How to wear hair bows the grown up way

This season the childhood favourite is anything but juvenile

Dolce & Gabbana proved that they do hair accessories better than anyone else (Rex)

With summer comes the usual seasonal hairstyles – think tousled beach waves, slick ponytails and breezy braids. But this time round these looks are set to be finished off with perhaps the most stellar of hair accessories: the oversized bow.

If the last time you wore a bow in your hair it cast a flashback to butterfly clips and Velcro shoes, then it’s time to rethink how you dress up your tresses because this look is no longer reserved just for the toddler set.

Now, you’re never too old to wear a bow.

Believe it or not this trend isn’t really anything new. Back in 2013 Celine’s Autumn/Winter 2013 ads saw model Daria Werbowy sport an insouciantly tied bow in her dishevelled bun that complimented the oversized feel of the collection.

It was playful, sharp and anything but juvenile.

Fast forward four years and the elaborate use of bows has re-enterted the fashion landscape with Dolce & Gabbana, once again, proving that they do hair accessories better than anyone else.

For Spring/Summer 2017, the fashion house sat a stack of social media stars and millennial influencers front row - Lionel Ritchie's daughter, Sofia and Jude Law's son, Rafferty among them. But not even they could outshine the jaw-dropping headpieces that graced the runway.

Gucci's headband came larger-than-life and crafted from bubblegum pink satin (Rex Features)

Here, hairstylist Guido Palau showcased various types of large hair accessories placed right on top of model’s heads for an old Italy feel.

The most elegant of which was a polka dot silk hairband, twisted up and around a chignon to form an exaggerated bow.

Mini Gingham Headband, £6, topshop.com

Similarly, Gucci’s model’s sported a range of hairstyles but all were dramatically embellished.

A far cry from the demure black ribbon seen elsewhere, the Gucci headband came larger-than-life and crafted from bubblegum pink satin.

Hairband with a Bow, £6.99, hm.com

So, how do you wear a hair bow the grown up way?

The trick here is to consider how you’re styling your locks because while a sleek high bun might verge on ballerina, pairing a bow with bed-head hair perfectly straddles sweet and sultry.


 Khaki Sateen Bow Hair Band, £2.99, newlook.com


 Satin Hairband, £6.99, hm.com


 Black Bow Headband, £3.99, newlook.com