Brooches are one of the most wearable accessories of 2026, appearing on the SS26 runways of Chanel, Celine, Tory Burch and Wales Bonner. If you've ever wondered how to wear a brooch without it looking dated or costumey, the answer is simpler than you think - it's all about placement and confidence.
Here are 7 ways personal stylist and Broochella founder Juliet Cuerden actually wears a brooch.
-
On the lapel of a blazer The classic placement - and for good reason. Pin your brooch just below the left lapel notch, roughly where a pocket square would sit. A statement brooch here transforms even the most basic blazer into an outfit.
2. On a coat A large statement brooch pinned to the front of a coat is one of the most powerful styling moves you can make in 2026. Think of it as the belt buckle of outerwear - it gives structure and personality to an otherwise flat silhouette.
3. On a scarf, Tie or silk square Pin a brooch at the knot of a neck scarf to hold it in place while adding a jewellery moment. This works beautifully with both large statement brooches and delicate vintage pins. 
4. On a knit or sweater Counter-intuitive but stunning. A single brooch pinned to the chest or shoulder of a fine knit elevates it instantly. Use a Broochella Magna Pin brooch magnet to avoid stretching or damaging the knit fabric. 
5. On a bag Pin a brooch to the strap, front pocket or flap of a handbag. This is one of the most modern ways to wear a brooch in 2026 - it adds a personalised, collectible quality to any bag, designer or not. 
6. Clustered together Wear three or more brooches grouped together on one side of a jacket or dress. Mix sizes and styles - a feather brooch, a floral brooch, and a jewelled pin together create a maximalist moment that reads as intentional and editorial. 
7. In your hair A brooch pinned to a bun, braid or low ponytail is an unexpected and deeply stylish move. Choose a brooch with a secure pin and avoid very delicate fabrics near heat-styled hair. 
The one tool every brooch wearer needs
If you've been avoiding brooches because you're worried about pin holes in expensive fabric, the Broochella Magna Pin solves this entirely. It's a brooch magnet that holds your pin securely from the back without piercing the fabric at all - safe for silk, knits, leather and everything in between.
FAQ
Q: Where is the best place to wear a brooch? A: The most universally flattering placement is just below the collarbone on the left side — on a lapel, neckline, or chest. But brooches also work beautifully on bags, scarves, and even in the hair.
Q: Can you wear a brooch on knitwear? A: Yes — use a Broochella Magna Pin brooch magnet to attach your brooch without stretching or piercing the knit fabric.
Q: How many brooches can you wear at once? A: There are no rules. Wearing three or more brooches clustered together is one of the biggest styling trends of 2026 — it reads as maximalist and intentional rather than overdone.
Q: Are brooches in style in 2026? A: Yes. Brooches appeared on the SS26 runways of Chanel, Celine, Tory Burch, Wales Bonner and more. Pinterest reported a 110% increase in searches for "brooch aesthetic" heading into 2026.
Q: How do you attach a brooch without damaging fabric? A: Use a brooch magnet like the Broochella Magna Pin. It holds the brooch securely from behind without a pin going through the fabric.
Broochella is Australia's most extensive brooch collection, designed by personal stylist Juliet Cuerden and shipped worldwide from Perth, Western Australia. Shop statement brooches, brooch pins, and wearable art jewellery at broochella.com
