Modern Ways to Wear Antique Brooches

  Antique brooches add style to any modern outfit. Whether you’re out for a casual night on the town, or at a formal black tie affair, consider adding contemporary class with an antique brooch. In this article, I offer several modern ways to wear antique brooches  

Antique Brooches, Traditional Style

There is absolutely nothing unmodern about wearing antique brooches in a traditional way. The most common area to place a brooch is the upper left shoulder portion of a dress or blouse. Placing a brooch centrally on a stylish hat or scarf offers another traditional option. Yet another classic place is the lapel of a jacket or sweater. If you’re looking for traditionally modern brooch inspiration, look no further than HRH Kate Middleton.    

A Uniquely Modern Approach

Perhaps you prefer a uniquely modern approach to wearing antique brooches. I propose several ways to wear classic brooches in contemporary fashion.

Clusters

Instead of wearing just one brooch, opt for a cluster of brooches. The less they “match” the better, although you’ll want to ensure they have at least one unifying property. Perhaps they all feature the same gemstone combinations. Or they could all be geometric. From the same era. Or made from the same type or color of metal. You can go with a tight cluster of three or four, or an expansive cluster of five or more. Truly, the only limitation is the fabric weight and space allowed for by your outfit.

Straps & Suspenders

Another way to contemporize your antique brooch collection is to pin them to unusual places. Wearing a tank dress with straps? Consider clasping your brooch to the upper portion of the front strap. Perhaps you favor suspenders. Male or female, suspenders offer a great canvas for embellishment with brooches. This leads me to another modern place to pin a brooch.    

Waistlines & Necklines

Consider pinning a large brooch to the waistline of a dress, suit pants, or skirt. You can place it centrally like a belt buckle, or over the hip for a more bohemian fashion statement. You could even pin a series of small brooches along your entire waistline, creating a belt out of antique jewels. Consider the same approach with a scoop neckline. Use a series of antique and vintage brooches to embellish the top of your shirt. In this way, you can wear the same shirt every day with a different look. Can anyone say Pandemic Style? No matter how you choose to wear your antique brooches, I hope you’ll share a photo. Here, on IG, or FB. We want to see what makes you feel modern and stylish with antique brooches! ~Angela Magnotti Andrews