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Simply attach your lapel pin to the left lapel of the blazer. Just make sure it goes with your outfit.
Lapel pins are chic accessories that could infuse some character and elegance into any outfit, especially for a blazer. From black-tie affairs to simply upgrading your everyday style, you need to know how to wear a lapel pin. If you want to confidently wear this scarf with your outfit, it is very simple, and for that —here are all the steps that you need to follow to wear any style!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of lapel pins, how to position them, and when to wear them for maximum style impact.
Choosing The Right Lapel Pin
it’s essential to choose the right one to complement your outfit. From formal events to casual gatherings, the right lapel pin can make a subtle yet significant statement. Here’s how to ensure you choose the perfect lapel pin for any occasion.
Forget About The Pin, What’s A Lapel?
Before diving into the world of lapel pins, it’s important to understand what a lapel is. A lapel is the folded flap of fabric on the front of a blazer or suit jacket, running from the collar down to the top button.
It’s a key feature of any formal jacket and comes in various styles, such as notched, peaked, or shawl lapels. Each style creates a different look, from the more casual notched lapel to the formal peaked or shawl options.
Considering The Size And Proportion
When choosing a lapel pin, it’s crucial to consider the size and proportion in relation to your blazer. A large lapel pin might overwhelm a slender lapel, while a small lapel pin may get lost on a wider lapel. Ensure the lapel pin complements the proportions of your blazer for a polished look.
The Different Types Of Lapel Pins
Lapel pins come in a variety of styles, each serving different purposes. Boutonnières are fresh or artificial flowers, traditionally worn at weddings or formal events. Stick pins are sleek and versatile, available in geometric or symbolic designs, and perfect for both formal and casual settings.
Badges and brooches often represent affiliations or hobbies, while floral pins made from fabric offer a playful yet stylish alternative for less formal occasions.
Each type allows you to express your style and enhance your outfit.
Flower or Floral Lapel Pins
Flower or floral lapel pins are a stylish alternative to traditional boutonnières, made from fabric to mimic real flowers. These pins add a pop of color and personality to any outfit, making them ideal for both formal events and casual gatherings.
Boutonnieres
Often placed in the lapel’s buttonhole, they symbolize elegance and add a touch of sophistication to a suit or blazer. While typically reserved for special occasions, boutonnières can also be worn at other formal gatherings where a classic, refined look is desired.
Stick Pins
Known for their sleek design, they often come in various shapes, such as geometric patterns, initials, or simple symbols. Stick pins are ideal for both formal and casual outfits, offering a subtle way to elevate your blazer without overpowering your look.
Mini Pins and Badges
Mini pins and badges are small, decorative lapel accessories often used to showcase personal interests, affiliations, or achievements. These pins can represent anything from hobbies and organizations to cultural symbols or brand logos. While typically less formal than other lapel pins, mini pins and badges are a great way to add personality to your outfit.
Brooches
Brooches are decorative pins, often larger and more ornate than traditional lapel pins, and are used to add a touch of elegance or flair to an outfit. Typically made from metal and adorned with gemstones, pearls, or intricate designs, brooches can be worn on a blazer’s lapel to create a bold, stylish statement.
How to wear lapel pins?
Time to pin up before adding wings mentioned above Wearing a lapel pin takes care in placement, style, and occasion Make sure that the pin is always worn on the left lapel, near the buttonhole of your blazer, and an inch down from the top of the lapel.
Make sure the lapel pin size is relative to the size of your lapel; you don’t want to over-accessorize. Instead of overpowering, your lapel pins should simply be there to enhance your look.
What Can I Wear A Lapel Pin With?
They pair perfectly with blazers and suits, making them ideal for formal events, business meetings, or weddings. However, lapel pins aren’t limited to formal wear—they can also be worn with casual jackets, denim, or even coats for a more laid-back yet stylish look.
Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or adding flair to everyday attire, a lapel pin can enhance your outfit, showcasing your style in both formal and casual settings.
What Kind of Lapel Pin Should I Choose?
The kind of lapel pin will depend on the occasion and who you are as a person. A boutonnière or a refined floral lapel pin would provide the perfect finish for something more formal such as a wedding or black-tie soiree.
