6 swoon-worthy ways to wear bows this season

From the Spring/Summer 2019 runways at Erdem, Emilia Wickstead and Rodarte to the red carpet highlight reel (remember Julianne Moore at the Globes and Kiki Layne at the Oscars?), sophisticated bows are having a seriously pretty fashion and beauty moment. Sculptural and refined, the season's prettiest embellishment — available in a wide variety of sizes and colours — is sure to delight whether your aesthetic leans romantic or minimalist.

An easy way to inject personality into any outfit, these modern bows are sweet but never saccharine. Designers also embraced their flexibility — we spotted them worn in multiples as hair accessories, used as a clothing closure, and sewn onto dresses, hats and even backpacks on the international catwalks. Often made out of more substantial textiles such as taffeta and peau de soie silk, the season's best bows hold their dramatic shapes well over time and even in movement.

Love the look? Here are six chic ways to wear this trend off the runway.

Top knot

Canadian designer Eliza Faulkner's summery, effortless take on the knotted bow top is also made in Montreal. This spring, wear it in the season's must-have white linen — styled with high-waisted jeans and, if you want, layered over a crisp white t-shirt.  

Molly Top, $95, Eliza Faulkner

Bolder shoulders

Shoulder straps finished with fanciful bows are everywhere right now, for good reason. The pretty flourishes bring attention to your face, and can be easier to pull off without feeling twee. Feel free to tweak the knots to customize the length of the tails.

Gal Meets Glam Arina Bow-Tied Dress, about $240, Anthropologie

Feet first

Shoes with oversized bows have been trending for a few seasons, but there's something fresh about putting dressy, silky-looking black bows on a pair of flat, cotton-blend espadrilles — the contrast in colour and materials are winning. Wear these to a beach wedding, or your next picnic in the park.

Natural Mules With Bows, $45.90, Zara

Carry-all

Softer and more elegant than the average hobo bag, this slouchy, suede carry-all from Mango has so much day-to-night potential. Bonus: when it's worn on your shoulder, the decorative bows will be front and centre.

Bow Leather Bag, $119.99, Mango

Hair do

Part of the intensely charming Laura Ashley x Urban Outfitters collaboration that launched this month, this printed bow in a floral Laura Ashley fabric manages to be both nostalgic and of-the-moment. For a look that's more contemporary, pair it with your favourite black t-shirt or flight jacket instead of a floral dress as pictured.

Laura Ashley Bow Scrunchie, $10, Urban Outfitters

Back at it

Ideal for the semi-formal and cocktail events on your calendar, this stunning, midi-length pink dress looks like your average fit-and-flare number from the front. In the back, there's a standout white bow and cut-out shoulder design that will have you feeling anything but average.

Cheyenne Bow Detail Midi Dress, $395, Reiss

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.