporate them into their own wardrobes.
Brooches have a lineage that dates back to the Bronze Age when they served a practical purpose of fastening clothing. Over time, particularly during the ancient and medieval periods, these accessories evolved into decorative pieces made from precious metals and adorned with gemstones. In Byzantine culture, brooches became status symbols, decorated elaborately and signifying wealth. The Victorian era further transformed them into sentimental items, often featuring portraits or floral designs, cherished for their emotional significance. Queen Victoria herself popularized wearing brooches as part of her wardrobe, while Queen Elizabeth II amassed a notable collection, each piece representing a unique story or meaning. In contemporary history, figures such as Madeleine Albright have utilized brooches as a medium for political expression, choosing specific symbols to convey their sentiments.
The fashion landscape has shifted quite dramatically in recent seasons, veering toward personalization and unique accessories, contributing to the revival of brooches. These items enable individualistic expression, adding a distinctive flair to everyday outfits. Recognizing this trend, fashion brands have started to feature brooches prominently within their collections. During the Fall 2025 fashion shows, prominent designers such as Tory Burch and Carolina Herrera unveiled floral brooches inspired by classic motifs, while Bevza introduced minimalist styles in geometric shapes. This robust return indicates that brooches are not merely a fleeting trend but a fashion statement blending historical significance with contemporary design.
Exploring ways to style brooches in 2025 reveals their versatility. They serve as an ideal accessory for blazers, coats, and capes. Worn solo as a striking detail or in clusters, they can create a layered and dynamic aesthetic. Moreover, elegant dresses gain a sophisticated touch when adorned with a brooch placed on the waist or shoulder.
Brooches are also employed to refresh various fashion accessories. For instance, attaching a brooch to a handbag, scarf, or even a belt can dramatically alter its appearance, introducing an element of luxury. In an unexpected twist, they can even be worn on footwear. Fastening a brooch to flat ballet shoes, loafers, or heels adds a touch of sophistication, a trend particularly favored by those who appreciate unique fashion expressions.
Celebrity endorsements have further propelled this trend, as many have been spotted sporting brooches both on red carpets and in daily ensembles. Keke Palmer recently paired a striking bee-shaped brooch with a white Balmain outfit, while Katie Holmes showcased her style on the Paris Fashion Week runway by wearing two brooches on an inverted shirt, presenting an unconventional and bold fashion statement. Major luxury brands such as Chanel and Dior have consistently included brooches in their collections, underscoring their timeless appeal. Meanwhile, modern brands and independent designers are pushing boundaries by experimenting with shapes and materials, offering innovative takes on this classic accessory.
Brooches are increasingly viewed as statement pieces, capable of transforming even the simplest outfits. Whether worn alone or in groups, they can impart elegance, individuality, or even a hint of humor to one’s style. A prominent trend emerging in 2025 involves mixing different brooch styles—aging vintages paired with modern minimalist designs create an eclectic look. Additionally, more individuals are using brooches as a means of expressing their identities, selecting motifs that hold personal significance.
As brooches reclaim their place in the fashion narrative, they appear poised to continue influencing style choices across various contexts, highlighting their enduring charm and versatility in the modern wardrobe.
Source: Noah Wire Services
