Just recently you’d be forgiven for thinking that the fashion world has gone mad over raunchy ruffles, funky fringing and big bows.
Whether it be a lavish bow on the back of a cocktail dress, a corsage, or tied at the neck, both high-street and designer labels are drowning in gigantic ruffles and insanely oversized bows.
The Pussy-Bow Blouse
A more sane (and wearable) example is the return of the pussy-bow blouse. Once thought of as the classic complement to a secretary suit, this season bucks the trend by wearing them with everything but. These blouses are set to be a hot item both for summer and forthcoming fall, with designers such as Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen going overboard for pussy-bows.
High-street labels have embraced the trend with Top Shop, Next, French Connection and Miss Selfridge all having reasonably-priced pussy-bow adorned blouses that are suitable for either work wear or worn with jeans, for a more edgy look.
In Look magazine 26th May 2008, soon to be-wed Coleen McLoughlin, wife-to-be of footballer Wayne Rooney was snapped in a gorgeous beige and white low-neck pussy-bow blouse, proving that pussy-bows can be sexy too. McLoughlin teamed it with jeans and a cropped jacket, a far cry from the demure secretary-look we have come to expect of the pussy-bow.
Tips on How to Wear Pussy-Bow Blouses
- If you want to be right on-trend, then avoid looking like Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, by wearing your blouse with everything from skinny or flared jeans to shorts.
- If wearing an oversized pussy-bow, keep the rest of your outfit plain and simple. Your bow will be making enough of a statement on its own, without any extra help.
- Don’t overdo the accessories. It's okay to add some sunglasses, but stay away from adding any extra detailing around the neckline or torso.
- Choose a neck-line which will flatter your figure. Some pussy-bow styles have been revamped to almost unrecognisable proportions; from square-necks, scoop-necks and V-necks as well as the traditional high-necklines. The lower the neckline, the less demure you will be!
- If you want to add an edge to your work wear by doing “secretary chic,” then toughen up a pussy-bow blouse with a mannish blazer or pants suit. You can always tick 2 trend boxes with a white pussy bow shirt. In which case soften this classic with some fluid, wide-leg pants or jeans.
- Many of this year’s pussy-bow blouses are sheer, following the transparency trend. Be mindful of what you wear underneath. For everyday wear, a sexy camisole is better than revealing your bra.
Finding a Look to Suit You
Online retailers Asos and Boohoo.com have a plentiful supply of pussy-bow-styles for you to checkout. Boohoo has a wide range of short-sleeved, more casual blouses, from gingham (remember that?) to checks. There are nautical navys and reds, see-through chiffons, and even tie dye. In addition to blouses, Asos has a number of great, cute pussy-bow dresses.
From stars to candy stripes, florals to animal prints, and checks to polka dots, go for a print which suits your age as well as your figure.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
