Fashion trends rooted in nostalgia have been flooding our Instagram feeds and filling up our digital shopping carts all year. But while most of these fads can be traced back to the ‘90s or early aughts, the latest accessory trend goes back even further. Like, way further back. We’re talking pre-1900. Need a hint? Vintage brooches. According to Etsy, searches for vintage and antique brooches and pins have increased by more than 168 percent in the past month, and we expect that number to go up as holiday season continues. So to help you join in the sparkly winter trend, we’ve come up with five fun ways to incorporate vintage brooches into your wardrobe, plus 20 of the best pieces to buy ASAP.
The One Vintage-Inspired Accessory You’ll See Everywhere This Holiday Season, According to Etsy
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1. go The Classic Route
Pin your brooch on the lapel of your favorite blazer or coat for a timeless, vintage-inspired look. Thicker materials like wool, brocade or tweed are less likely to show any pin pricks if you decide to remove the brooch, but if you have your heart set on jazzing up a jacket made from lighter fabrics, try poking the pin through a less obvious spot to see how the fabric holds up before you accidentally do damage in a very visible locale.
2. mix And Match For A More Eclectic Vibe
If traditional isn’t quite your thing, try attaching a multitude of brooches to your blazer instead of just one. Odd shapes and colorful gems will boost those eclectic vibes much more than classic gold or pearls.
3. adorn Your Top Button With A Brooch
Button you blouse up all the way, then pin a fun statement piece right at the topmost button for a fresh take on a pussy bow or bolero tie. A word of caution, however—some delicate fabrics, like silk or lace, may not be able to handle the weight of your brooch, so stick with hearty fabrics and smaller pins.
4. use A Pin To Keep Your Scarf In Place
You love the look of a cozy scarf artfully draped over one shoulder, but the second you start walking it falls right off. Use an elaborate brooch to keep everything in place, with the added bonus of lending even more of an old-Hollywood glam vibe to your look.
5. add Some Flair To An Up-do
The easiest way to affix a pin to your ‘do is by clipping it onto a thicker hair tie (we suggest tying back your hair first, then attaching the brooch). Or, if you’re rocking a tighter hairdo, like a braid or neat bun, you can try pinning your brooch directly into your hair. Just be sure not to accidentally stick yourself and try to place it just above a knot, bun or hair tie to prevent your brooch from slipping out.
4. gold Filigree And Black Enamel Two Birds Vintage Brooch
Most of the brooches on this list are vintage inspired, but this Etsy piece is the real deal and features two flying doves on a black enamel background. (The only downside to shopping real vintage pieces? They tend to be one-of-a-kind, so you better act fast if you find something you like.)
11. The Metropolitan Museum Of Art Lily-of-the-valley Pin
This delicate flower is a recreation of a design by Peter Carl Fabergé (yes, the same guy who made the famous Fabergé eggs). Although the original also included diamonds, jade and rock crystal, we prefer this pared-down take that works much better for everyday use.