The return of bow dresses to the Oscars 2025 red carpet proves just how versatile and chic they’ve become. Lupita Nyong’o, Mikey Madison, and Elle Fanning tied their looks together with bows at the 97th Academy Awards, confirming that this romantic detail is here to stay.
Of course, no one’s slipping into a full-blown bow-adorned ball gown for a quick run to Sainsbury’s Local. But both red carpet and runway looks offer plenty of inspiration for weaving these hyper-feminine accents into your client’s wardrobe.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up standout bow looks and simple tips to help your customers bring this trend to life.
Table of Contents
Types of bow dresses and how to style them
Go monochrome
Bow on the side
Ballet-inspired bow dresses
Bow big
Mini bow dress
Off-the-shoulder bow dress
Below the waist
Accessories for bow dress: Embrace the bow moment without the dress
Bowknot shoes
Bowknot belts
Conclusion
Types of bow dresses and how to style them
Bows can be placed in different spots on dresses, depending on customer preference and the occasion. Discover our top styling ideas and inspiration for dresses with bows.
Go monochrome
Bow dresses don’t have to be overdone to be amusing. You can always bank on Elle Fanning’s monotone color scheme to add edge and sophistication. She chose black and white, which is timeless but exudes a sense of quiet confidence.
Red and black shades or a combination of blues (see the image above) are also good options.
Bow on the side
If your clients aren’t huge fans of perfectly symmetrical bow dresses, consider stocking asymmetrical bow dress options. Asymmetry adds edge and modernity to the bow dress trend. For example, bow accents placed at the shoulder, at the back, or along the side provide a little off-kilter feel.
As a rule of thumb, the sleeker the bow, the more subtle the effect. In contrast, soft-color gauzy fabrics create a more romantic, dramatic impact. To finish, suggest high heels in a hue that subtly contrasts with the dress, just enough to make it pop.
Ballet-inspired bow dresses
The contrast of block colors with the bold black feels so sophisticated and balletic. A standout example from the 2025 Oscars is Mikey Madison’s pink dress and a black bow. This is a good lead: the secret, generally, lies in leaning into pastel color-block combinations.
However, keep the design simple so that the bow feature may speak for itself. Your clients can match this look with legwarmers and ballet flats or low heels.
Bow big
You either bow big or bow home. Not to downplay the other styles mentioned here, but big bows bring a whole different level of drama. A top or dress with a bold, front-and-center bow makes a statement without needing much else.
If your retail racks feature signature fabrics like metallics or sheers, a colorful bow top or big bow sheer dresses is an easy way to tap into the trend while staying aligned with your clients’ aesthetic.
Mini bow dress
There’s no way we’d leave out your mini-dress-loving clients. Bow mini dresses are pretty simple but effortlessly charming.
A structured mini dress with less flounce and more form, accented with a few subtle bows, feels romantic yet sweet.
Off-the-shoulder bow dress
A bow on an off-shoulder dress adds a playful yet elevated twist – and it’s hard to miss. Cynthia Erivo stunned at the Oscars in a velvet Oz-inspired off-the-shoulder dress with a dramatic bow cascading at the front.
Ruching at the waist paired with a bow accent adds even more allure. A full-length silhouette with a thigh-high slit strikes the perfect balance between elegance and edge.
Stock a variety of colors, as off-shoulder bow dresses pair well with almost anything. However, many models gravitate toward black, rose gold, and regal jewel tones.
Below the waist
We’re all about fresh takes on fashion, and in this case, it’s a distinctive approach to the bow dress trend – bows waist down. A bow-adorned dress from the waist or hips offers a unique way to weave the trend into your clientele’s favorite aesthetics.
Bow skirts are another great option for this trend. But styling them requires something that can amp up the ultra-femme vibe, like colorful heels and floral tops. For a streetwear twist that cool-girl contrast, suggest pairing mini bow dresses with faux fur jackets and chunky loafers.
Accessories for bow dress: Embrace the bow moment without the dress
Not everyone wants to wear a bow-covered dress, and that’s okay because bow-inspired accessories let your clients play with the trend without going all in.
Bowknot shoes
Customers can instantly turn their outfits into a bow-worthy look by adding bowknot heels or boots.
But the best part? They don’t need a bow-covered dress to get in on the trend. Bowknot shoes alone are a standout way to make a stylish statement.
Red and metallic bowknot footwear has a modern touch, while cream options channel a charming, vintage vibe.
Bowknot belts
Bowknot belts are another great option for anyone hesitant to go all-in on bow-covered dresses. The first choice is casual with a soft satin or tulle bow belt.
But they can also opt for something more elevated, like a waist-cinching basque belt. It adds structure and drama while still nodding to the trend sophisticatedly.
Not to say these accessories don’t pair beautifully with bow dresses. But if your customers prefer a more subtle approach to styling, these pieces are the perfect way to tap into the trend. Be sure to also stock up on bowknot headbands and bow-adorned hats and bags.
Conclusion
The beauty of bow outfits lies in their range – they can be delightfully over-the-top or effortlessly understated. And since bows are relatively easy to style (and tie!), this is one trend worth investing in. There are various ways to help your clients nail the dream bow dress trend.
They can keep it monochrome, embrace asymmetry, or try ballet-inspired statement bow dresses. Mini dresses with mini bows, off-the-shoulder bow dresses, and bows below the waist are also trending. For clients who want a more subtle take, bow-adorned shoes and belts offer an easy entry point into the trend..
Find all these dresses and accents at Alibaba.com, where a wide range of reliable bow dress suppliers are ready to deliver standout styles.
