How to revive a simple classic look

Because a simple brooch can change a look

by Nejla Matam-Finn

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Are you feeling that your crisp white shirt or your favourite little black dress no longer gives you that boost it used to?

Or, with countless hours doing video conferences whether for personal reason (hello zoom birthday parties) or professional ones, you simply don’t feel like prepping head-to-toe? This is especially so when you know that everyone will only be focusing on the top half anyway.

Here’s our advice: Get a brooch. You see, this often overlooked piece of accessory can change up a look in a snap. And for the avid collectors of brooches, it will simply be an exercise in creativity, and finding your next acquisition.

Start Small

Small brooches are always a good idea. Our advice? Start collecting them, especially those that are in the same style. They can be used in multiple ways - together to create a statement look or individually for a more classic vibe. You can even use them as "cufflinks".

#styletip: If you're missing a button or two on that shirt,  just pin them over the button holes.

Jazz up any plain top

Your plain solid-coloured top is looking tired? Jazz it up with floral brooches. We'd pin a couple of them together on the side, which gives your outfit an instant dressy feel. Or skip the statement necklace and pin a few brooches around the neckline. We recommend sticking to odd numbers so that you can create a focal point.

These Chanel brooches are so lightweight and look just as good individually as they do together.

Chanel Oversized Camellia brooches

Make sure the fabric can take the weight though!

[Unbranded] Leaf crystal brooch; Christian Dior Faux Pearl Flower brooch; Chanel Gripoix Brooch pendant; Christian Lacroix Noel 93 brooch; [Unbranded] Leaf circle brooch

Think outside the box

What are the rules with brooches? Well in our book that are know rules, brooches have been used to hold entire outfit, head gears and more since for ever to time think outside box and make it your own.

If you're doing a video presentation or conducting online training,  jazz up that simple LBD with brooches on the waist. Opt for those that are slightly bigger in size (8cm in diameter and above) so that they can be seen. We'd put two different style brooches together to make a statement. 

Elsa Schiaparelli Conch Shell brooch; Christian Dior Faux Pearl Flower brooch

Brooches on jackets are common - duh! So why don't you create contrast by mixing quirky ones with the classic pieces. This combination automatically gives your look a fresh spin.

Chanel Iconic Charms Brooch; Miu Miu Kitty Brooch

Need a place to start shopping your brooches? We have just the link 😉