Where to start!

Brooches and pins offer a unique way to express who you are through your personal style. And there’s no one way to wear them, giving you the flexibility to add that extra touch of you, to your clothes and accessories.

Embellish the lapel of a jacket, cinch the back of a blazer, add to the collarbone of a jumper, the waist of a skirt or dress, or catch the eye with some shimmer on the cuff of a trench. There are so many ways to add that something extra to your outfit. Add to your accessories with a touch of colour or sparkle on a scarf or wrap, on a bag, or a jumper tied at your waist or shoulders.

Where will you start? Brooches and pins are some of the most versatile pieces of jewellery you can own. Wear them creatively or conservatively as an expression of your individuality and personal style. Do you already have a few pieces, gifted from relatives and would like to build this into something more you? Are you thinking of starting a brooch collection, but don’t know where to begin? Here are a few starter questions. Ask yourself:

Where am I likely to wear a brooch or pin? Don’t restrict yourself to the traditional lapel. Did any ideas above appeal to me?

Do I prefer a single statement piece? Do I like big and bold? Or am I more likely to create a cluster of pins to express my mood?

Do I currently own some pieces that aren’t totally me, but if I added other pieces to create a cluster of pins, I’d be more likely to wear what I have?

Tips to start my brooches and pins collection

Whether you’re keen to try clustering pins or lean toward a single statement piece to add that extra layer of you to an outfit, here is a simple framework to get you started. Consider these four things; size, shape, colour and design elements.

Keep in mind ‘where’ you’re likely to wear your pins. On your accessories. On clothes. And where on your body? Then think dimensions. Do I have a range of small, medium and large brooches to choose from. Am I unlikely to wear a large scale pin on my clothing, but could be tempted to add one to a raffia bag or tote? Do I need one in my collection? TIP: Mix ornate pieces with minimalist designs.

What colours am I drawn to? Is most of your wardrobe in neutral tones, but you like to add a shot of colour with accessories? Or do you love wearing brights and are thinking of using pins to add a touch of sparkle? TIP: Play with textures and finishes. When clustering, try one hit of colour, then mix with silver or gold, plus clear crystal pins.

Then think shapes. Are florals your thing or do you feel more comfortable with geometric shapes and abstracts? TIP: Building a collection with a combination of shapes, straight and curved lines offers you more flexibility when clustering your pins.

The final criteria to consider when starting your collection is whether there is a unique design aspect to the pin. Not all your brooches need this, but having a few pieces that offer that extra something will come in handy. What would this design element be? It could be having a faux pearl on the pin that draws your eye, a marcasite design that catches the light from different angles, a waterfall piece that has some movement, an iridescent element or an unusual finish. Any of these features can take your collection up a level. TIP: Unique pieces are ideal standalone brooches and work well as the centrepiece in a cluster.

The last tip. Don’t overthink it, enjoy the process. There are brooches and pins to meet every design style. Once you have the basics in place, you’ll find yourself drawn to pieces that speak to you

Read our Contemporary vs Vintage blog for some more inspiration or check out Substack for more roccoco articles.