Once again, the shows at New York Fashion Week, Fall 2025 served as a refreshing and welcome source of style inspiration, offering clues about how we’ll be dressing in the coming months. And I am thrilled that some of my favorite accessories have made a major comeback—exquisite brooches.
According to Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor at Marie Claire, “Antique-style brooches and sculptural pins made their way across the New York circuit, cinching up peplum blouses and tacking sweaters to keep them in place. Some were subtle—blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, like Brandon Maxwell’s sculptural clip that created a top’s asymmetrical bottom. Others, like Maria McManus’ beaded brooches in collaboration with New York-based jewelry brand Don’t Let Disco, doubled as statement jewelry.” Others shows that really showcased the trend included Melke, Carolina Herrera, Alice & Olivia, and Kobi Halperin.
Of course, beautiful brooches are nothing new. Once seen as a jewelry box staple representing old-world charm, today the brooch has been reinvented with a modern twist, featuring everything from oversized jeweled designs to whimsical custom creations. These striking pieces add a unique touch to any outfit, highlighting individuality and personality.
Wearing a great brooch (or five) is also an easy way to quickly update last year’s outfit. In fact, brooch clusters (using costume or real pieces you already own) can provide a stunning, over-the-top look, without the hefty price tag.
Wondering how to wear brooches that feels 2025 (and not 2005)?
There is really no wrong way to wear a lovely pin. In “Brooches Are Trending on the Runway” at Harper’s BAZAAR, “At Tory Burch, brooches secured the sleeve of a layered knit cardigan or sweater to the chest so that it draped down the front—a wacky styling trick you can try right away. At Carolina Herrera, cobalt-blue maxi dresses, pinstriped coats, and gray suits were all accented with a statement floral brooch.”
Or let a smaller brooch take center stage at the throat of a turtleneck. Anchor a silk scarf using a pin at the shoulder (be careful to simply thread the scarf through the back and not actually pierce the fabric to avoid damage).
Marry strands of beads with vintage brooches. One or two strands work well with oversized costume jewelry from the 50’s and 60’s.
Try using them in a totally unexpected way! Use a brooch cluster on the back of a jacket. Or, add one to the hem of a skirt, on a cuff, headband, hat, handbag, or belt.
Where to find beautiful brooches
You may not need to look any further than your mother’s (or grandmother’s) jewelry box! Brooches have been popular at regular intervals in fashion history – from rhinestones in the 1950s to bold geometrics in the 1980s.
However, if you are not lucky enough to have any inherited pieces, you can also thrift for unique baubles. Most thrift stores have a wealth of pieces from all eras.
Of course, finding just the right ones may take a bit of time. If you need some instant gratification, I’ve found a few pieces, pictured, that are not only extremely affordable, but right on trend!
- Gold Tone Dandelion Brooch ($15.22)
- Silver Stem Brooch ($9.99)
- Sleek and Modern Silver Circle Brooch ($7.99)
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Named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone, Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style. From must-have fashion, handbags, jewelry and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and gardening tips, stunning interior design, plus the latest products and ideas for chic parties, weddings and events of all kinds, you’ll find it here. Editor Susan Conforte McNeill is an author and entrepreneur, as well as the co-founder of the Delaware based literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!
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