The Symbolism and Style of the Carnation Lapel Pin

The Symbolism and Significance of the Carnation Pin

Pink carnations hold great symbolic meaning and have long been used as boutonnière pins and decorative lapel accessories. With their sweet floral scent and ruffled petals, carnations encapsulate beauty, love, distinction, and pride. Pinning a pink carnation can elevate any outfit while conveying deeper meaning about one's style and values.

History of the Carnation Pin Tradition

The carnation pin tradition dates back centuries. These flowers first became part of Greek and Roman mythologies associated with the gods. They were seen as symbols of the divine due to their clove-like scent, which was believed to transcend from the heavens.

During the Victorian era, carnations gained more symbolic meaning in flowers. Giving a carnation was a way to express love, pride, and admiration. The color of the carnation also held significance – pink carnations became synonymous with a mother's undying love.

Men began wearing carnation boutonnière pins in the 1800s when the lapel hole was introduced in the newly fashionable frock coat. The carnation’s ruffled bloom lends itself beautifully to pinning on a suit or jacket.

Carnation Pins Today

White a white carnation boutonnière is usually reserved for special occasions like weddings, a pink carnation pin can be worn for a range of modern occasions. The soft, feminine color flatters every skin tone and brings out one’s rosy cheeks. The bloom adds elegant interest to any outfit.

Musicians today keep the carnation pin tradition alive, particularly indie singers and guitar players channeling vintage style. A pink carnation pinned to one's jacket or shirt makes a subtle statement about creativity, emotional depth, and admiration for the classics.

How to Wear a Carnation Pin

Carnations are the ultimate flower for DIY crafting and can easily be shaped into a stylish accessory. You'll feel like a budding florist arranging blooms!

Assemble Your Supplies

Start by purchasing a fresh carnation stem. The ruffled edges of the carnation make it perfect for pinning, so select one with nicely flared petals.;

You’ll also need floral pins, which can be found at most craft stores. Opt for a pearl headed pin so the white color pops against the pink carnation. Clear pins also work well to blend in discretely.

Floral tape and flower food are also handy supplies for carnation arranging. The food will help extend the life of your flower so you can wear it multiple times.

Arrange the Carnation

Start by cutting the stem so the carnation bloom sits at the desired position on your lapel or tie. Remove any leaves so just the carnation flower remains.

Using the floral tape, wrap the stem starting about an inch below the carnation bloom securing it firmly. Wrap all the way down covering the stem completely.

Trim any excess stem so just enough remains to pin securely. Dip the freshly cut end in flower food to help nourish the carnation bloom.

Pin the Carnation in Place

Position your carnation on a jacket lapel, shirt collar, or tie. Place the pin at the base of the carnation bloom or on an angle through the side catching the ruffled petals and stem.

The pearl headed pin is both stylish and functional, disguising itself by blending with the white carnation base. Push firmly so the pin stitches through the fabric, keeping your carnation boutonnière in place.

Fluff and adjust the carnation petals so they sit nicely. Spritz with water to refresh periodically.

Carnation Pin Style Inspiration

While a traditional red rose boutonnière has an elegant and romantic vibe, a pink carnation pin offers a more modern, indie-rock look.

Musicians Setting Trends

Today's leading musicians are moving away from the standard tux and bow tie, opting for more relaxed suits and shirts unbuttoned at the collar to show their edgy style. A pink carnation boutonnière perfectly complements this aesthetic.

Performers like Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus pin petite carnations on their black leather and velvet jackets while musicians such as Julien Baker and boygenius sport fuller carnation pins on their collared shirts.

Street Style Inspiration

Carnation lapel pins also lend well to street style. The unexpected pop of pink against an urban outfit creates visual interest and conveys artistic expression.

Fashion bloggers integrate carnation boutonnières onto jean jackets, pairing the flowers with patches. The delicate carnations contrast with the distressed denim for an oxymoron effect.

Minimalists can simply pin a carnation onto an understated white t-shirt for an effortlessly eyecatching look.

Creatively Arrange Carnation Pins

One of the best qualities of carnations is that they inspire creativity and come in gorgeous colors that complement any outfit. Have fun playing stylist as you design unique looks pairing carnations with various wardrobe pieces.

Color Coordinate

Consider what shade carnation will best match your outfit’s color story. Vibrant yellow blooms pop against black clothing. Purple carnations pair divinely with eggplant or wine colored tops.

Opt for red or dark pink carnations as elegant additions to rose gold jewelry pieces and champagne colored clothing.

Craft Queen

Bring out your inner florist, combining varieties of carnations together in floral boutonnière arrangements. White and pink carnations interspersed with greenery create a lovely springtime look.

For special events, incorporate additional flower types like roses, spray flowers, and berries into your carnation pins for extra dimension and texture.

Hair clips offer another area to get crafty with carnation pins. Group several small carnations with floral embellishments for a romantic, flower child style.

DIY Pieces

For the ultimate personalized carnation accessory, handmake fabric flower pins using scrap material from old clothing. Stitch together small circles of fabric then cut carnation shaped petal patterns to create fabric flowers.

Button pins also provide cute bases for DIY carnation pins. Hot glue small carnation blooms onto large statement buttons for an eclectic punk rock take on this floral style.

FAQs

What's the best way to keep my carnation pin fresh?

Dip the end of the stem in floral preservative and store the carnation in the refrigerator when it's not being worn. Mist occasionally with water and re-cut the stem every couple wears.

What color carnations work best for pins?

Pink and white carnations tend to be the most popular for lapel pins given their traditional meaning related to pure love and good luck. But any color carnation can look stylish.

Can I craft my own carnation pin?

Absolutely! Assemble supplies like floral pins, tape, and fresh carnations, then wrap the stem and pin the bloom to clothing. Get creative combining flowers or using scrap fabric to make DIY carnation pins.

Where is the best spot to pin my carnation?

Carnations pins look sharp on jacket lapels, shirt collars, ties, and the strap of a guitar or bag. Place your carnation near your face to highlight your cheekbones and smile.