8 Ways to Wear a Brooch, the Grandma Chic Maximalist Accessory Taking Over 2025

The sartorial memo for 2025 is clear: maximalism is back, baby. Not only are clothes getting more opulent, but accessories are also growing in proportion and, yes, quantity. After years of pared-back, neutral-only hush-hush luxury, piling on louder items is in vogue more than ever. With this in mind, consider a newfound way to approach one of the oldest accessories out there: the brooch.

Sure, brooches may evoke images of church ladies of the past or Baroque-era art, but that's precisely why they're being embraced in 2025. Look to any fashion show, and you'll find a plethora of old-world inspiration, from Fendi's ode to the Roman woman to Miu Miu's grandma chic takes. The association with older ladies is not by mistake: brooches come and go like trinkets collected over one's lifetime—they show character and a life well-lived. And so, at a time when today's youth is so concerned with figuring out their personal style, a maximalist wave of brooches hits as an enticing invitation to experiment and wear, well, more of them.

From celebrity red carpet moments to street style, it's clear that brooches are fast becoming 2025's go-to maximalist accessory. Ahead, are eight ways to style a brooch in 2025.

A Pop of Red

A floral red brooch is one of the best ways to fire up a traditional suit. The contrast makes for a unique take on androgynous dressing that is a standout for both the boardroom and play time.

Opulent Canadian Tuxedo

Denim on denim is already a decadent form of styling. Add to that a multitude of brooches stacked all over the jacket and you've got a regal-like take on Americana fashion that's sure to turn heads. A dark wash denim works best for this, serving as contrasting canvas to the gold brooches.

Just Pin It Anywhere

Traditionally, brooches are worn on the lapel of jackets or pinned on shirts. But why not pin one to your tie? The necktie trend is one of 2025's top styles, thanks to the rise of power suiting. Adding a brooch is one way to break out of the school-meets-business style and into a more maximalist spin.

Name Game

There's no shame in the logo brooch game. Personally, I find it's one of the most creative and playful ways to style the ongoing logomania trend. In that case, it's better to go for a maximalist approach, layering brooches on a lapel to make your case.

Modern Lady

Grandma chic dressing is a staple of brands like Miu Miu and Prada (thanks, Miuccia!). Lean into this en vogue style with a decadent brooch, styled over a top-and-maxi skirt combo. Add on to the ladylike vibe with a pair of socks or tights and peep-toe heels.

Fashion Ace

The current preppy obsession is ripe for brooch styling. This look, for example, goes all in for tennis-meets-prep school, adding just a tiny touch of branding via a brooch. In this case, it's better to wear one that's smaller and blends in more with the overall styling.

Black and White Elegance

Sometimes, the coat is the outfit. But for others, it's the brooch that makes the outfit. Take, for example, the look above that transforms a traditional double-breasted coat into an elevated staple with just a camellia-shaped brooch. The black-and-white contrast adds a classic touch that's still fun. It's also an approach that minimalist dressers can get behind as the maximalist wave rushes over fashion.

Blast from the Past

If brooches seem old school to you, that may be a good thing. Leaning into their heritage is perhaps one of the best ways to get into the trend. A classic black vest and trousers combo is made all the more elegant with a double chain brooch that transports anyone back to the time of pocket watches and top hats.

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