Duchess Sophie’s red dress, adorned with delicate bows on the sleeves, was a trendsetter, and the Princess of Wales continues to embrace this charming detail in her wardrobe.
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Duchess Sophie once donned a striking scarlet gown featuring sleeves adorned with bows, a perfect illustration of why the bow trend continues to endure in fashion.
Certain fashion trends have a way of making a comeback, and while bows were a significant trend in 2024, we believe they will continue to be relevant as we transition into spring. Some may consider them a bit overly cute, but bows can add a playful touch to any outfit, whether you prefer a more understated look or something bold and eye-catching. They can be surprisingly elegant as well. Recently, we've noticed Claudia Winkleman and the Princess of Wales incorporating bows to elevate their styles, but it was actually Duchess Sophie who first embraced this trend with her bow-sleeved dress at a Buckingham Palace reception back in 2018. If you thought bows were merely casual or whimsical, it's time to reconsider!
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s dress was by Roksanda and was a gorgeous contemporary take on a classic cocktail dress. Although pale pink is one of her favourite colours to wear (and is one of the spring/summer fashion trends of 2025) she opted for this cherry red tone instead.
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Explore Our Top Picks for Bow Accessories
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This T-Shirt offers a budget-friendly option to embrace the bow trend. Designed with short sleeves and a classic crew neckline, it showcases a leopard print bow graphic on the front instead of a traditional bow embellishment. Pair it with blue or black jeans and layer a comfy cardigan on top for casual outings or lounging at home.
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H&M One-Shoulder Jumpsuit
This one-shoulder jumpsuit, also offered in black, is an exquisite choice for elegant gatherings, winter weddings, or festive celebrations. The playful bow on the shoulder adds a charming touch without overshadowing the beautiful wide-leg design. Pair it with heels and a coordinating clutch for a complete look.
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This dress features a stylish bow print, complemented by a contrasting white collar and cuffs, and gracefully extends to a midaxi length. The elegant pattern offers a refined take on the bow trend, making it a versatile choice for pairing with boots and tights during the colder months, as well as with ballet flats or heels when spring arrives.
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Adorned with delicate little white bows, this shirt offers a fresh take on the traditional white shirt. The embellishments are subtle yet eye-catching, and it is also available in a soft pink shade. Pair it with jeans or trousers, and it will quickly become a wardrobe favorite.
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Nobody's Child Tied Blouse
This bow tie front blouse is available in various colors, but the black and white polka dot option is particularly versatile. The delicate string ties at the front add a charming touch, making it easy to style with your favorite jeans and boots for a casual, everyday outfit.
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Anthropologie Bow-Detail Trousers
Ideal for transitioning from the workplace to a night on the town, these black wide-leg trousers stand out with a charming bow detail on the waistband. Featuring back welt pockets and a discreet side zip, they also boast sharp pleats running down each leg for a polished look.
While the Princess of Wales is often spotted in vibrant red during official duties and royal functions, Duchess Sophie’s outfit remains memorable even now. Featuring a simple round neckline and a hemline that reached just below the knee, it perfectly embodied the formal elegance suited for the reception honoring the remarkable contributions of frontline nurses in the UK.
The hue was striking, yet we are convinced that vibrant red is much simpler to style than one might think. The Duchess demonstrated this beautifully with her repeated wear of this dress at various events throughout the years, including a concert at the Palladium theatre back in 2017. Red pairs beautifully with neutral shades such as black, white, and camel, as well as with metallic tones and other primary colours.
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While the eye-catching hue of Duchess Sophie’s scarlet dress certainly captivated us, it was the charming bow accents that truly elevated its glamour. Positioned just above the elbows on each flared sleeve, a single coordinated red bow added a whimsical touch to the ensemble. This delightful detail infused a sense of fun into the timeless A-line silhouette, creating a perfect balance.
We are also captivated by the design elements, particularly the piping that traces the edges of each bow and extends along the sleeves to the shoulders. Duchess Sophie’s gown perfectly embodies the charm of the recent bow revival, showcasing her skill in presenting bows with an air of elegance. The senior royal styled her blonde hair in an updo and opted for minimal jewelry, allowing the bow sleeves of her dress to take center stage.
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If you want to test out the bow trend and aren’t sure how, then we’d recommend starting out small. Some brands currently have chic bow-patterned pieces that are a lovely way to nod to the bow trend without having them decorating an item itself. Alternatively, there are so many shirts, jumpers or day dresses on the high street that have bows on them in some way or another that are neutral or classic enough in shape to work as part of your winter capsule wardrobe.
You could even follow the Princess of Wales’s example and attach a bow decoration to an existing piece. Like Duchess Sophie, she’s a fan of this trend and after wearing a bow-adorned black and white outfit to Trooping the Colour 2024, Kate went on to add a bow hairclip from Jigsaw to her Alexander McQueen coat.
