Bows are back with the coquette-core trend!

The growing allure of the bow-nanza.

Dec 31, 2023 | by Bani Sachar

It’s safe to say that bows are back. From runways to Instagram and Pinterest feeds, one can’t seem to escape the bow-nanza! Pinned to the hair, sewn onto clothes, and tied to unwilling pets and every object imaginable (we’re talking candles, lipstick, even coffee mugs), the coquette-core trend has been taking the world by storm. The days of cottage-core and dark academia are long gone, and the feminine coquette-core trend continues to steal the show. The flirtatious and girly side of it is complemented by a sense of ambiguity that draws from previous Internet trends. Think the soft pastels of ballet-core, the scholarly shoes of dark academia, and the string of pearls channeling the 'old money' aesthetic being tied together (using a bow, of course).

It doesn’t hurt that bows have long remained a holiday staple, making them trendier than ever, this time of the year. The bow has long been one of the most divisive fashion motives. For the likes of Simone Rocha, Miuccia Prada, and Emilia Wickstead, bows have always been a way of life. After witnessing a multitude of sartorial iterations during the Spring/Summer ‘24 season, the bow has seemingly cemented its status as a key trend. From delicate bow-based accessories to larger-than-life embellishments, the runways of Milan and Paris have seen it all this year. The queen of ruffles and bows aka Simone Rocha continued her longstanding heritage by prominently featuring the trend in her London Fashion Week showcase—throwing in bows as toppings to tulle gowns and satin dresses. Giambattista Valli, Moschino, and Commes de Garçon also paid tribute to the bow in their recent collections.

We also see the humble hair bow being embraced like never before. From red carpets to social media selfies, they can be spotted everywhere. Hailey Bieber famously donned one at the Met Gala and Margaret Qualley was sighted sporting one at Cannes. The hair bow can (quite literally) pull together a look, and add a little whimsy along the way. One can’t go wrong with a structured satin or velvet bow—Sabrina Carpenter has been making a strong case for this with her tour outfits and accessories. A bold bow instantly harnesses the intrinsic glamour of standing out from the crowd.

Perhaps the nostalgia they evoke adds to the sheer sense of preciousness associated with bows—adorning the corsets of period-piece princesses. We’re all familiar with the childlike wonder that led to us fashioning petite bows out of ribbons, using just our hands. This handmade-ness is what makes the ritual seem so endearing. Often seen as the epitome of feminine innocence, a freeing allure surrounds the bow’s global embrace. It also seems to empower us beyond dressing for the male gaze, owning and celebrating our femininity. Since they make for the ideal outfit-completing element, it is no surprise that the rise of the bow makes for a trend none of us want to escape.

Below are some of our favourite fashion picks featuring bows!

Ted Baker Black Satin Crystal Bow Crossbody Bag, ₹12,500