Use a very thin pin or stick for business or more professional settings something subtle that goes with your suit but nothing too flashy. Then whether you wish to look casual, genial, or very informal mini-pins, badges, or brooches appended on jackets and blazers can insert a fantastic custom-made admission.
When Should You Wear A Lapel Pin?
Lapel pins can be worn for various occasions, depending on their style and formality. Formal events like weddings, galas, and award ceremonies are perfect for wearing elegant boutonnières or floral lapel pins, adding a touch of refinement to your attire.
For business meetings or professional settings, stick pins or minimalist badges provide a subtle way to stand out without being too bold. Lapel pins can also be worn in casual settings, such as parties or social gatherings, where fun or symbolic pins add personality and flair to your outfit.
All You Need To Know About The Boutonniere
A boutonnière is a fancy (tiny) flower that men wear on the left… thing of their suit or blazer at things like weddings proms and black-tie events. The boutonniere, generally worn at the lapel’s buttonhole, is a representation of style and meticulousness. You will often find roses, carnations, and lilies used as they are neutral flowers that can either match the clothing of the wearer or fit in with the theme of an event.
At a wedding, the groom, and even certain members of his party, are likely to sport boutonnières. Although the boutonnière is often associated with formal events, it has become acceptable and depending on the environment encouraged to wear a fresh flower at any celebration in which you wish to give off a classic air. The right way to wear one is by putting the flower in the lapel buttonhole or if there is none, use a pin.
While traditionally worn by men, boutonnières can be a stylish accessory for anyone looking to elevate their formal wear with a classic, refined touch.
Keeping it fresh
Choose heartier flowers that can withstand the test of time if you anticipate your boutonnière will be spending hours clasped to your lapel.
Keep the boutonniere in a cool place until ready to wear, and spritz lightly with water periodically to keep it fresh.
If you want to use your flowers in a more long-lasting way, floral tape or wire petals may be the perfect solution.
A new boutonnière accentuates not only makes your dress better but guarantees you carry a perfect get-up from top to bottom.
How to wear a boutonniere
Wearing a boutonnière properly is simple but important for a polished look.
Place the boutonnière on the left lapel of your suit or blazer, just above the heart.
If your jacket has a buttonhole, slide the flower’s stem through it and secure it with the loop on the back.
If there’s no buttonhole, use a pin to attach the flower, positioning it about an inch below the top of the label.
Make sure the flower sits upright and doesn’t droop, keeping it centered and proportionate to your lapel for a sharp, elegant appearance.
Other Suit Flowers and Men’s Lapel Pins for Special Occasions
Floral lapel pins, often made of fabric, offer a sophisticated yet playful touch to formal attire and can be worn at weddings, galas, or themed events. For more symbolic or meaningful moments, mini pins or badges representing affiliations, causes, or personal milestones can be added to the lapel, perfect for award ceremonies or commemorative events.
Brooches, though less common, can also be a striking, decorative option for those seeking a more unique or personalized accessory for formal gatherings.
What lapel pin looks good with a black suit or tuxedo?
Festive as they might be, wild lapel pins that look like miniature versions of your Kindergartener’s artwork are hardly appropriate for a black suit or tuxedo. Classic Silver or Gold Stick Pin: Adds a sense of elegance without being too annoying in an outfit.
White floral lapel pins — such as a fabric rose or fresh boutonnière — are the best compliment to black suits when wearing for formal occasions, like weddings or black-tie events. For those wanting to make a statement, go for a more minimal brooch or black-on-black pin which offers an understated stylish contrast without taking away from the overall polished feel of the tuxedo.
What lapel pin matches a grey suit?
For a sleek, professional look, opt for a silver or navy blue stick pin, which complements the neutral tones of the suit. A soft pastel floral pin in shades like light pink, lavender, or white can add a subtle pop of color, making it perfect for weddings or semi-formal events.
If you’re aiming for a more modern or bold statement, consider a dark green or burgundy floral pin to create contrast. Ensure the pin complements your tie, pocket square, or other accessories for a cohesive look.
What lapel pins and enamel pins look great with dark-blue suits?
