Why the bow is the ultimate transitional trend for styling between seasons

The end of summer may well be upon us but that doesn’t mean you need to ditch its trends altogether. Sarah Young explains why the simple bow is a trans-seasonal must have  

Sarah Jones
Monday 08 August 2016 05:34 EDT
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This Marni Spring Summer 2016 look makes for a perfect transition to the fall
This Marni Spring Summer 2016 look makes for a perfect transition to the fall (Getty)

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This season the bow has supplanted any delusion that it belongs exclusively in the Thatcher era or upon the twee heads of mawkish Disney characters. It’s no longer just an emblem for girlish style, instead having been revived in all manner of shapes, sizes and varieties to become the new ‘it’ embellishment for spring/summer. In sync with the industry’s recent preoccupation with femininity - think dreamy ruffles and a spate of Victoriana inspired collections – this season beautiful bows combined the ethereal with the flamboyant.

Lanvin Spring Summer 2016 shows you can never reach peak bow
Lanvin Spring Summer 2016 shows you can never reach peak bow (AFP/Getty Images)

From mini to maxi, surreal to ladylike, waltzing ribbons ran the gamut of variety. At the more diffident end of the scale, Lanvin opted for mini satin bows with bejewelled buckles while Erdem teamed powder blue chiffon with black velvet neck ties. A trio of bows appeared at Chanel and Proenza Schouler cast nipped in sashes for a touch of modern femininity. The more theatrical offerings came from Gucci and Gareth Pugh where oversized bows were crafted from sheer and structured fabrics.

Marc Jacobs Autumn Winter 2016 revamps the broad bow collar
Marc Jacobs Autumn Winter 2016 revamps the broad bow collar (Getty Images for Marc Jacobs)

It’s a trend that’s set to continue well into next season too with Temperley London, Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana opting for a grown-up take on exaggerated pussy-bow necks so don’t be afraid to invest during such an interim period. Adding a bow is a super simple way to update the most ordinary of looks but if you’re a little chary about the whole thing, try easing yourself in with a skinny neck tie or naturally evolve the classic knot on your waistband into a beautiful bow. Whichever way you choose to style this trend, be it girlish or gothic, one thing you can be sure of is its staying power so get in the loop and tie it up for super-transitional embellishment.

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