As seen on the fall fashion runways and in many a fashion editorial this season, brooches are back in a big way, a testament to their versatility and the wonderful way in which they attract the eye. With daywear, brooches’ traditional use is as an adornment on the lapel of a jacket or the bodice of a dress. With a nod to many a Hollywood red carpet look, brooches are also seen as accents at the waist. Wearing a cluster of brooches is a wonderfully creative way to express one’s style personality. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, has been photographed numerous times wearing brooches singly and in clusters, including designs from Erickson Beamon.

New York Magazine’s “The Cut” published a slideshow of chic brooches back on August 24, 2010, including the above Plaza Hotel door number pin by Lulu Frost, with these comments:

“When the leaves start to fall and it’s time to take out the tweed, what could be more glamorous than jazzing up your jacket with a sparkly brooch? Pin a red-hot rhinestone sunburst to your lapel for maximum wattage, or go for an edgier look with draped chains. Brooches are one of those accessories that never really go out of style, of course, but they still glinted in the spotlight at Armani Privé, Dolce & Gabbana, and other runway shows.”

The October 2010 issue of InStyle magazine suggests that readers “Wear a single pin as a dramatic statement on a dress or a coat. Cluster an assortment to personalize your outfit.” The brooches shown are from Miriam Haskell and R.J. Graziano. The runway shots show brooches used at the waist by Dolce & Gabbana; on a coat lapel by Oscar de la Renta.

The same brooch that adds sparkle to a dress has the potential for being a stunning addition to a glamorous hairstyle. Indeed, the October 2010 issue of InStyle magazine reports that the “newest place to wear your statement jewelry” is “on your hair”:  “Adding an amazing bauble can elevate even the simplest look, says celebrity stylist Vinz. Just make sure your updo doesn’t seem too precious. ‘It has to feel a little rock and roll for it to be modern.’”  

InStyle provides detailed how-to instructions for creating these stunning looks created with brooches seen on Zooey Deschanel and Diane Kruger (the jewelry designers are not credited).

InStyle also provides an example of edgier styling with a brooch pinned into the hair, seen at the Chanel fall 2010 runway show. The hair is teased at the crown and the brooch pinned underneath the teased portion of the hairstyle.

Contrast that look with this current ad for L’Oreal’s Elnett Satin hairspray, which shows a significantly more controlled, classically elegant hairstyle accented with a sparkling brooch.

Even those with short cropped hair can find inspiration for adornment with brooches.. The October 2010 issue of InStyle pictures singer Pink with a starburst brooch pinned close to her hairline, to dazzling effect.

This upcoming holiday season, whatever hairstyle you prefer, consider adding a brooch to make a dazzling impression.  

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