26 cute ways to wear bows this spring, according to stylists and influencers
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It seems we can’t escape the fashion world’s embrace of everything feminine. And with popular trends ranging from girly aesthetics like balletcore and Barbiecore to last season’s maximalist mob-wife style, why would we want to? That’s why we’re calling one of fashion’s most timeless, girly motifs the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe. We’re talking about bows, of course.
They’ve been everywhere lately, from the runways of designers like Simone Rocha and Sandy Liang to the coquette-ification of just about everything on TikTok. And while the coquette aesthetic expands far beyond just fashion, many aspects of this style fall under a romantic and delicate energy that people are embracing more generally, explains stylist Catherine Bibeau. Whether as a small accent or a massive statement, the opportunities to wear, style and incorporate bows into your wardrobe are endless.
“This trend is fun, feminine and whimsical,” shares fashion editor, influencer and stylist Caroline Vazzana, who also loves the nostalgia factor that bows evoke. “[They] bring me back to when I was younger and used to wear bows on everything,” she says. And now, she’s just styling them in a bit more of a high-fashion way.
Stylist Jordanna Sharp agrees, adding that bows are “a great way to add a girlie touch to your look” without having to commit to an entire Lolita-like aesthetic. “The rest of the look can be simple and understated,” she says, and the bows are there to add an extra, fun element.
How to wear the bow trend
Whether you’re looking to fully embrace the coquette aesthetic or dip your toes into the world of more feminine pieces, bows are a great place to start. “People love the whimsy of them and how easy they are to incorporate into your style at any budget,” says Sharp.
Vazzana suggests starting by wearing a bow in your hair, and gradually expanding into other pieces like bags, dresses and shoes. “If you want the bow to be a part of your clothing and not just as a hair piece, I would suggest less bows are better so it doesn’t feel too young,” says Sharp. “One statement bow feels more elegant and intentional.” And if your style isn’t typically so feminine, this trend is also a great place to try out something new. “It’d be fun to experiment with the juxtaposition of a more masculine look with this trend,” Sharp says, like “pairing a bow with a boxy blazer, simple white tee and jeans.”
“This trend is so popular right now,” shares Bibeau, “and with the comeback of the bow, women are expressing their femininity in an extremely self-aware way.” No matter how you decide to incorporate them into your wardrobe, hopefully these 26 pieces — selected for a range of personal styles and different occasions — give you inspiration on how to embrace your feminine spirit and style this spring.
Hair bows
Jennifer Behr Virginia Bow Barrette
"Of course, we need a hair bow, and Jennifer Behr makes some of my favorites,” says Vazzana. Sharp also recommends this bow, sharing that the slightly larger size is perfect for achieving a super-feminine look. She recommends styling it with a slicked-back ponytail for a modern, elevated look.
Free People Bianca Bow Headband
A bow headband is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to incorporate the bow trend into your wardrobe. This versatile option is easy to slip on, and would look equally adorable at a formal event or paired with jeans and a T-shirt.
Natasha Accessories Limited Skinny Bow Barrette
Sharp recommends this chic bow barrette, which she describes as a super-understated way of incorporating the trend into your style. “It’s modest and the skinny element allows it to feel a little more mature and timeless,” she explains.
Urban Outfitters Satin Hair Bow Barrette
The lightweight satin material and fresh blue color of this bow option make it a perfect piece for dressing up your everyday spring outfit. The spring barrette backing is a great touch as well — practical and comfortable.
Free People Quincy Mini Bows, Set Of 4
These absolutely adorable mini bows are a fun way to dress up any preferred hairstyle, whether you’re wearing braids, a bun or your hair down. Simply clip them in and you’re ready to go.
Dresses and jumpsuits
Reformation Buchanan Dress
This timeless dress will work for nearly any springtime occasion — appropriate for the office, dressy enough for formal events and comfortable enough for a warm-weather day trip. The statement collar paired with the accent bow is a super-elegant way to embrace the bow trend.
O.p.t Didi Dress
This babydoll dress features an elegant velvet ribbon detail on top of an already super-feminine, floaty and effortlessly chic design. The puff sleeves feel reminiscent of the cottagecore aesthetic, and the range of colors makes it so that there are tons of different options to suit every style.
Mac Duggal Strapless A-Line Bow Mini Dress
“I love this dress for a spring cocktail party,” says Vazzana. “The color is perfect for springtime, and the shape is so flattering.”
