Kitschy Jewelry Is Back and It's Not Embarrassing Anymore — 10 Fun Brooches to Shop Now

There was a time — not so long ago — when wearing a little acrylic dachshund on your blazer would have gotten you a lot of looks. Not the good kind. Kitschy jewelry was firmly in the "guilty pleasure" category, something you'd wear on rare occasions, if at all. That era is officially over.

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Kitschy jewelry is one of the biggest trends right now, and it's not just coming from quirky indie brands. It's landing on the runways of Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Sandy Liang, and Chanel. Pinterest reports that searches for "brooch aesthetic" are up 110%, and "maximalist accessories" up 105%. The message from fashion is loud and clear: fun is in, apology is out. Here's how to shop the novelty jewelry trend — and actually wear it — without looking like you raided a craft fair.

Why Kitschy Jewelry Is Having Its Moment Right Now

Fashion runs in cycles, and after years of quiet luxury and barely-there minimalism, the pendulum has swung hard in the other direction. We are deep in the era of dopamine dressing — the idea that what you put on your body should make you feel something good. Kitschy jewelry is one of the purest expressions of that. A guitar brooch doesn't whisper. A playing cards pin doesn't hedge. They say exactly what they mean: I have a personality, and I dressed it.

The trend has runway credentials now too. Celebrity brooch moments on the red carpet have been accelerating all season, and designers like Tory Burch and Sandy Liang showed models layered in statement pins this season. This isn't nostalgia for nostalgia's sake — it's a genuine shift away from the idea that jewelry has to be precious to be worth wearing.

The key word everyone in fashion is using right now? Intentional. Kitschy jewelry today isn't slapped on randomly. It's chosen on purpose, worn with tailored pieces, and paired with restraint everywhere else. That's what separates the fashion-girl version from the costume version — and we're going to walk you through exactly how to nail it.

The High-Low Rule: How to Wear Novelty Brooches Without Looking Costume-y

Here's the styling principle that makes all the difference: when your brooch is doing the most, everything else should do the least. One statement pin on a structured navy blazer with clean trousers looks intentional and fashion-forward. That same pin layered over a busy print with chunky earrings and a patterned bag starts to look like a lot. The brooch should be the exclamation point, not one of several.

The easiest formula for wearing novelty brooches:

• Pin on a solid-color blazer, denim jacket, or structured coat — no competing patterns
• Keep the rest of your jewelry simple: small gold studs, a delicate chain, or nothing at all
• Let the brooch read clearly — don't cluster it with other pins unless you're intentionally going full maximalist
• Choose a fun brooch, then build the rest of your outfit around it rather than adding it as an afterthought

This is the high-low principle: one kitschy, personality-driven piece anchored by clean, tailored everything else. Fashion girls have been doing this with sneakers and dresses for decades. Now they're doing it with brooches.

10 Kitschy and Novelty Brooches Worth Wearing Right Now

The playful jewelry trend covers a wide range — from ultra-wearable everyday acrylic pins to crystal-embellished statement pieces that look genuinely special. Here are the ones worth adding to your collection.

1. Fashionista Acrylic Brooch Pin — $48

This is the one that started conversations. Available in four character variants — Audrey, Retro Girl, Artsy Sweetheart, and Café Girl — the Fashionista Acrylic Brooch Pin captures the French-girl, editorial energy that defines the high-low kitschy trend. The Audrey variant in particular has a vintage Breakfast at Tiffany's feel that pairs beautifully with a blazer or denim jacket. At $48, it's a low-commitment way to test the novelty jewelry trend.

2. Paris Fashion Girl Acrylic Brooch — $48

If you loved the Emily in Paris aesthetic — effortless Parisian chic with a wink — the Paris Fashion Girl Acrylic Brooch delivers exactly that. This is the kind of playful jewelry that makes your blazer look like it was styled by someone with a very good eye. Pair it with the French girl accessories approach: one personality piece, everything else understated.

