There is a story about a girl who had very treasured pieces, passed down from generation to generation, in her jewelry box but has never put them on for an outing. And those pieces are brooches. A girl pinned her brooch apple but didn’t feel confident going out in public with this accessory because it gave her a granny vibe. Maybe the reason was styling, or just the timing wasn’t right. However, custom brooches and pins aren’t to be left in the far corner of your jewelry shelves anymore.
Once used only for practical purposes like keeping in place togas in Ancient Rome, securing capes of Vikings, or pinning up garments during the Middle Ages, brooches have gone a long way to being an artwork and decorative element. Gradually, starting from the 18th century, designs of this accessory have become more complex, with its democratization and rise in recognition through the 20th century. Olertis knows how to inspire and create spectacular jewelry moments for you today.
As personalized brooches are riding a new wave of popularity, let’s take an overview of possible ways to style and wear them. Monochromatic ensembles and clothes with clean lines allow a butterfly brooch, that looks like it is about to take flight, to play the main part in the outfit. Use a large-sized flower brooch to add a little bloom to your outerwear, pinning it to the lapel of your coat. A piece with silk petals tucked into a low, messy bun will bring something a little extra to your look and make heads turn at any event. Do you want to add a pop of color and sophistication to your simple denim combination? We suggest putting on a delicate bee brooch, which is definitely a statement piece. It can also be pinned to the collar of your denim shirt, an uncommon spot for your favorite accessory. You know that knitwear shouldn’t stay aside from the brooch trend, as it offers an abundance of style options. Place an item that matches the color of your turtleneck sweater at the level of the clavicles for an elegant, monochromatic vibe, or opt for a more vibrant style, like pinning a dragonfly brooch to one side of your cardigan or vest. A smart tip is to wear your smaller beauties as pendants by putting them on a chain through the bar pin.
Some brooches bear well-established meanings and act as reminders of some events. “In Flanders fields, the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row…” Poppy brooch is an international symbol worn to honor those who served and died for freedom. It was accepted by some countries after World War I and is still put on Remembrance Day.
Brooches may be used in the most unexpected yet beautiful ways possible. One of them is to create a brooch bouquet as an alternative to a traditional flower composition. It consists of a collection of brooches, jewelry pieces, and sometimes other decorative items arranged artistically to resemble a bouquet of flowers. Some may select this option because of taste preferences, while others see it as a symbolic thing and incorporate brooches of family members to signify the presence of loved ones, especially those who may not be able to attend the wedding.
One fashion lesson to be learned is that gender stereotypes have been broken once and for all. It can be applied to personalized brooches with one hundred percent certainty, as proved by male A-listers and movie stars on red carpets and during public outings. Those of you who have been wearing this stylish trinket for ages can finally feel seen. Most men prefer to pin this accessory to the lapels of their tuxedos and blazers; however, some do it differently and attach it to the bowtie, use it to secure the jacket, or pin it to the pants right below the cropped jacket.