Petal + Pup Alice Bow-Back Midi Dress
The versatility of a white cotton dress can’t be overstated, especially when it comes to spring and summer fashion. This midi option has it all — adjustable straps, an elasticized waistband — and it’s lined and made from 100% cotton. The statement back bow is a perfect feminine addition to a gorgeous, well-designed essential.
Area Crystal Bow V-Neck Mini Dress
“This would be fun for an event or vacation,” shares Sharp. “It feels edgy, even with the bow.” This T-shirt style dress is also a pick of Bibeau’s, who loves the loose, comfortable fit. And if you love the look but can’t swing the price tag, this mini dress from Lulus is a pretty great dupe.
Helsi Bow-Embellished Cutout Halter Jumpsuit
Bibeau loves this jumpsuit, which she explains can be worn on its own or with a jacket — a chic "coquette" pick for any evening occasion. “The bow on the back of the jumpsuit is elegant and very feminine,” she says.
Tops
Staud Atticus Top
In this case, the bow adds “a fun element to this otherwise simple top,” says Sharp. “It still feels sexy for date night,” she says, and it’s easy to both dress up and down.
Maeve Bow-Tie Tank
This versatile tank is an easy way to embrace the bow trend without risk of feeling juvenile. You can dress it up with a skirt and heels, or just swap in place of your less-fun, everyday tank top.
Kimchi Blue Peyton Bow Cardigan
Cardigans are always going to be a transitional season must-have, and this ribbed option is a fun and unabashedly coquette-inspired piece that’s also super practical. The bow detailing on the sleeve is an adorable detail that deserves a shoutout.
Aritzia Wilfred Frenchy Blouse
This romantic blouse features ribbon closures, ruffles and a stunning semi-sheer fabric with an oh-so-perfect drape. Wear it with a bralette and slacks for an effortlessly sexy look, or layer it over a bodysuit for a chic balletcore-inspired outfit.
Lirika Matoshi Ants Crochet Top
Vazzana calls this “the perfect crochet top with a little bow accent.” She recommends styling with jeans and flats for an easy yet totally complete look.
Petite Studio Arissa Top
A transitional spring-to-summer piece, this ethereal top is made from a netted fabric that features floral appliqués. Knot the ribbons into bows and wear it as a top, or keep it open and layer with a tank or dress.
Frame Tie-Neck Long-Sleeve Silk Blouse
Bibeau calls this luxe blouse a “practical product that you can wear with everything in your wardrobe.” It’s perfect for work, she notes, and the off-white color makes for a chic, elegant look. To get a similar look for less, we’d recommend Quince’s washable silk tie-neck blouse in ivory.
Reformation Cherry Top
Florals for spring? Always! This chic, flattering T-shirt is an easy way to add that extra bit of femininity to a classic essential.
Shoes and accessories
Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina
Made from super-high-quality Italian Naplak leather and featuring an adjustable bow string, these stunners from Mansur Gavriel are pretty much the gold standard of ballerina flats. “I love the shape of these flats for spring, and the tiny bow on the front makes them so coquette,” says Vazzana.
Coach Ergo Bag In Crinkle Patent Leather With Bows
“This bag comes with bows already tied on so you don't have to add them,” Vazzana says. And as a plus, it’s made from at least 40% recycled or repurposed materials.
Princess Polly Lanter Socks
Pair these 100% cotton crew socks with your favorite pair of loafers, flats or even heels for an instantly dressed-up look that’s subtle yet perfectly girly.
Sandy Liang Verona Bag
We’d be remiss not to include Sandy Liang in this roundup. The designer has long been embracing bows and various feminine elements in her pieces, and this crossbody bag is no exception. Made from a durable tech nylon, this bow-shaped bag may look delicate, but it’s sure to hold up well over time.
Schutz Judy Flat Leather Pump
A good flat is a super-useful spring wardrobe staple, and this bold, statement-making red pair checks all our boxes. The pointed toe and oversized bow make it easy to dress up, while the flat heel and sturdy strap mean you’ll have no trouble staying on your feet all day long.
Tsangbaby Satin Bow Shoe Clips
Have a pair of heels you think could use a little coquette-ifying? Simply add these chic bow shoe clips to dress up any (or all) of your favorite heels. It’s an easy and affordable way to incorporate the trend into your style without having to buy something brand-new.
Simone Rocha Ribbon-Bow Earrings
Described as “simple and elegant” by Vazzana, she loves how you can easily dress these bow earrings up or down. We’d recommend wearing your hair back for maximum impact.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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