Bow-Tie Blouse
Tie-Neck Shirts are One of Spring 2008's Must-Have Items
A perfect match with the season's high waisted trouser, today's ascot blouse is a versatile staple in the modern fashionista's wardrobe.
This season's best blouse comes with its very own built-in accessory: a flouncy, feminine bow tie. Hopping on the hugely popular gender-bending boyfriend-dressing trend in women's fashion, the bow-tie blouse borrows a classically masculine accessory and infuses it with a distinctly feminine appeal.
According to the experts at BasicBlouse.com, the bow tie blouse or ascot blouse puts a fancy twist on the classic button-up and offers a fresh alternative to the scarves of late-winter and early spring.
Bow-Tie Styles on the Runway
Funky, fun, eclectic queen of quirk, Anna Sui's entire Spring 2008 collection was peppered with bow-tie necked blouses and even shirt-dresses in everything from shimmery sheer fabrics to punky opaque prints, with ties including daintily-tied ribbons, flat ties and large, fluffy bows.
At L'Oréal Fashion Week in Toronto, Canadian fashion genius Andy The-Anh showed a softer Spring '08 collection, featuring a ruffled variation of the bow-tied blouse in cool colors and flowing fabrics.
How to Wear a Bow Tie Top
Although the bow-tie blouse is super hot and fresh right now, you may recall that many a granny has sported this particular garment. You can definitely find some fabulous vintage or thrift bow-tie blouses, but take care to avoid looking matronly by choosing bow-tie tops in high quality fabrics and body-skimming and/or tucked-in styles. Always wear a bow tie blouse with something tailored to show off your curves – there's nothing matronly about that!
The best way to work this trend is to pair a bow-tie blouse with a pair of trendy high waisted jeans or trousers, and a pair of peep-toe platform pumps. Here are a few variations on this chic look:
- For a menswear-inspired look, wear a cotton bow-tie blouse with a skinny jean paired with another one of the season's must-have items: the long boyfriend blazer.
- Work the transparent fashion trend by tucking a sheer bow tie blouse into high-rise wide-leg jeans or trousers, and finish it off with a slim-fitting cropped blazer.
- Go for the stylish naughty secretary look by wearing a silk charmeuse bow-tie blouse tucked into a silhouette-enhancing pencil skirt atop a pair of glossy patent leather shoes.
- Wear a jumper dress over your favorite bow-tie blouse with fancy stockings and high-heeled leather boots for a grade-school inspired ensemble that's all grown up.
- Look for blouses in solid colors, tiny polka-dots or other small prints. Steer clear of large, busy patterns; the bow tie is embellishment enough.
Cheat the Trend
Haven't got time to dash out to your favorite boutique to buy a bow-tie blouse? In a pinch, you can fake the look by wearing an ordinary blouse with the top two or three buttons open and tying a coordinating silky scarf or thick ribbon loosely around your neck in a knot or bow. Voila! – now you've got a faux-tie blouse!
