Bow Tie Blouses: A Timeless Trend

Lately we've been blogging about our favorite trends- such as color blocking, Peter Pan collars, pleated skirts and printed denim. Another standout style is the bow blouse, which was huge for fall and which is still a fresh and modern look for spring.

Before we discuss bow blouse options and styling tips, first let's address a common misconception about this trend, which is that this is a trend that is not appropriate for every age group. We beg to differ! Often we hear older women say that they can't wear a bow blouse, lest they appear too old-fashioned or frumpy. We also hear younger women say they are concerned that a bow blouse won't look young and fresh enough. We believe that with appropriate styling, a bow blouse is a great choice for any woman, from a teenager to a grandmother.

The easiest way to make a bow blouse look fresh? Just add jeans and you have an instantly modern look.  In this photo from US Weekly, Pippa Middleton models the look:

While jeans are the easiest, fool-proof way to style a bow blouse, check out how totally modern and fun a bow blouse looks on TV personality/socialite Olivia Palermo, who wore her white blouse with shorts at a fashion show this fall:

There are so many fabulous tie-neck tops to chose from in stores and online now.

Equipment is known for making some of the best shirts on the market, and this tie-neck style is especially fabulous, with its sheer style and subtle polka-dot pattern. It's $218 at Nordstrom now.

We love the pattern and the fringe on the bow on this Waverly Blouse from Tory Burch; it's on sale now for $212 on Tory Burch's website. In addition to this printed style, there are also solid-colored versions which are priced at a few dollars less, and which are really luxe, classic and gorgeous- choose from pink, ivory or a great shade called Arabian Spice. Check out the full selection here.

A fraction of the price but also super cute, this Tinley Road bow blouse is on sale online on Piperlime for an astounding $19.99- and Piperlime offers free shipping with no minimum purchase! The top is available in two colors- the grey/black combo featured below and a super-sharp-looking white/black combination as well.

After you make your shopping selection- or dig into your wardrobe (or your mother's closet!) for a bow blouse from the past, here are a few more ideas for how to style your shirt, from one of our favorite fashion resources, InStyle magazine. This article from the January 2012 issue shows you four ways to tie your bow tie to complete your look. (Also note the photo of Jessica Biel looking sharp in a bow blouse and blue jeans!)

Bow blouses have a great, long history in fashion and we think a bow blouse will tie up and complete any outfit.