Stylish women are turning to this surprising accessory to elevate autumn outfits - Zara and M&S are backing it too
Affordable, easy to style and versatile, this is the fashion trick women are using to update autumn outfits
When it comes to accessories and jewellery trends for 2026, yes, the latest handbags and shoes will instantly update your look, but if you want the most cost-effective autumn outfit refresh, then it's time to start shopping brooches.
This simple accessory has stepped back into the fashion spotlight as part of the autumn/winter fashion trends 2026, making it easy to acquire, as the high street is awash with affordable iterations, including a host of multi-pack buys, ready to embellish your cool-weather wardrobe.
And while traditionally, a brooch was simply added to the chest area, there are several ways to wear this trend. From securing a scarf to acting as a fastening on a jacket, or adding detail to a buttoned-up, collared neckline. It really is a great way of adding detail, interest, colour and personality to everything from coats to shirting and even your best wool jumpers or tees.
This set of three brooches has nature at its heart, and can be worn as a trio or separately. Use them to up-style the lapel of a wool coat, or add a feminine feel to cosy knits, and add soft colour to neutral, autumn looks.
This gold tulip brooch is quite the statement piece, and is essentially jewellery. Thanks to its metallic colouring and artistic shape it would work for evening wear, as well as adding glamour to blazers or coats.
I love the way this curved brooch has been styled. If you're after a way to get creative with your scarf this season, this elegant brooch will make your winter wonder central to your outfit.
Utilitarian trends are back on the fashion agenda, and this gold, Ralph Lauren pin delivers elegant military detailing. I can see this pinned to a blazer pocket of breast of a coat.
Another trio, this winter florals set is a steal at just £14. Try popping these on last year's knitwear to give your cosy wardrobe a 2026 update.
We've hit some designer territory, and this leather pin in butter yellow and green is the perfect splash of colour on darker winter clothing. Use it to up-style last year's winter coat.
Add some glitz and glamour with this gorgeous sparkly bow. If you have a little black dress from last year, or a smart white shirt that needs a lift, this twinkly number is a great option.
What a beautiful jewel-toned piece that's now in the Oliver Bonas sale. The gold, moving fringes and aqua hue make this a truly special design; try adding it to a velvet blazer.
Of course, you could go for a more elevated and antique feel, but if you don't have a local vintage market or antique dealer, this £16 design from Next will add retro to any outfit.
This is a bestseller and it's a no brainer as to why. Want to make any outfit look and feel a little bit more runway, then this emblem brooch is an absolute winner. A great gift for fashion loves too.
I think Zara has some of the best brooches on the high street. They're different to the wider affordable fashion market offering, using a lot of resin and statement silhouettes. This western-inspired trio is ideal for pairing with denim or other bohemian styles.
Pearl and gold is a popular combination for the party season ahead, and this design will look fantastic cinching a scarf, or securing a blazer jacket with a little more style.
Another pearl and gold beauty, florals are a definite theme when it comes to the brooch trend, but this particular iteration feels very sculptural and modern.
Part brooch, part clip, this resin and metal piece is shown here in the hair, but the clip could be slid onto a lapel, or a jacket breast pocket for a dramatic update.
French bulldog lovers, this one is for you. This gemmed design is a gorgeous gift, and will add a touch of sparkle to collars and lapels, or even at the neck of a shirt.
Brooch embellished buys
If you're nervous about the styling aspect - and you really shouldn't be as there really are no rules on this one, then you can buy some styles that come with brooches, already attached, making the wearing of this trend a cinch. Here are a few of my best buys.
This draped top gets shape thanks to a carefully placed pin that cinches the side and adds beautiful pleating to the design.
Take note of this styling tip. This under £50 blazer has a crossover front that is cinched with a brooch and this is a style you can easily copy with existing pieces in your wardrobe.
Denim jackets are a seasonal staple, and this Maje design has had a seasonal refresh thanks to the selection of brooches. Try upping the fashion points on your own denim with a series of brooches.
If the autumn/winter handbag trends 2026 feel like too much of an investment, a brooch is the styling trick I'm recommending to cost-conscious shoppers. While there are some incredible designer iterations on the market that will make a fantastic gift or keepsake, this really is a trend you can embrace on the high street for less than a takeout.
Gold and silver are most prevalent, with a lot of nature-inspired florals on the market too, but there are also some gorgeous glitzy designs that have vintage costume jewellery appeal, as well as colourful resin iterations that will help you inject the autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2026 too.
While you can easily stick to one pin, this is a trend where maximalism is encouraged too, and a coat lapel or a cosy knit with three pins (I think odd numbers always work best) will look very directional indeed. And of course, the great thing about this retro-inspired look is that you can move your brooches around, try them different ways, or layer up, or go low-key. It really is all down to how you want to wear it.