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3. Furry Friends Acrylic Pet Brooch — $38

Three variants — Indie Cat, Happy Corgi, and Cozy Yorkie — and every single one is the kind of piece that makes strangers smile and then ask where you got it. The Furry Friends Acrylic Pet Brooch is the entry point for anyone nervous about novelty jewelry. It's $38, it's adorable, and it works on literally everything. If you love the idea of gifts for dog moms and pet lovers, this is the obvious first pick.

4. Dapper Dachshund Top Hat Brooch — $42

A little dachshund in a top hat. That's the whole story, and it's enough. The Dapper Dachshund Top Hat Brooch at $42 is one of those pieces that has a sense of humor without being juvenile about it — which is exactly the vibe the kitschy jewelry trend is going for right now. It looks sharp on a structured coat lapel and totally at home on a denim jacket.

5. Crystal Electric Guitar Brooch — $68

This one is for the woman who has always wanted her jewelry to say something. The Crystal Electric Guitar Brooch comes in Red & White and Black & White crystal enamel, and both versions look genuinely striking on a lapel. It's the kind of piece that bridges the novelty brooch trend with the rock and roll jewelry moment happening simultaneously in fashion. At $68, it's bold without being precious.

6. Crystal Royal Flush Playing Cards Brooch — $58

Unexpected, detailed, and oddly sophisticated — the Crystal Royal Flush Playing Cards Brooch at $58 hits the sweet spot between kitschy and cool. The playing card motif has a vintage casino glamour to it, and the crystal detailing keeps it from reading as purely novelty. This is the brooch for the woman who wants people to do a double take.

7. Rabbit Motorcycle Enamel Brooch — $38

A bunny on a motorcycle. Yes. The Rabbit Motorcycle Enamel Brooch at $38 is deeply whimsical and somehow completely wearable when pinned on a plain white shirt or linen blazer. It's proof that the kitschy jewelry trend can work at any price point — you don't need to spend much to make a statement that genuinely makes people happy.

8. Emily in Paris Brooch Set — $68

If you want to ease into the novelty brooch trend with a curated starting collection, the Emily in Paris Brooch Set at $68 gives you three pins — French Girl, Lips, and Bee — that work individually or clustered for a full maximalist moment. It pairs perfectly with the Emily in Paris accessories approach and is one of the best value entries into the fun pins trend.

9. Gold Butterfly Crystal Hoop Earrings — $58

Now here's where the high-low equation comes in. When you're wearing a personality-driven kitschy brooch, you want your other jewelry to add something — but not compete. The Gold Butterfly Crystal Hoop Earrings at $58 do that perfectly. The butterfly motif is on-trend (see: the whole spring butterfly trend), the crystal detailing adds sparkle, and the hoop silhouette keeps everything grounded. This is the elevated half of your high-low look.

10. Rainbow Crystal Drop Earrings — $112

For a bolder elevated pairing, the Rainbow Crystal Drop Earrings at $112 pick up the playful color spirit of kitschy jewelry while reading as genuinely statement-worthy. Wear these with one of the simpler novelty brooches above — the Rabbit Motorcycle or Furry Friends — and your entire look has a cohesive "I dressed with intention" energy that fashion editors love right now.

Where to Wear Kitschy Jewelry (Hint: Everywhere You'd Wear a Regular Brooch)

One of the best things about the playful jewelry trend is that the styling rules are exactly the same as any other brooch — the only thing that's changed is your willingness to have fun with the subject matter. Novelty brooches work everywhere a classic crystal brooch works. That means:

On a blazer lapel: The most classic placement, and still the most fashion-forward when done with a personality pin. Left lapel, at or slightly above chest height. Clean and intentional. The guitar brooch on a navy blazer (as photographed above) is exactly this energy.

On a denim jacket: This is the casual version of the look and arguably even more appealing because it removes any hint of formality. A Furry Friends cat brooch on a classic denim jacket with a white tee and straight-leg jeans is a complete outfit. You don't need to add anything else.

