Whether through color, patterns, or unexpected silhouettes, whimsy has always had a place in fashion. And lately, we’ve seen women of all ages wearing hair bows, adding a hint of playfulness to otherwise very grown-up looks. If you like this trend but are hesitant to try it out for fear of feeling childlike — don’t be. Have fun with it! And if a hair bow is out of the question, we’re exploring alternative ways to showcase bows through other accessories, clothing, home decor, and even your cocktail party setup.

You can jump around between categories using the links below!

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Hair Bows

For insight into the trend, we spoke with Sarah Stillwell of Kentucky bow brand Grace & Grandeur. Sarah founded the company back in 2020 as demand for bows first began to really hit the mainstream. “There seems to be a revival of classic feminine details in fashion in recent years, and the girls are girling!” says Sarah. “It’s a simple accessory that can really elevate an outfit with a polished look and often serves as a conversation starter.”

Whether your personal style leans preppy or bohemian, hair bows are a fun way to polish up your look and an approachable way to play with hair accessories, even if that’s not usually your thing. “I’m not a big hat girl, so I opted to wear a bow to Steeplechase last year,” says StyleBlueprint Marketing Manager Bailey Torkelson. “It was a fun, different option and added a cute feminine touch to the outfit.”

Below are a few simple ways to approach the trend. All of the hair bows featured here just happen to be primarily black, but right now, they’re widely available in just about any fabric, color, and length you can dream up.

blonde model wearing black hair bowPin
A popular way to rock a bow is with a half-up, half-down style. Many go for barrettes like this one from Grace & Grandeur for easy styling. But if your tying skills are good, you can purchase loose ribbons so you have complete control over the fullness of the bow and the length of the ends. “I love to style a bow with half-back teased hair, classic jeans, ballet flats, a tee, and a cardigan,” says Sarah. “Effortless, timeless, and conveniently very on-trend right now.” Image: Grace & Grandeur
Brunette woman wearing black bow in low ponytailPin
Instantly elevate buns and ponytails by finishing them up with a bow. A heavy velvet ribbon has an “expensive” feel, but you can switch up your fabrics based on your outfit and the season. If you’re concerned about looking or feeling childish, go for low buns and ponytails rather than high ones. Image: Amazon
model with side braid and hair bowsPin
Sometimes more is more! Doubling up on smaller bows can be a fun way to add interest to your ‘do. If you’re going for a more laid-back or “undone” look, consider finishing a loose side braid with a small bow for an ultra-feminine touch — either at the end or with a couple of bows spaced throughout the braid. Play with the fabrics, too! This set of two lacy bows pictured here ($10) is a fun touch. Image: Urban Outfitters
back view of model wearing bow scrunchiePin
For a low-maintenance way to showcase this trend, scrunchies and hair ties with pre-tied bows are easy to find. The pleated texture and asymmetry of this half-bow scrunchie ($24) lend a hint of edge to the trend. Image: Free People
Diamond-studded bowPin
For a little extra glitz, look for embellished bows that feature everything from understated pearl studs to full-blown sparklers. This bow by L. Erickson ($144) definitely lands in the latter category. Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Shoes

Bows are showing up in footwear, too! The pleated bow has been a longtime signature of accessories brand Loeffler Randall, but we’ve recently seen them using more exaggerated bows in line with the current trend.

pink satin platform heel with bowPin
The Kiki Blush Satin Platform Sandal ($450) by Loeffler Randall makes a major statement with a voluminous satin bow. It’s also available in black and red! Image: Loeffler Randall
brown heeled mule with bowPin
On a more conservative note, Loeffler Randall’s Margot Moiré Bow Mule ($375) can easily be paired with dressed-up denim or an evening look. It’s available in this luscious chocolate pictured here, plus black, cream, and red. Image: Loeffler Randall

For a more budget-friendly spin, we love these options from DSW and Draper James. Both retailers currently have a variety of fun designs featuring bows — everything from flats and kitten heels to pumps and platforms.

pink velvet pump with bowPin
This pink velvet pump (on sale for $59.99) — also available in navy, black, gray, and dark brown — is a fun way to infuse your winter wardrobe with a pop of bright color. Image: DSW
black flat mule with bow heelPin
Bows aren’t just showing up on toes! Bows look picture-perfect on the heel of this flat slingback from Draper James, currently on sale for $39 (regular price $125). Image: Draper James

