Brooch Revival: Why This Classic Statement Piece Is Back in a Big Way

There’s something undeniably powerful about a brooch. Maybe it’s the way it commands attention without needing to shout, or the way it bridges fashion and sentimentality in one small, shimmering form. At Gilded Roach, we’ve always believed in the beauty of the unexpected, so we’re here for the brooch revival.

And trust us, it’s not just your great-grandmother’s accessory anymore.

Why Brooches, and Why Now?

Brooches are having a moment. From red carpets to fashion week, we’re seeing them pinned on lapels, collars, coats, clutches, even baseball caps. High fashion houses are reinterpreting them, and vintage lovers are reclaiming them as a subtle flex. The brooch is no longer reserved for special occasions or dusty jewelry boxes, it’s a conversation piece, a mood setter, and a stylish nod to the past.

At Gilded Roach, we’ve noticed an uptick in clients asking about Art Deco dress clips, mid-century figural brooches, and those intricately jeweled Victorian scatter pins. And we get it, they are miniature works of art with personality.

From Dapper to Delicate: Styling Brooches in 2025

One of the best things about brooches? Their versatility. Whether you lean androgynous, romantic, avant-garde, or classic, there’s a brooch style and a way to wear it, for you.

Here are a few of our favorite styling tips:

On Everyday Wear:

Pin a bold statement brooch to the lapel of a blazer, the collar of your favorite wool coat or that perfect dress. Go asymmetrical for a modern twist.

In Hair or on Hats:

Yes, really! Tuck one into an updo or affix it to a wide-brimmed hat for a striking silhouette. (Pro tip: Use bobby pins or fashion tape to secure vintage pieces that don’t have hair-friendly findings.)

On Bags or Clutches:

Add personality to a neutral handbag with a burst of sparkle. This is especially lovely with antique insect or floral motifs.

On Scarves or Sweaters:

Use a brooch as a functional clasp or simply as a focal point. Gold-tone Art Nouveau pieces on ivory knits? Chef’s kiss.

For the Gents: A Subtle Power Move

Gentlemen don’t sleep on the brooch. We’re seeing more and more men incorporate them into formalwear and suiting a small lapel pin, a diamond-set stickpin, or even a military-style cluster brooch can instantly elevate an otherwise standard look.

History backs this up: brooches and pins have long been symbols of rank, personality, and taste across cultures. You’re not just adding sparkle, you’re adding story.

What Makes a Brooch Vintage Worthy?

When we source brooches for Gilded Roach, we look for craftsmanship, unusual motifs, and a strong sense of era. We’re especially drawn to:

• Victorian mourning brooches (often with hairwork or jet)
• Art Deco geometric designs (platinum and diamond, anyone?)
• Mid-century figural pieces (like ballerinas, birds, or whimsical bugs)
• Unsigned beauties with distinct metalwork and personality

Each brooch tells a story, but who wore it, when, and why. That’s the magic of antique jewelry. You’re not just buying adornment; you’re inheriting a whisper from another time.

A Few Favorites from Our Collection

We’ve recently added some stunning brooches to the shop:

• A glittering Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Filigree & Pearl Brooch 

• A delicate Antique Art Nouveau 10K Gold & Seed Pearl Floral Brooch

• A Vintage 14k Enamel Bulldog Head Pin with Diamond Eyes
  

Each one is ready to be styled, gifted, or added to a growing collection of treasures.