On a tote bag or handbag: Pin it to the front strap, the body of the bag, or the handle — this is a zero-commitment way to try novelty brooches without altering your outfit at all. The bag accessories trend is huge right now, and a fun pin is one of the easiest ways to customize a plain tote.

On a chunky knit sweater: Use a small piece of felt or interfacing on the inside to protect delicate knit fabric, then pin at the shoulder or chest. The visual contrast between a cozy knit and a sparkly or whimsical brooch is exactly the kind of unexpected styling move that works.

Clustered together on a collar or jacket: If you want to go full maximalist — which the runway fully endorses right now — try grouping three or four smaller novelty brooches together. Check out brooch stacking and clustering for the full how-to on making this look intentional rather than chaotic.

Kitschy Jewelry as a Gift: Why It Works Every Time

Novelty brooches are one of the most genuinely personal gifts you can give someone, because they let you say something specific about who that person is. The dog mom gets the Corgi or the Dachshund. The music lover gets the guitar. The fashion obsessive gets the Fashionista pin. At $38–$68 for most individual pieces, they hit a sweet gift price point that feels generous without being overwrought.

If you're building a gift around a personality, consider pairing a novelty brooch with one of the Surprise Me JuJu Gift Boxes (from $115) — a combination of a fun brooch and a curated box of accessories makes for a gift that says "I actually paid attention to who you are." More ideas in the best jewelry gifts for women who have everything.

Spring and Mother's Day are both prime moments for novelty brooch gifting. See the full guide on Mother's Day jewelry gifts for more ideas on how to pair these with other pieces.

Budget Breakdown: Fun Brooches at Every Price Point

Under $45: Furry Friends Acrylic Pet Brooch ($38), Rabbit Motorcycle Enamel Brooch ($38), Dapper Dachshund Top Hat Brooch ($42)

$45–$60: Fashionista Acrylic Brooch Pin ($48), Paris Fashion Girl Acrylic Brooch ($48), Crystal Royal Flush Playing Cards Brooch ($58)

$60–$70: Crystal Electric Guitar Brooch ($68), Emily in Paris Brooch Set — 3 pieces ($68)

For the full collection moment: Start with two or three pieces in the $38–$48 range and cluster them together. You'll spend under $130 and have a look that reads like it came from a fashion editorial.

How JuJu Loves Fits Into the Kitschy Jewelry Trend

JuJu Loves has been carrying novelty and acrylic brooches since before the runway caught up — which means the selection right now is deep, already tested by real customers, and priced for everyday wear rather than collector budgets. The acrylic pieces have the lightweight feel that makes all-day wearing comfortable, and the crystal-embellished options (the guitar, the playing cards) look significantly more expensive than they are.

All pieces are available at jujuloves.com and select pieces are carried at Maris DeHart boutique at 32 Vendue Range in Charleston's French Quarter — the perfect place to see them in person before you commit.

More Ways to Build Your Brooch Wardrobe

Once you have one or two novelty brooches you love, the instinct is usually to keep going. Here are the best posts to help you build out a full collection with intention:

• Complete guide to brooches trending now
• How to wear a brooch: 6 modern ways beyond your grandma's style
• Building your dream brooch collection: a complete guide
• Animal brooches: the playful trend taking over fashion
• The best brooches at every price: $28 to $158
• Vintage vs. modern brooches: how to mix eras like a stylist
• Brooch gift guide: the perfect statement pins for every occasion
• Colorful acrylic jewelry: lightweight, bold, and built for everyday fun
• Accessories that make any outfit look expensive

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitschy Jewelry and Novelty Brooches

Is kitschy jewelry actually in style right now?

Yes, genuinely. The kitschy jewelry trend has runway validation from Tory Burch, Sandy Liang, Ralph Lauren, and Chanel this season. Pinterest reports a 110% increase in searches for "brooch aesthetic" and 105% growth in "maximalist accessories." This isn't a niche internet moment — it's a full fashion cycle shift away from quiet luxury toward personality-driven dressing.

How do I wear novelty brooches without looking costume-y?