Gold or brass stick pins provide greater contrast and sophistication, as well as warmth. White, light blue, and soft pink color floral lapel pins for wedding/fashion Go with flower a pin, burgundy or mustard-yellow variety in contrast, or match it with the deep blue for a bolder choice.
Pin those enamel pins onto your dark blue suit for something a little more fun and playful. Choose minimalist designs in silver, navy or metallics to keep it sleek, or select symbolic and geometric enamel pins in color contrasts such as contrasting green & red for a more modern style.
A coherent pin ensemble will include a harmonious depiction of your outfit, complete with ties and pocket squares.
Where does a lapel pin go on a suit, blazer or tuxedo?
A lapel pin should always be placed on the left lapel, just above the heart. If your suit, blazer, or tuxedo has a buttonhole, slide the pin’s stem through it. If not, position the pin about 1 inch below the top of the lapel, near where the lapel folds. Make sure the pin is securely fastened and aligned with the lapel for a neat, balanced look.
Your Party Chatter Version Of The Lapel Pin’s History
Back then, boutonnières—fresh flowers—were the original lapel accessory, symbolizing elegance and chivalry. Fast forward to the 20th century, and military pins took over, representing rank, honor, and achievements during both world wars.
Eventually, the lapel pin evolved from formal and military symbols to fashion statements. Today, lapel pins range from quirky enamel pins to stylish floral accents, letting you show off personality, and pride, or just add a little extra swagger to your blazer. Fancy, huh?
A Final Word On Lapel Pins
Lapel pins are more than just an accessory—they’re a small yet impactful way to express your style, commemorate a special occasion, or add sophistication to your outfit. Whether you’re opting for a classic boutonnière, a modern enamel pin, or a sleek stick pin, the right lapel pin can elevate any suit, blazer, or tuxedo.
From weddings to business meetings or casual events, lapel pins offer versatility and charm, making them the perfect finishing touch to your look. So, wear them confidently and let your lapel pin tell a story!
Styling Tips
When wearing a lapel pin on a blazer, it’s essential to style it right to elevate your look. Here are some tips to help you master the art of accessorizing with a lapel pin:
Coordinating The Lapel Pin With Your Outfit
Match the color of your lapel pin with one of the hues in your outfit for a cohesive look.
- Choose a lapel pin that complements the dominant color in your blazer.
- Avoid overwhelming your outfit by opting for a lapel pin that subtly enhances your look.
Mixing And Matching With Other Accessories
Pair your lapel pin with other accessories to create a polished ensemble.
- Combine your lapel pin with a complementary pocket square for a sophisticated touch.
- Experiment with mixing metals by wearing a lapel pin that coordinates with your watch or cufflinks.
Caring For Your Lapel Pins
Proper care and maintenance of your lapel pins is essential to ensure they retain their beauty and shine for years to come. Here are some simple yet effective ways to keep your lapel pins looking their best:
Proper Storage To Preserve The Pins
| Storage Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a Jewelry Box | Store lapel pins in a designated section of a jewelry box to prevent scratches. |
| Avoid Moisture | Keep the pins away from moisture to prevent tarnishing or discoloration. |
| Separate Each Pin | Store each lapel pin separately to prevent them from scratching each other. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where To Put A Lapel Pin On A Blazer?
Place a lapel pin on the left lapel of the blazer, close to the heart. Ensure it is positioned horizontally and not too high or low. This will create a stylish and polished look.
What Is The Rule For Lapel Pins?
The rule for lapel pins is to wear them on the left lapel of a jacket or coat, positioned near the heart. It should be aligned with the outer edge of the shoulder.
Which Side Should A Lapel Pin Be Worn On?
Wear a lapel pin on the left side of your jacket, aligning with your left breast pocket.
Can You Wear A Lapel Pin On A Jacket?
Yes, you can wear a lapel pin on a jacket. Lapel pins are a stylish accessory that can be worn on the lapel of a jacket to add a touch of personality and individuality to your outfit. Just make sure to choose a pin that complements the jacket and doesn’t overwhelm it.
Conclusion
Availing a lapel pin on your blazer will help you to create an instant stylish touch with sophistication. Whether an old-school boutonnière look or a new-age geometric pin, wear it like you mean it.
Use the following lapel pin tips to make a statement with your style.
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