Vintage Brooches Are Back: How to Wear the Brooch Trend in 2026

If 2025 was the year brooches made their comeback, 2026 is the year we’re getting much more adventurous with how we wear them.

Far from being reserved for the lapel of a jacket, brooches are appearing on hats, scarves, bags, knitwear and even T-shirts — worn individually, clustered together and styled by men and women alike.

From the catwalks and red carpets to Royal Ascot, the brooch has firmly reclaimed its place as one of fashion’s most versatile accessories.

At Cavendish Jewellers, we have always celebrated the timeless charm of brooches, and it’s thrilling to see them shine once more in the limelight.

And for lovers of Vintage and Antique jewellery, that’s particularly exciting. With decades — sometimes centuries — of designs to discover, a vintage brooch offers something today’s fashion increasingly celebrates: the chance to wear something truly individual.

So, how are we wearing brooches in 2026? Let’s take a look…

Brooch Trends 2026: How We’re Wearing Brooches Differently

In 2026, the brooch is moving beyond the traditional lapel and turning up in some wonderfully unexpected places.

1. On Hats

Take inspiration from Queen Camilla, who made headlines at Royal Ascot by wearing a historic diamond brooch beneath the brim of her hat. Proof that even the most traditional jewels can be worn in a completely fresh way.

2. On Scarves

Beautiful and practical. Pin a favourite brooch to a silk scarf or cosy winter wrap for an elegant finishing touch — while helping to keep it perfectly in place.

3. On Knitwear

Brooches aren’t just for occasionwear. A sparkling vintage piece against a favourite jumper or cardigan can transform even the simplest everyday outfit.

4. On Bags

Give a favourite handbag a little more personality. Adding a vintage brooch is an easy way to make something you already own feel completely individual.

5. Stacked & Clustered

Why wear one when you can wear three? Mix different eras, shapes, gemstones and motifs to create your own collection — matching definitely isn’t required.

6. Somewhere Unexpected

Shirt collars, pockets, shoulders, waistlines — even a simple T-shirt. One of 2026’s biggest brooch trends is simply wearing them somewhere people don’t expect.

7. The Classic Lapel — Reimagined

And don’t discount the classic. A beautiful brooch on a blazer or coat lapel still works wonderfully — especially when an Antique or Vintage piece is paired with contemporary tailoring. Mixing eras and materials can create a wonderfully individual look, so try pairing an antique brooch with a modern silhouette for a fresh take on a timeless classic.

From Red Carpet Glamour to Royal Style

Brooches have remained firmly in the spotlight throughout 2026, appearing on red carpets, catwalks and at some of the year’s most high-profile events.

This year’s awards season offered a masterclass in how to elevate evening wear with a perfectly placed brooch (or several).

Celebrities at the Emmys, Cannes Film Festival and the Met Gala embraced this classic adornment, using it to add personal flair and vintage sophistication to their ensembles.

The trend has continued on the catwalk too, with brooches emerging as one of the key jewellery trends for Autumn/Winter 2026.

And perhaps some of our favourite examples have come courtesy of Queen Camilla.

At Royal Ascot, rather than wearing a historic diamond brooch conventionally on a dress or jacket, she pinned it beneath the brim of her hat — giving a traditional piece an unexpectedly contemporary twist.

Closer to home, she chose a beautiful sapphire and diamond butterfly brooch for a visit to York Racecourse during the Ebor Festival — a look that certainly caught our attention here at Cavendish!

Both are wonderful examples of what makes the current brooch revival so interesting: the jewellery itself can be timeless, while the way we choose to wear it continues to evolve.

Brooches for Everyone: A Timeless Classic, Reimagined

Perhaps one of the most interesting developments in the brooch revival is just how universal its appeal has become.

Worn by people of different ages, genders and personal styles, the brooch is proving that a piece of jewellery with centuries of history can feel completely at home in a contemporary wardrobe.

Brooches for Men

One of the most noticeable trends has been the growing popularity of brooches in menswear.

Whether pinned to the lapel of a tuxedo jacket, the collar of a crisp white shirt or the waistband of trousers, brooches are an elegant way to bring personality and individuality to classic tailoring.

The trend has been increasingly visible on the red carpet too, with stars including Pedro Pascal and Michael B. Jordan wearing statement brooches at the 2026 Oscars.

And it’s not just celebrity styling. Pinterest named “Brooched” as one of its trends for 2026, highlighting growing interest in vintage pins, heirloom pieces and brooches worn with men’s suits.

It’s a wonderfully modern take on an accessory that has been worn and treasured for centuries — and proof that truly timeless jewellery can continually find new ways to be worn.

Cavendish Jewellers’ Curated Collection

At Cavendish, we’re proud to offer a carefully curated selection of antique and vintage brooches that reflect the elegance and craftsmanship of eras past. From Victorian and Edwardian designs to Art Deco geometrics and beautiful cameos, each piece has been individually chosen for its character, craftsmanship and enduring appeal.

From vintage floral jewellery and nature-inspired designs to colourful gemstone pieces and wonderfully unusual motifs, Vintage and Antique brooches offer almost endless possibilities for finding something that feels completely individual.

Whether you’re dressing for a wedding or special occasion, adding interest to your everyday wardrobe or simply looking for a piece unlike anyone else’s, a vintage brooch offers a beautiful way to express your personal style — while becoming the next chapter in a story that may already span generations.

The Brooch Is Back — How Will You Wear Yours?

If 2026 is inspiring you to wear brooches a little differently, why not start with a piece that’s already completely individual?

Every Vintage and Antique brooch at Cavendish is one of a kind — so whether you’re drawn to Art Deco geometry, colourful gemstones, intricate florals or something wonderfully unusual, there’s always something new to discover.

Explore our Vintage and Antique Brooch Collection and find the piece that will make the look entirely your own.

SHOP VINTAGE & ANTIQUE BROOCHES >

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