Jewelry

A particularly accessible way to play with the bow trend is through jewelry! The options available on the shelves right now are practically endless, with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings sporting everything from dainty gold bows for everyday wear to bolder statement jewelry.

black satin bow earringsPin
On these sweet earrings from Madewell ($28), delicate satin bows hang from circular gold studs. Neutral and lightweight, these can be worn to top of a variety of looks! Image: Madewell
bow necklace with silver chainPin
For special nights out, this bow necklace from Kendra Scott ($59.97, original price $75) is the perfect touch! Image: Kendra Scott
gold bow earringsPin
Petite gold bows like the pair pictured here ($42) are great for everyday wear! Image: Bauble Bar

 

Clutches and Handbags

Another fun way to tie up your outfit with a bow is with your bag. Look for everything from embellished clutches to practical everyday totes and handbags, all sporting bow details.

beaded silver clutch with chainPin
Anthropologie’s Maeve Beaded Bow Clutch is currently on sale for $69.95 (regular price $98). It comes with a detachable chain strap so you can wear it multiple ways! Image: Anthropologie
brown leather handbag with bow detailPin
The bow detail and the chain strap are both removable from this Italian leather handbag from Quince. It’s available in three neutral shades, AND it’s currently marked all the way down to $79.90 from $298. Image: Quince

Clothing

Though using bows in clothing designs isn’t exactly a new concept, bows are definitely front and center — used to turn simple pieces into statement-making ones. If you have a semi-formal or formal event coming up, now is a great time to hop on the bow train. But you can also find plenty of tops and sweaters with bow embellishments for more casual looks.

back view of model in black dress with large bowPin
A classic black shift dress becomes a show-stopper with the addition of an oversized bow detail at the neck! This one is available on Tuckernuck ($198) in four colors. Image: Tuckernuck
model in green dress with bow detailsPin
If you’re in the market for a dress with a big ol’ bow, Anthropologie has you covered. They currently have everything from sundresses to formal gowns featuring bows! This double-bow spaghetti-strap dress ($298) — also available in black — is a good investment for all seasons. Image: Anthropologie
model in brown cardigan with black bowsPin
This cozy cardigan ($395 from Saks Fifth Avenue) is dressed up with a stack of three velvety bow ties. Pair it with jeans for a chic daytime look, or dress it up, as pictured here, with black trousers or a skirt. (Dillard’s has a similar style at a more budget-friendly price of $71.40.) Image: Saks Fifth Avenue

Home Decor

Whether you choose to actually wear bows or not, you can still infuse your space with the dainty, feminine touch they afford. Home decor retailers are showcasing the trend in some really fun ways, both big and small. You can use bows to complement an already feminine decor scheme or add contrast to otherwise moody or modern spaces.

“I love seeing how women are incorporating bows into their home decor,” says Sarah of Grace & Grandeur. “Little Creative Co makes the most darling ribbons to adorn your walls — they are perfect for adding a sweet feminine touch to gallery walls, entrances, workspaces, nurseries, and more.”

bedroom with pastel decorPin
The ceramic bows by Little Creative Co regularly sell out, but if you run into trouble, you can sign up for their mailing list or follow them on social for restocking updates! Image: Little Creative Co
gold mirror with bow detail at topPin
This gilded bow mirror from Pottery Barn ($249) would look lovely in a variety of spaces and decor schemes. Image: Pottery Barn
overhead view of bedding with bow detailPin
Top your entire bed with a bow comforter ($199) or the complete bedding set. Image: Urban Outfitters
gold bow curtain tie holding back beige curtainPin
For a subtle way to incorporate bows, look for metallic hardware like hooks, knobs, or these curtain tie-backs ($34 each). Image: Anthropologie

For Hosting!

During the holidays, we shared a roundup of clever hosting tricks making the rounds on Instagram. One of our favorites highlighted how tying bows on the stems of your wine or cocktail glasses instantly elevates the setup. You could do the same for serving utensils, napkins, wine bottles, or even the back of your dining chairs. Just choose a fabric and color that suits your occasion!

And one more easy way to dress up your next event with bows!

 

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A post shared by Deborah Trette (@myfourwonders)

So, what do you think? Love ’em or leave ’em?

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Alissa Harb
About the Author
Alissa Harb

Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa is a lover of travel, true crime, and ordering for the table.