Duchess Sophie once wore a scarlet dress with bow-covered sleeves that reminds us why the bow trend is never really going anywhere.
There are some trends that will always come back into fashion and although bows were big in 2024 we can’t help feeling that they will continue to play their part as we move towards spring. Whilst some people might find them a little twee, bows are a fun addition that can be as low-key or as statement as you like and actually very elegant. We’ve seen Claudia Winkleman and the Princess of Wales using bows to jazz up their outfits recently, but Duchess Sophie was ahead of the trend with her bow-sleeved dress at a Buckingham Palace reception in 2018. If you thought bows couldn’t be classy or subtle then think again!
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.
Shop Our Favourite Bow Pieces
This T-Shirt is a more affordable way to try out the bow trend. It features short sleeves and a crew neckline, with a leopard print bow motif on the front rather than a bow adornment. Tuck into blue or black jeans and throw over a cosy cardigan for low-key outings or relaxing at home.
Also available in black, this one shoulder jumpsuit is a stunning outfit for special parties, winter weddings or holidays. The bow on the shoulder is a fun detail that doesn't overwhelm the stunning wide-leg silhouette. Style with heels and a matching clutch bag.
Designed with a chic bow print, this dress has a contrasting white collar and cuffs and falls to a flowing midaxi length. The pattern is such a sophisticated way to get on board with the bow trend and this dress would be great with boots and tights now as well as with ballet flats or heels in the spring.
Covered all over with tiny white bows, this is a wonderful twist on the classic white shirt. The decorations are low-key but still striking and this shirt also comes in a pale pink hue as well. Wear with jeans and trousers and this will soon become a much reached-for piece.
This bow tie front blouse also comes in a range of other colours, though the black and white spot version is very versatile. The string ties at the front are a delicate detail and you can pair this top with your favourite jeans and boots for an easy everyday look.
Perfect for taking you from the office to an evening out, these black wide leg trousers are made that bit more unique thanks to the small bow on the waistband. They have back welt pockets and a size zip, with crisp pleating down each leg.
We’re more used to seeing the Princess of Wales step out for official engagements and royal events in bright red, so this outfit from Duchess Sophie still stands out for us to this day. It had a modest round neckline and fell to just below the knee, which was just the right level of formal elegance for this reception to celebrate the extraordinary work of frontline nurses in the UK.
The colour was bold but we firmly believe that bright red is far easier to style than you might imagine. The Duchess proved it with this dress alone as she’s worn it multiple times to different occasions over the years, including to a concert at the Palladium theatre in 2017. Red looks wonderful as a contrast against neutral colours like black, white and camel as well as with metallics and other primary colours.
However, as much as the stunning shade caught our attention it was the bow detailing which made Duchess Sophie’s scarlet dress so glamorous. Just above the elbow on each of the flared sleeves was a single matching red bow. These adornments gave the dress a playfulness that balanced out the very classic A-line silhouette.
We also love the structure of them, with the piping running along the edge of each bow and up the sleeves towards the shoulders. Duchess Sophie’s dress was everything we love about the recent resurgence of the bow trend and her style was a masterclass in making bows look sophisticated. The senior royal wore her blonde hair up and had minimal jewellery on to make the most of the bow sleeves on her dress.
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.
-
Missed out the first time around? Fashion editor favourite A.W.A.K.E. Mode is back with another John Lewis collectionShop this collection online & in-store now
-
Maxi skirts are the new midi dresses and Queen Mary’s floral design is utterly eye-catchingQueen Mary’s floral skirt has convinced us that maxi skirts are a brilliant alternative to midi dresses for spring and summer.
-
Maxi skirts are the new midi dresses and Queen Mary’s floral design is utterly eye-catchingQueen Mary’s floral skirt has convinced us that maxi skirts are a brilliant alternative to midi dresses for spring and summer.
-
Should Adolescence be shown in schools? Yes, but 'parents need to get involved', expert saysParenting expert Tanith Carey believes Adolescence being shown in schools is a good thing - but parents should have their say too
-
Zara Tindall's clever heel trick is an affordable wedding season saviourWearing high heels isn’t for the faint hearted but Zara Tindall’s clever trick is an inexpensive way to make wedding season that bit easier.
-
These high street espadrilles will add some Kate Middleton-inspired glam to your spring wardrobeVersatile and easy to wear on repeat.
-
Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie prove that buying items you love in multiple colours can really pay offThey've shown that having your favourite pieces in several shades can be so handy if they're true to your signature style
-
'I forgive the children who took Brianna's life' - Esther Ghey's remarkable empathy is an example to us allIn the wake of her daughter's murder, Esther Ghey offers extraordinary forgiveness and calls for change
-
Duchess Sophie means business in powder blue power suit and reminds us tailoring can be fun as well as sophisticatedIf you always thought tailoring was a little too corporate you might re-consider after seeing Duchess Sophie's fabulous pastel co-ord
-
Queen Letizia's trending pinstripe co-ord and lavender blouse shows us how tailoring and pastels should be styledThe Queen of Spain wore a structured suit with a flowing pussybow shirt and we're feeling inspired by the combination