The single most important rule: let the brooch be the only statement in the outfit. Pin a fun novelty brooch on a clean blazer, denim jacket, or structured coat and keep everything else simple — plain top, solid bottoms, minimal other jewelry. The high-low contrast is the point. When your outfit is restrained, the fun pin reads as intentional rather than chaotic.

What's the difference between a kitschy brooch and a regular statement brooch?

A classic statement brooch typically features abstract shapes, crystals, or nature motifs (flowers, leaves, peacock feathers) with a more formal or heirloom feel. A kitschy or novelty brooch has a recognizable figurative subject — an animal, a character, a guitar — with a sense of humor or whimsy built into the design. Both are completely on-trend right now; the styling approach is the same, just the personality of the piece differs.

Are acrylic brooches considered good quality?

Acrylic brooches are lightweight, durable, and hold color beautifully — which makes them ideal for the character-driven, illustrative designs the kitschy jewelry trend favors. They're not meant to be heirloom pieces, but they're built to be worn regularly and hold up well. The weight difference compared to crystal brooches also makes them more comfortable for all-day wear on delicate fabrics like knits or silk blouses.

What outfits work best with novelty brooches?

Blazers (particularly navy, camel, or black), denim jackets, structured wool coats, plain white shirts, and lightweight knit sweaters are all ideal base pieces for novelty brooches. The key is solid colors and simple silhouettes — nothing competing for attention. For a more editorial look, try pinning on a wide-lapel coat or a crisp linen blazer in a neutral tone.

Can I wear multiple kitschy brooches at once?

Yes — the brooch cluster look is very much a right-now thing. The key to making it work is choosing a theme or a loose color story: three animal brooches together, or a mix of French-inspired acrylic pins. Cluster them in one area (usually a lapel or chest) rather than scattering them randomly. Read the full brooch stacking and clustering guide for placement tips.

Are novelty brooches good gifts?

One of the best. They're personal (you can choose one that reflects the recipient's personality), visual (they make an immediate impression when unwrapped), and practical (they get worn, not tucked away). The $38–$68 price range for most novelty brooches hits a sweet spot that works for birthdays, Mother's Day, galentine's gifts, and hostess presents. See the full brooch gift guide for pairing ideas.

What is dopamine dressing and how does kitschy jewelry fit in?

Dopamine dressing is the practice of intentionally wearing things that make you feel good — usually through color, pattern, or pieces with personality and joy built into them. Kitschy jewelry is dopamine dressing at its most concentrated: a little acrylic dachshund or a crystal guitar pin takes five seconds to put on and changes the energy of your whole outfit. It's the accessory equivalent of choosing the playlist that puts you in a good mood before a big day.

Where can I buy novelty brooches in Charleston?

JuJu Loves carries a full selection of novelty and acrylic brooches online at jujuloves.com, and select pieces are available in person at Maris DeHart boutique at 32 Vendue Range in Charleston's French Quarter. It's one of the best spots in the city to find statement accessories that you won't find anywhere else on King Street.

How do I pin a brooch without damaging my clothes?

For sturdy fabrics like denim, wool, or structured blazer lining, pin directly through the fabric — these materials handle brooch pins easily. For delicate knits or silk, place a small piece of non-fusible interfacing on the inside of the fabric before pinning to distribute the weight and prevent snags. Always pin through multiple layers of fabric when possible, and never store brooches pinned to garments — remove them after wearing to preserve both the fabric and the brooch's pin mechanism. More tips in the full guide on how to wear a brooch.

What's the brooch aesthetic trend on Pinterest?

The brooch aesthetic on Pinterest is a maximalist, collected look — multiple pins layered on blazers, denim jackets, and even hats, mixing vintage-inspired crystal pieces with modern acrylic novelty brooches. Searches for "brooch aesthetic" have jumped 110%, making it one of Pinterest's fastest-growing jewelry trends. The JuJu Loves collection covers both ends of the spectrum: the playful acrylic and novelty side, and the more heirloom-leaning crystal pieces in the full brooch collection.

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