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.
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com / Courtesy of Saint Laurent
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.