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Moving away from basics in today’s JOYDROP, I wanted to focus on a trend that I’ve noticed popping up recently—and I thought you lovely lot would enjoy it: brooches.

I first spotted them in the shops on a beautifully styled blazer. While the look was a bit too black for me, I couldn’t help but think how fun (and easy) it would be to recreate this trend on a denim jacket or a colourful blazer. Brooches are one of those accessories that feel timeless yet surprisingly fresh when styled in new ways.

A Little History

Brooches have been around for centuries, originally serving a practical purpose as fasteners for cloaks and garments. Over time, they’ve evolved into decorative pieces that reflect personal style and trends of the era. From the bold, jewel-encrusted designs of the 1920s to the quirky and playful styles of the mid-20th century, brooches have always had a way of adding personality to an outfit.

While they can sometimes be seen as old-fashioned, brooches often come in and and out of style, and they have definitely made a comeback recently on the red carpet, adding a touch of elegance or drama. I’ve also noticed them popping up as an interesting accessory in menswear—pinned to lapels or pocket squares for a modern twist (how cute is this?)

Second-Hand Treasures

I know many of us love a second-hand bargain, and brooches are a hidden gem in charity shops. Over the years, I’ve spotted so many beautiful pieces tucked away in little corners of charity stores. They’re usually quite affordable, so it’s a fantastic way to dip into this trend without breaking the bank. I’m going to have a walk around my local charity stores today and see what I can find!

If You’re Buying New

If second-hand hunting isn’t your thing or you’re looking for something specific, Free People is one of my favourite places for eclectic accessories (not just brooches) Their brooch selection is full of character, from boho-inspired pieces to bold statement designs. Definitely worth a look if you want to add something unique to your accessory collection (and they start off at quite a reasonable price - which is surprising for Free People!)

Here are a few of my fave ones from Free People, but they have lots more options.

How to Style Brooches

Here are a few ideas to get you started with this trend:

Denim Jackets: Pin a few brooches to the pocket or lapel of a denim jacket for a playful, vintage-inspired touch.
Blazers: Use a brooch to add a pop of colour or sparkle to a blazer—perfect for jazzing up a work outfit or making a bold statement.
Chunky Knits: Add a brooch to the neckline or shoulder of a chunky jumper to give it an unexpected twist.
Bags and Accessories: Brooches aren’t just for clothes—pin one to your favourite tote bag or use it to jazz up a plain scarf for a touch of elegance.
Pinned Over the Top Button: Fasten a brooch over the top button of your shirt for a chic, polished look that feels modern and unique.
Added to a Bag for Interest: Attach a brooch to the strap or body of a bag to add some character and make it truly yours.

I particular love how they look when they are all clustered together in a group!