Bows are Everywhere this Festive Season—Here's How to Wear Them With Style
Think cool not cute
Bows? For Christmas? It’s hardly a groundbreaking concept, but a trend that has a habit of rolling around festive season after festive season nonetheless. And for 2025, it seems the obsession with all things ribboned has hit an all-time high.
Case in point: the recently revealed Claridge’s Christmas tree, which this year was designed by Burberry’s Daniel Lee and covered top to toe in colourful bows made from the maison's surplus fabric. Cue waves of those in-the-know decking out their own at-home iterations with the contents of their wrapping drawer, as well as giving their glassware and candlesticks the ribbon treatment to elevate festive tablescapes.
The Claridge's 2025 Christmas tree designed by Burberry's Daniel Lee (L); Bettina Looney's ribbon-adorned candlesticks (R)
And naturally, the bow trend has come for our clothing and accessories too—but not necessarily in the twee, ultra-girly way you might expect. Just look to the likes of Lily Allen, Kendall Jenner and Elizabeth Olsen for an idea of how to wear bows the cool way right now.
Earlier this month, Allen attended the launch of her hit album West End Girl in a gold satin Marc Jacobs mini dress adorned with a crystal-embellished bow and a low-cut neckline for a sultry spin on the trend, while Jenner posted a photo of herself sporting a minimalist black-and-white Rodarte number on Instagram. Olsen, meanwhile, opted for a more subtle nod to the festivities by way an all-black outfit topped off with a heeled bow mule.
Bows were also all over the Autumn/Winter 2025 and Spring/Summer 2026 runway collections, cropping up at the likes of Saint Laurent, Simone Rocha, Valentino, Chanel and Dior to name but a few—and in countless stylish iterations that prove the trend can be high-fashion, too.
All this to say: bows are clearly having a major moment right now, and this is prime time to embrace the trend—be it by adding a bow-topped party dress, top or pair of shoes into your festive dressing repertoire, or investing in bow-shaped earrings or embroidered knitwear that will spark everyday joy well into 2026 (and beyond). Oh, and in the meantime, don't forget to tie a few ribbons onto your Christmas tree for an instant and very of-the-moment festive feeling, too.
Shop the Bow Trend
This might just be the perfect cocktail dress, particularly when paired with sheer black tights, pointed-toe heels and loose, flowing hair.
These are pretty much Christmas in a shoe—and incredibly well priced too. Wear with a black tailored suit or jeans and t-shirt for an effortlessly chic take on festive party dressing.
Embrace wintery French-girl style by styling this bow-fronted knit with straight leg jeans and leather brogues.
Simone Rocha is queen of high-fashion, cool girl bows—and these earrings provide an excellent, easy entry-point to her edgy aesthetic.
Rixo's bow dress is an absolute classic, and one that you'll reach for time and time again for all manner of events.
For a more subtle take on the trend, Prada's Re-Nylon bag comes in four chic shades—and 1% of proceeds go towards an ocean preservation charity.
I fell in love with these Jimmy Choos the second they dropped just ahead of the holiday season. In cool, contrasting pink and red, and featuring pretty satin bows and crystals, they're perfect for this time of year but will continue to make a statement far beyond.
Lily Allen's so-called "revenge dress", but in classic black. It's on sale right now, too.
If you only want to dip your toe into the bow trend, start with a simple everyday knit like this one from M&S.
Australian designer Rebecca Vallance might be best-known for her glitzy cocktail dresses, but this beautiful bow-embellished style is a real hidden gem—not to mention incredibly flattering and versatile.
Lean into the girlie vibes with Pilgrim's sweet bow-shaped studs. Perfect for if you only want some subtle sparkle.
You really can't go wrong with a bow-topped kitten-heel mule, as proven by Elizabeth Olsen. Low-key chic at its very best.
Off-set the powder-pink femininity of this bow mini skirt by styling it with a plain white tee and leather jacket for added edge.
I love how decadently embellished this hair bow from Annie's Ibiza is. Wear with a simple LBD to allow it to be the star of the show.
Self-Portrait's off-the-shoulder top is pure Hollywood glamour. Wear it with a black midi skirt for an elegant event, or pair with black jeans for a night on the tiles.
These statement bow earrings featured on the Miu Miu runway, and are perfectly playful.
If you're a big "jeans and a nice top" devotee, Kitri's black velvet bandeau with contrast white bows should be high up on your shopping list. I love it styled with capris and heels.
Despite featuring a supersized bow on the shoulder, this Bernadette top still feels effortlessly elegant. It comes in a beautiful deep navy shade, too.
If you're looking to treat yourself to a fabulous new party shoe, Loewe's crystal bow-embellished sandals are it—especially now they're 40% off.
And last but certainly not least, this lovely ladylike top-handle bag from Ferragamo. It's giving Upper East Side vibes in all the best ways, and would make a smart everyday option or evening bag alike.
