Brooches have become a stylish accessory on runways and red carpets, worn by fashion icons like Sebastian Stan and Colman Domingo at the Oscars. But these small adornments have always been about more than just looks. Madeleine Albright, the former Secretary of State, famously used brooches to send political messages—her collection is now housed at the National Museum of American Diplomacy. Celebrities like Alan Cumming and Richard Gadd have also worn brooches and pins at awards shows to support causes ranging from trans rights to raising awareness about sexual abuse.

For many, brooches—much like bag charms or nail art for Gen Z—are a way to express individuality and empowerment. They communicate without words, which can be powerful for public figures like politicians or actors. But even for someone like me, who isn’t in the spotlight, a brooch can spark an unexpected sense of confidence.

People are often surprised to learn I struggle with anxiety. Much of it is invisible—the endless internal chatter, the racing heart, the tingling fingers and toes. Over time, I’ve learned to mask it, but last year, during a flight from Austin, I had a panic attack that shattered my usual composure.

Flying had always been a challenge, but after the pandemic kept me grounded for so long, my anxiety worsened. As my group prepared to board, my feet locked in place, as if an invisible wall blocked my path. All I could think about was the plane doors closing—clunk—and me trapped inside, screaming with no escape.

I didn’t board that flight. Though I eventually made it home, I vowed never to let fear control me like that again. I tried therapy, meditation, EMDR, and even calming supplements, but I knew the only real solution was facing my fear head-on.

So this past January, a little over a year after the panic attack, I booked another flight. Inspired by a literary agent who credited improv for easing her anxiety, I signed up for a six-week improv class leading up to the trip. If I could perform in front of strangers, surely I could get back on a plane.

For my first class, I wore a small hedgehog brooch from Macon et Lesquoy, bought in Paris. I’d collected brooches over the years but rarely wore them. That day, pinning the little hedgehog to my sweater made me smile.

When I arrived, my heart pounded in my chest. But as soon as I sat down, the woman beside me leaned in and whispered a compliment about my brooch. I thanked her, took a deep breath, and felt my fight-or-flight response ease.

For the next five weeks, I wore a different brooch to each class—and someone always noticed. I started calling them my “Confidence Brooches” because they helped break the ice. By the end, my classmates saw them as my signature.

I didn’t stop at improv. I wore them to dinners, parties—anywhere that invisible wall of anxiety threatened to rise. Whether or not anyone commented, the brooches kept me grounded in the present.

So when I returned to the airport two weeks ago for my flight to Austin, I wore a Confidence Brooch—a circular silver pin with a red stone—as my armor.This brooch was passed down to me from my husband’s grandmother. Though no one noticed it at the airport, it truly gave me courage—when my boarding group was called, as I walked down the jetway, settled into my seat, and fastened my seatbelt. I heard the cabin door close, and then we were airborne. I did it. And I made it home safely, too.

To be honest, this isn’t a story about overcoming anxiety completely, but about hope. Hope that with time, support, and maybe a little boost from a “Confidence Brooch,” anxiety can fade into the background while you live the life you want—whether you’re flying somewhere new, preparing for a big presentation, heading into an important interview, or having a difficult conversation with your kids. Life is hard, and we all face challenges.

If you’re looking for your own Confidence Brooch, there are endless options. Vintage pieces are especially thrilling—you can hunt for them at estate sales or browse resale sites like Vestiaire Collective. You’ll find plenty of Chanel (and more Chanel), Prada, Hermès, and YSL brooches out there. I even have alerts set up on the Gem App for my favorite brands.

For something new, you could start where I did—with Macon et Lesquoy, which offers countless designs. I love their playful animal and food motifs (like a tiny croissant or coffee cup) as well as their bold statement pieces, like one that reads “Resiste.” Mignonne Gavigan also makes eye-catching beaded brooches, like a beaded pretzel, while Jennifer Behr specializes in glamorous, ornate styles. Even Loewe has a sleek anagram pin.

When you’re traveling, keep an eye out for brooches at places like botanical gardens and museums—I found a beautiful bee at Salt Lake City’s Red Butte Garden, and The Met has some great accessories too. Once you start collecting, you’ll always be on the lookout for your next Confidence Brooch—a little piece of strength to help you face challenges with style.

Some favorites:
– Balmain Beauty Charm brooch ($645, FARFETCH)
– N21 crystal-embellished brooch ($148, FARFETCH)
– Lele Sadoughi deco bow brooch ($225, SHOPBOP)
– Max Mara Jessy silk brooch ($245, MYTHERESA)
– Jennifer Behr Antinea faux pearl and crystal brooch ($250, NET-A-PORTER)
– Dries Van Noten silver-tone beaded brooch ($470, NET-A-PORTER)