Lapel pins are a timeless accessory that can add a personal touch to any outfit. Whether you’re looking to express your personality, support a cause, or simply enhance your style, lapel pins offer a versatile way to make a statement. However, styling multiple lapel pins can be tricky—too many can look cluttered, while too few might not make an impact. So, what are the best ways to style multiple lapel pins without overdoing it? Here are some tips on how to wear lapel pins with confidence and style.
1. Limit the Number of Lapel Pins
Lapel pins have become an integral part of both formal and informal outfits. They are fashionable as well as cute. In fact, stickers have evolved from simple plastic accessories to almost art-like pins designed with enamel and laser technology. Over time, they have become a powerful way of expressing your thoughts and personality without saying a word. Life would have been much simpler if you had a rule of thumb to follow. Modularity is one of the key principles in the fashion world and the same can be applied when it comes to the styling of multiple lapel pins.
If you wear so many lapel pins that it becomes difficult to decide which you should go with, just take it easy and start with two. A couple of pins are quite enough to make the fashion statement you or someone else might be interested in, while three can add diversity and benefit without abusing the notion. Generally speaking, using more than three can simply create a terrible look, who wouldn’t want a maximalist approach?
2. Select Pins That Match Each Other
The secret of rocking or styling multiple lapel pins is ensuring that they go well together, whether it’s in terms of color, theme, or size. Lapel pins selection, on the contrary, is more of a choice. You can choose lapel pins that are tied by a common aesthetic or theme; for example, you can select music pins, vintage designs, or social cause pins. These are links that can be formed using the lapel pins.
However, it’s not cool mixing pins that look weird together. For instance, a pin that has bright and contrasting colors can be worn with one or two other pins that have no color at all or wear it to a function where the majority of the people will wear it. One might think that they are too deep. But one of the other symptoms of overload is when your pins are intricate or with textures. Thus, pairing them with simpler ones can help prevent the overall look from being too crowded.
3. Mix and Match Sizes for Balance
If you intend to wear multiple lapel pins, one of the essential features you’d consider is size and shape. A powerful trick for this purpose will be to layer such different pin types without stepping on each other’s toes. Let’s say that with a thumbprint in the shape of a big and small statement pin, you would need that couple of more subtle pins. This size contrast is effective in balancing because it provides each pin with a chance to be decorated well.
Similar to this premise, you can make use of a large pin that stands out with design or color, as the main attractor of your entire outfit. This is, for example, the case of a large statement pin with one or more tiny, simple pins that enhance it without pulling the focus.
4. Strategize With Placement
The crucial aspect of styling a number of lapel pins is the positioning of each pin. You don’t want to distract your outfit with many pins, rather you want them to be well situated. The common position for lapel pins is the left lapel side of the blazer or jacket but you can also try other places like the pocket or collar.
If your outfit consists of numerous pins, you can dissolve them in a new area or per lapel create a balance. You may think of placing a significant statement pin almost at the top, while a small pin can go down or on the other side. This arrangement is not only strategic as it ensures the visibility of the pins and guarantees their harmony but also it prevents the look from being cluttered.
Another solution is arranging the pins on top of each other. You can do it almost similarly to the way you wear a few smaller pins close to the label’s top, one brave pin further down on top of it. This piece of art will look like your lapel is blooming, all while keeping the order.
5. Coordinate with Your Outfit
When you apply pins in your outfit, it is crucial that you tie them in with your full set of clothes. The lapel pins can undoubtedly bring the person out in the outfit but at the same time, they should benefit the overall appearance, not worsen it. You can simply wear the rest of your outfit with less interest and add the lapel pins only; it’s better than lending too much excess to your clothing.
For instance, wearing a pocket square that is the same color as your lapel pins is no less important than a simple blue tie when you have a brightly colored or patterned blazer. On the contrary, if you have a more monotone or subdued outfit, you could be more original with adding various pins or colors. The goal should be to make your pins work in conjunction with the shades, textures, and patterns of your clothing.
6. Stick to One Type of Pin or Mix Styles Carefully
Another key to styling multiple lapel pins successfully is deciding whether to stick to one type of pin or mix different styles. If you prefer a more cohesive look, opt for a selection of pins that are all similar in style, material, or theme. For example, you could wear all enamel pins, or choose pins that feature a similar color scheme or design motif.
Alternatively, you can mix different types of lapel pins, but be mindful of how they fit together. Combining a vintage pin with a modern one, or a text-based pin with a more graphic design, can work well if they share common colors or themes. However, mixing too many contrasting styles can create a disjointed appearance.
7. Keep the Rest of Your Accessories Simple
If you’re going to wear multiple lapel pins, it’s wise to keep the rest of your accessories simple and understated. Adding too many accessories—such as a pocket square, tie bar, cufflinks, and a watch—along with multiple lapel pins can make your look feel cluttered. Instead, allow your pins to be the focal point of your outfit. Pair them with a simple tie or a clean shirt, and avoid overloading your look with other statement accessories.
Conclusion
Lapel pins are an excellent way to add a personal touch and style to your outfit, but it’s important to wear them thoughtfully. When styling multiple lapel pins, moderation, balance, and thoughtful placement are key to achieving a polished, stylish look. By limiting the number of pins, choosing complementary designs, mixing sizes, and coordinating with your outfit, you can create a look that is both dynamic and refined. With these tips in mind, you’ll know exactly how to wear lapel pins in a way that enhances your style without overdoing it.
