Long associated with vintage charm and often dismissed as an accessory from our grandmothers’ wardrobes, the brooch is making a triumphant return this spring—refreshed, reimagined, and anything but old-fashioned. From the catwalk to the red carpet, designers have found bold new ways to incorporate this historic piece into modern wardrobes, proving that elegance never truly goes out of style.

Whether adorned with crystals, sculpted in floral shapes, or gilded in precious metals, the brooch is now a fashion-forward choice that adds a refined, “old money” touch to any look. And while the traditional placement on the left lapel is always classic, today’s fashionistas are getting creative. Here are five unexpected and on-trend ways to style your brooch this season:

1. Pinned on a Hat – The Chanel Way
Forget simple hair accessories. At Chanel’s recent runway, an oversized blush-pink hat was elevated with the delicate placement of a brooch, creating an air of sophisticated poetry. Similarly, Valentino offered a retro twist by pinning brooches to the back of silk headscarves, channeling the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.

2. Worn as Jewelry – Neck Accents Redefined
Designers like Richard Quinn and Huishan Zhang are rethinking the brooch entirely—wearing it not on clothes, but as jewelry. Quinn opted for a flower brooch nestled at the base of the neck, while Zhang embraced a doll-like look by affixing one to a dramatic black ribbon. The result? A playful, British-inspired statement.

3. Brooch as a Functional Closure
A nod to the brooch’s ancient roots—it evolved from the Roman fibula used to fasten garments—this trend marries form and function. Christian Cowan added a golden tulip brooch to mini wrap dresses, while Carolina Herrera used a similar design to cinch a refined coat. Both bring timeless elegance into modern silhouettes.

4. On Knitwear—Effortless Chic
Tory Burch and Mithridate showcased the brooch as the perfect finishing touch to casually draped knits. Pinned onto a sweater tied around the shoulders, the brooch adds polish to an otherwise relaxed outfit, achieving that elusive effortless chic aesthetic.

5. Elevating Tailored Pieces
At Casablanca, clusters of green brooches bloomed across a sharp grey blazer, infusing a feminine spirit into structured tailoring. Meanwhile, Jil Sander went bold with oversized silver brooches placed dramatically on a military-inspired coat collar. It’s all about contrast—and owning your personal style.

Once a relic of the past, the brooch has been brilliantly reimagined. No longer reserved for gala gowns or family heirlooms, it’s now an accessory for every day—and every style. Whether you prefer romantic florals or sculptural metallics, the modern brooch is a small detail with big impact.