Bow to the bow

Bows - they come in all colours, shapes and sizes to jazz up any look perfectly

In the world of fashion bows aren’t just for tying into shoelaces, bowties and teeny weeny Mrs. Lovett type corsets.

Discrete little bows in different coloured ribbons, fabrics or even shaped metal are great for accessorising. Pick a part of the body that’s a little bare to embellish. Even if you're wearing something more patterned, picking out a block coloured bow (such as a brilliant white ribbon) will contrast perfectly.

Head

Beret hats, hair slides, hair bands…There’s so much to choose from that whether it’s cold outside or you’re out clubbing, the head’s the place to start with dressing - from your head to your toes in bows. I don’t mean that you should literally cover yourself from your head to your toes in bows because that would be silly, but using bows to set an outfit off is especially cheap and cheerful here. I even made a pair of bow earrings out of beads I bought at York’s little bead shop Bead Hive, near the Minster.

If you’re stuck for ideas and still trying to work a little tartan into your wardrobe why not kill two (well-dressed) birds with one stone and invest in this tartan fabric alice band from Accessorize

Shoulders

Deciding what to dress your shoulders in needn’t be the first t-shirt you see on your way out the door to a lecture. Pretty shirts with bows that tie at the top of the neck, jumper dresses with little bow details next to button details (the sort of thing Accessorize does with bags and that you can cheaply and easily do yourself if you don’t mind a needle and thread). Dresses with thin straps or even strapless ones can be jazzed up with a big bow at the top and in the centre. You can grab a thick ribbon or even a pre-made one out of sequins from a shop for extra sparkles.

Knees and…

Believe it or not tights with bows on are actually available in the shops - Topshop, to be precise! If you’d rather opt for a plain pair of tights or trousers, why not decorate an old bag by fastening a bow to the front. This’ll look cute on a small bag and if it has a long, over-the-shoulder strap, it’ll create a bit more interest just above the knees.

…Toes!

Yes, I’m talking about shoes, shoes and more shoes! I’ve got an old pair of red shoes with a small bows but if you haven’t any to recycle I say go all out with some with big sparkly bows that celebrate the heel and bow simultaneously (like these do, as well as doing something for the grown-up Dorothy or Oz in you!)

If you’re thinking of stocking up on socks for the winter or just because you’ve got a particular talent in wearing holes in them, why not treat yourself to a cute pair with bows sewed on? There are lots in different colours available in high street stores.

Equally, if you’re after an interesting new centrepiece bows work wonders! On the Autumn/Winter catwalk Richard Nicoll had huge bows tied at the top of top hats and pulled under the chin like an eloquent helmet that shouts smart sophistication. Taking a beautiful deep purple fabric that is silky in appearance the designer matches a sleek evening dress with an oversized bow that is tied where a hairband should sit. The outfit is broken up by a black sweater over the top which sets it off as a very interesting, smart ensemble for formal or casual outings.

Alternatively, if you fancy going to town with bows you might want to splash some cash on a knit with a bow stitched into it (like this one from Topshop) or a more conservative purchase in a smart shirt with a bow tied at the collar bone.

The trick with a bow is to know that it’s a versatile little tool that's cheap and cheerful and will spruce up even the most bland outfits in your wardrobe. As long as you don’t go overboard they’re cute without being sickly sweet (maybe keep pig-tails in ribbon bows for the pros like Pippi Longstocking).

…I’m especially excited about wearing lots of bows at Christmas as everyone gets into the festive season!

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