You’re not imagining it. Bows are enjoying a major moment in the fashion spotlight right now, popping up everywhere from shoes to hair to dresses. It falls in line with the swath of other girlish styles we’re seeing right now, including lots of pink, “coquette makeup” looks, and an emphasis on Barbie-inspired fashion and balletcore.
“Bows in fashion are trending right now because women are really leaning into their feminine side this year,” says Elisabeth Kassab, stylist and personal shopper. “Embracing being a woman and all the beautiful things that come with that. I love how dainty it is yet still completes a simple look.”
The Rise of Bows in Fashion
So what’s with the serious surge of femininity and girlishness that seems omnipresent across beauty and fashion. Well, Barbie’s big year is partly responsible, but Kassab speculates it could also be a gentle pendulum swing away from the “boss era” aesthetic.
“I feel like the past few years women have been in their boss era with the structured suits and oversized blazers, and while I'm still in love with that, I love how we are leaning into a totally different look,” Kassab says.
Bows fall in line with the coquettecore look that’s taking off right now, and their inclusion in outfits also feel like a sweet nod to the balletcore aesthetic, as well.
Fashion expert Jane Winchester Paradis, adds that girly details like bows, pearls, and pinks are enjoying a spotlight moment largely because of the strength now seen in all things woman.
“Something that once simply meant ‘pretty’ has taken a larger meaning: Strong, pretty, and smart. It’s so fun to have that massive switch,” Winchester Pararis says. She adds, “There is also something about the feminine nature of bows that never goes out of style.”
Adding Bows to Your Outfits
Maybe you want to lightly dabble in the bow trend, or perhaps you’re ready to dive all the way in. “I love how dainty it is yet still completes a simple look. It can dress up a t-shirt and jeans or even a sweatsuit,” Kassab says.
Whatever your preference, you can weave bows into your outfit all sorts of ways. Here are some stylist-approved suggestions.
Hair Accessories
You cannot go wrong with a soft hair bow or small and glitzy hair clip. “Personally I love to wear a bow neatly tied in my hair, and think they are beautiful on anyone,” says Margaret Anne Nolen, fashion expert and founder of womenswear brand Cartolina.
Try it:
- Kristin Ess Velvet Bow Slide ($14, Target)
- The Hair Edit Bow Sash ($8.50, Amazon)
- Emi Jay Blow Clip ($22, Emi Jay)
Necklines
Nolan also recommends trying a sweet bow at the neckline. This might look like a velvet ribbon or a necklace with a bow-shaped charm.
Try it:
Around Your Finger
Get a little playful with your bow accessories by tying a bow around your finger or wearing a bow ring. “I love the symbolism of the bow tied around your finger to ‘not forget’ someone or something important,” says Winchester Paris. “ Not only is the bow pretty, but it has meaning behind it as well.”
Try it:
- On The Rocks USA 14K Solid Yellow Gold Mini Bow Ring ($198, Etsy)
- Catbird Toy Bow Ring ($158, Catbird)
On Your Garments
Bows can be incorporated into your outfit via garments themselves. For example, Kassab loves a bow “detail on your sweater,” and you can find them on blouses, jeans, and even socks.
Try it:
- Cartolina Peggy Blouse ($248, Cartolina Nantucket)
- Kimchi Blue Marabell Icon Cardigan ($69, Urban Outfitters)
- Nieman Marcus Cashmere Off-Shoulder Sweater with Knotted Detail ($360, Nieman Marcus)
- LuLus Precious Present Black Satin Strapless Bow Mini Dress ($89, Lulus)
