A staple of 1980s power dressing has returned with a renewed relevance. Equal parts polished and cool, today’s bow blouses are far from the prim styles you might see in an episode of Mad Men. Designers have embraced the style for spring with urgency, giving it each with their own flair and touch. It’s reimagined in endless forms—loosely knotted at the nape of the neck, cinched tight like a bow tie, left undone for effortless ease, or finished with a brooch for extra polish.
Vogue’s Favorite Bow Blouses
On the runway, Saint Laurent made exaggerated poplin bow blouses a full-blown statement, establishing them as the new power top. Celine offered a slightly more wearable interpretation, leaning into cravat-inspired ties that peeked out from under a leather jacket. Khaite tried its hand at the modern bow tie, while Givenchy knotted a classic poplin shirt at the waist. Toteme, per usual, gave us an effortlessly undone take with a loose wrap at the nape of the neck. At Ulla Johnson, the bow blouse turned vibrant and playful, styled with matching printed trousers for a head-to-toe moment. Dressed up or down; styled with denim, trousers, and pencil skirts, their versatility is easily discovered. See for yourself with our styling guide, below.
Unfinished Business
Recreate Saint Laurent’s “louche aristocrat” look with Another Tomorrow’s bow blouse tucked into a sharp leather skirt; the big, dramatic knot nods to Anthony Vaccarello’s men’s 2023 fall/winter show, where the designer first experimented with exaggerated shirt bows. Statement earrings and pointy pumps are essential components of this look, too.
Under Wraps
Jonathan Anderson rewrites the script by pairing a bow blouse with a cape and straight-leg denim. On paper it might seem hard to visualize, yet the execution makes complete sense. Structered loafers and a suede top-handle keep it casual for everyday.
Open Ending
Channel Ulla Johnson’s artful color pairing with coordinating separates—even better when the patterns play off another, as they do here in La DoubleJ’s skirt set. Styling tip: Leave the bow loose but add a chunky gold collar on top. Don’t let your footwear be an afterthought—choose a color that’s represented in the print to anchor it all.
Loose Ends
Leather and silk go together like Sundays and no alarms. You’ll want to skip denim here—pleated trousers keep it elevated. Silver studs and a straw bag add unexpected textural contrast.
Tight Spot
Khaite brings modernity—and New York cool—to the feminine polka dot blouse. Follow suit by styling it with a black pencil skirt and caramel-colored coat. Snakeskin shoes and a big buckle belt are the on-trend touches that make this look feel perfect for right now.
Look Back
Toteme’s version of the bow blouse is meant to be tied at the nape of the neck, to give the front a beautiful cowl neck. Style it with Leset’s bias pants for a fluid, tonal look, adding in pops of black for monochromatic contrast.
Conscious Uncoupling
Simple doesn’t have to mean boring, as evidenced here with black trousers, a classic khaki trench, and cream blouse left long and loose, skimming the floor just so. It’s trio of essentials you likely already have in your closet, but maybe haven’t thought to put together in a while.
Black Tie
Ralph Lauren gives the bow blouse his signature Western flair by pairing it with pleated white shorts (sub for trousers while it’s still cold out) and a silver buckle leather belt. Ground with woven loafers for a preppy touch.
Brooch the Subject
It’s all about the brooch, here. Affix one to the neck—in lieu of a jacket lapel—as if it were a piece of jewelry; we love Agmes’s sculptural take on the necklace pendant. Together with a lace skirt and cowboy boots, it makes for a soft yet strong styling statement.
