Brooches, Kilt Pins, Tie Slides and Lapel Pins: A Guide to Wearing Traditional Accessories with Modern Style

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, traditional accessories offer something different. They tell a story, add personality to an outfit, and often become treasured keepsakes passed down through generations. Whether it's a handcrafted brooch, a distinctive kilt pin, a classic tie slide, or a subtle lapel pin, these timeless pieces can transform an outfit while expressing your interests, heritage, and individuality.

At The South Crofty Collection, every piece is handmade from pure Cornish tin, one of Cornwall's most historic metals. Our designs celebrate Cornish heritage, coastal life, Celtic symbolism, and traditional craftsmanship, creating accessories that are both meaningful and wearable.

The Brooch: The Most Versatile Accessory

Brooches have been worn for centuries, originally serving a practical purpose by fastening garments. Today they are one of the most versatile pieces of jewellery you can own.

When to Wear a Brooch

A brooch can be worn almost anywhere:

  • On the lapel of a coat or blazer
  • Pinned to a plain black dress to elevate the look
  • Fastened to a scarf
  • Pinned to a knitwear cardigan
  • Added to a handbag or fabric tote
  • Worn on a hat
  • Used to secure a shawl

Unlike many jewellery pieces, brooches can be moved between outfits, giving them exceptional versatility.

Styling a Brooch

For everyday wear, choose a design that reflects your personality. Nature-inspired pieces such as our Robin Brooch, Daffodil Brooch, Seahorse Brooch and Conch Shell Brooch work beautifully on winter coats and knitted jumpers. These designs add interest without overwhelming an outfit.

If you prefer heritage-inspired jewellery, a Celtic Brooch or Cardinham Head Brooch can become a striking focal point on a jacket or scarf. The intricate detailing works particularly well with plain fabrics, allowing the craftsmanship to stand out.

Brooches for Special Occasions

Brooches are ideal for weddings, garden parties, race days and formal events. A floral brooch can add colour and elegance to a dress or jacket, while a heritage-inspired design provides a subtle conversation piece and a connection to Cornwall's rich history.

Kilt Pins: More Than Just Decoration

Many people associate kilt pins exclusively with Scottish dress, but they have become popular accessories in their own right.

Traditionally, a kilt pin is attached to the front apron of a kilt to add weight and help keep the fabric in place. Today they are often chosen as a way of expressing heritage and personal style.

When to Wear a Kilt Pin

A kilt pin is appropriate for:

  • Weddings

  • Formal dinners

  • Highland gatherings

  • Burns Night celebrations

  • Family celebrations

  • Traditional and heritage events

They also make excellent gifts for those with Celtic roots or a love of Cornwall and its traditions.

Styling a Kilt Pin

Our Cornish Kilt Pin combines Cornish symbols including Celtic knotwork and the Cornish Arms, creating a distinctive piece that celebrates local heritage. The larger size and decorative detailing make it ideal as a statement accessory when worn with traditional dress.

Outside of kilt wear, many people use decorative kilt pins on heavy scarves, tartan wraps and woollen shawls, particularly during autumn and winter.

Tie Slides: Understated Elegance for Formal Wear

The tie slide remains one of the most refined accessories a gentleman can wear. Unlike a tie pin, which pierces the fabric, a tie slide gently holds the tie in place while maintaining a clean, polished appearance.

When to Wear a Tie Slide

Tie slides are perfect for:

  • Weddings

  • Business meetings

  • Formal dinners

  • Graduation ceremonies

  • Church services

  • Professional events

A tie slide adds a finishing touch that feels considered rather than flashy.

How to Wear a Tie Slide Correctly

The tie slide should be positioned between the third and fourth shirt buttons. It should secure both the tie and the shirt placket, keeping everything neatly in place throughout the day.

A common mistake is wearing the slide too high or too low, which can look unbalanced.

Styling a Tie Slide

Our Cornish Arms Tie Slide is a subtle way to incorporate Cornish heritage into formal attire. The combination of sterling silver and pure Cornish tin makes it suitable for everything from business suits to wedding attire.

Pair it with a navy, charcoal or tweed suit for a timeless look that balances tradition and sophistication.

Lapel Pins: Small Detail, Big Impact

Lapel pins have become increasingly popular in recent years because they allow people to add personality to formal and semi-formal clothing without overwhelming an outfit.

When to Wear a Lapel Pin

Lapel pins work well for:

  • Weddings

  • Business networking events

  • Conferences

  • Casual blazers

  • Smart-casual occasions

  • Celebrations and festivals

They are often chosen to reflect hobbies, interests, locations or heritage.

How to Wear a Lapel Pin

A lapel pin is traditionally worn on the left lapel of a jacket, close to the buttonhole.

For a classic look, wear a single pin and allow it to stand out. Avoid combining multiple large lapel pins unless you are intentionally creating a collector or military-inspired aesthetic.

Styling a Lapel Pin

Our Pasty Lapel Pin is a wonderful example of how a small accessory can showcase personality. Instantly recognisable as a Cornish icon, it adds charm and individuality to a blazer, jacket or coat while celebrating Cornwall's culinary heritage.

It's particularly popular as a gift for Cornish expats, food lovers and anyone proud of their connection to Cornwall.

Choosing the Right Accessory

If you're unsure which accessory suits you best, consider the occasion:

For everyday style: Choose a brooch.

For traditional dress and heritage events: Choose a kilt pin.

For business and formal occasions: Choose a tie slide.

For subtle personality and modern tailoring: Choose a lapel pin.

Of course, there are no strict rules. The beauty of these traditional accessories lies in their flexibility. They can be worn formally or casually, passed down through generations, or gifted to mark special occasions.

Jewellery with a Story

What makes these accessories truly special is not simply how they look, but what they represent. Every brooch, kilt pin, tie slide and lapel pin in our collection is handcrafted from pure Cornish tin, a metal deeply connected to Cornwall's mining heritage. The South Crofty Collection has been creating Cornish tin jewellery since 1988, preserving both the material and the stories behind it.

Whether you're celebrating your Cornish roots, searching for a meaningful gift, or simply looking for a distinctive accessory, these timeless pieces prove that even the smallest details can make a lasting impression.