How To Wear A Bow In Your Hair Without Looking Like You’re In First Grade Again

Hair bows have been a staple accessory for centuries and are loved by women who style them in a variety of different aesthetics. So why are bows suddenly considered childish, and how can we bring them back?

Without the proper styling, a hair bow can look childish, and unfortunately, the internet has some dark places where this style is fetishized. So we have a few tips to keep your look mature and feminine in the upcoming fall and winter seasons. All you need to do is style your favorite feminine pieces with a bit of edge to keep the look mature and age-appropriate!

But first, a few don'ts: Under no circumstances should you wear pigtails or space buns when styling a hair bow, as these hairstyles are inherently juvenile. Avoid bows with charms or glitter, and instead choose textures like satin, velvet, and tweed that display class and femininity. Don’t pair them with childish pieces like sparkly tops or overalls, and be sure to choose colors that elevate your overall look. Muted, monochrome fits are a safe bet, while bright pops of color can work depending on the silhouette.

Now that we’ve established how not to style them, here are seven classy inspo ideas on how to wear a bow in your hair like a fashion girl!

An easy way to add a touch of sophistication to a hair bow is with a beachy linen look. The blue and white coastal grandmother color palette is a great canvas for adding a coordinating bow. Think effortless beach style with an added flair!

If you love to spend your weekends in the comfiest of pieces, a hair bow can add a little something extra to your loungewear look. A cropped tank, sweater shorts, and a fun pop of color create the perfect canvas for a tiny bow. Bonus points for a loose braid!

The chunky knit sweater is a favorite on the first day of fall and through Christmas Day, and of course you can style it with a hair bow! This look is a cute way to add a festive element to your outfit with a seasonal bow (like this gorgeous green shade), but you could easily swap it out for a cream or even pumpkin orange bow, depending on the season.

For an updated, elegant take on the trend, try a neutral toned look with a black satin hair bow. Lace detailing and a sweetheart neckline add a feminine, womanly vibe to the overall look, which would make for a romantic date night outfit!

If you aren’t quite ready for your Mamma Mia summer to end, keep wearing those flowy maxi dresses even as the temperatures drop. If you have family photos coming up and aren’t sure what to wear, use this as inspiration for a neutral, understated aesthetic. We love the simple elegance the bow adds to her overall look.

Black monochrome, especially with a midi dress, is the subtle combination of classy and edgy you are missing in your outfit rotation. Add a matching hair bow for a feminine touch to a dark toned outfit. This look is a perfect transition into fall without sacrificing style or comfort.

A classic pair of high-waisted jeans and a cropped sweater is an easy, casual look you can style a hair bow with. Choose a soft, girlie sweater in any hue, and match the satin bow to your sweater. Black jeans add a grown-up approach to such a simple outfit, and you can add a cute pair of boots to finish up the look.

Need to update your hair accessories to participate in this trend? Here are 10 feminine and sophisticated bows you need in your collection.