The bow neck blouse
Discover your inner fashion stylist!
“Sense of Style” will help you create your own style, avoid mistakes, and get an insider’s view into the fashion world. An exciting way to understand, try out, and play with the latest trends!
Guest editor Fabiana Giacomotti
Style Expert
What
Think Norma Shearer when she discovers her husband’s been having an affair in the film The Women (that’s the ferociously witty 1939 flick directed by none other than George Cukor and not Diane English’s new humdrum version where the only uplifting thing is the actresses’ Botoxed expressions).
Think Candice Bergen and Jacqueline Bisset in Rich and Famous (Cukor again in 1981). Think naughty secretary… What do all these characters have in common? A bow neck blouse. It first appeared in the Thirties when women began showing their more assertive side by adding hints of masculinity to their attire. Ever since then the bow neck blouse’s popularity has seen the depths of oblivion and peaks of success. It reached downright notoriety with John T. Molloy’s 1979 book Dress for Success. Classy and feminine, a touch sexy but not too obvious, the bow neck blouse (worn under a double breasted blazer and an A line skirt – ugh) was considered the winning career girl choice.
Where
Featured in every magazine over the last few months, the bow neck blouse was spotted on many fall/winter 2008-2009 catwalks, from Dolce & Gabbana to Derercuny, Dsquared to Chloe (and how could we forget Chanel - the master of silk charmeuse). Many designers have reinterpreted the bow neck this season by adding soft sexy ruffles or a silk scarf embellishment (Beau Brummell style): Francesco Scognamiglio and Jonathan Saunders to name just a few.
When and why
A flouncy, feminine bow tie gives subtle sex appeal to a traditional menswear accessory. Vintage or brand new, it is the right choice for day and for (the first part of the) night. It’s intriguing on a 20 year old and lends power and mystery to 30 and beyond… obviously if paired with the right pieces and accessories.
How
(to choose it and wear it). Don’t want to look like your granny? Choose a bow neck blouse/top in a high quality fabric and in a fitted or body skimming style. Keep it simple with a solid color (white, red, deep blue, black) or go for a more flirtatious version with tiny/medium polka dots (late Yves Saint Laurent would have chosen the latter: remember the tarty 1971 collection or the first shows of the Eighties?)
Bow neck blouse fashion yes
wear it with high waisted or mid-rise jeans, masculine trousers, a pencil skirt for the naughty secretary look, a blazer or classic trench (in that case, opt for the trousers). And what about a bag, shoes and jewels? Two thumbs up for a big classic-yet-playful bag with a metallic touch (the leather, details, …), a pair of open toe platforms or ankle boots. When it comes to bling bling, why not accentuate the romantic side of the bow neck by pairing it with a charm bracelet?
Bow neck blouse fashion no-no
Never ever wear a bow neck blouse with a pleated skirt, a quilted bag with chains (too old Chanel) and medium sized heels, or worse yet buckle pumps, (unless they’re Bally’s f/w open toe fetish pumps with multiple straps) or you’ll end up looking like Mrs. Doubtfire…
