The Bow Revival: How Childhood Nostalgia Is Shaping 2024’s Hottest Hair Trend

Hair bows have long been a cherished part of childhood, evoking memories of pigtails and party dresses.

For many, these ribbon adornments symbolise innocence and playfulness, often associated with special occasions and family photographs.

Even in school uniforms, bows frequently appear as ties or hair accessories, adding a touch of personality to the standard attire.

Even the act of tying a perfect bow becomes a rite of passage, a small accomplishment that bridges the gap between dependence and self-sufficiency.

As such, bows not only decorate our early years but also weave themselves into the fabric of childhood memories, representing a time of simplicity and unbridled imagination.

I often wore ribbons and bows in my hair as a child. I clearly remember my 7th birthday picnic, where I proudly wore a light blue satin bow in my hair.

Hair bows are making a major comeback in fashion, transforming from a nostalgic childhood accessory into a must-have style statement.

This resurgence has taken the fashion world by storm, appearing on red carpets, on social media feeds and in magazines.

Celebrities have often embraced the charm of bows, whether in their hair or as accessories.

The ever-stylish Sarah Jessica Parker has been spotted wearing bow clips on her updos and ponytails.

Youthful looking actress Kate Beckinsale has worn a high ponytail with a bow as part of her signature look for years.

Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress Rachel Brosnahan has been seen wearing bows in various textures, and colours, including at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.

Pop stars Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodrigo have incorporated bows into their hair and outfits.

Rising actress Sydney Sweeney has worn many bow-adorned ensembles to various events over the last few years.

Bows have also been spotted on Riley Keogh, Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber and Gwyneth Paltrow over the years – the list goes on.

The trend’s revival can be attributed to several factors. TikTok, unsurprisingly, has played a significant role in making hair bows trendy through various movements such as “expensive hair”, “preppy”, “Barbiecore”, “girly goth” and “balletcore” aesthetics which continue to gain traction.

Versatility is also key to the hair bow’s appeal. From delicate silk ribbons to pearl embellishments to plush velvet creations, bows can be adapted to suit any style preference.

Even those embracing gothic fashion are incorporating bows, opting for dramatic black velvet or silky ribbon variations. There is something for everyone.

Earlier this week, Chanel’s Fall 2024 Haute Couture show at Paris’s Palais Garnier Opera House showcased a dazzling array of designs, but one element stood out above all: the oversized hair bow.

These weren’t just mere accessories, but very bold statements that elevated each look to new heights of drama and sophistication.

Even though summer is finally here, they had me longing for a rich winter ensemble topped off with a decadent bow.

Runway Revelations

The Chanel Fashion Creation Studio embraced these bows wholeheartedly, incorporating them into various aspects of the collection.

From hair adornments to dress embellishments and waist-cinching accents, bows were omnipresent.

Metallic appliqués transformed simple black dresses into works of art, while oversized bows replaced traditional straps on ethereal mint green gowns.

Hairstylist James Pecis masterfully integrated bows into diverse hairstyles. Whether adorning sleek ponytails, chic bobs, or half-up dos, each bow – crafted from luxurious satin, taffeta, or velvet – told its own narrative.

A Nod to Chanel’s Rich Heritage

The bow’s prominence in this collection is no coincidence. It pays homage to Chanel’s long-standing love affair with this classic accessory.

Gabrielle Chanel was an avid fan of hair bows, and this tradition has been lovingly carried forward through the decades.

Previous collections, such as the Fall/Winter 2022 Haute Couture show with its delicate white bows, and the Fall/Winter 2019 tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, have all celebrated this enduring motif.

While the runway showcased opulent, oversized bows, the trend is adaptable for everyday wear across seasons:

Incorporating hair bows into summer style is a fantastic way to add a playful and chic touch to your warm-weather looks.

Bows For The Summer Season:

Summer Styling: Opt for lightweight, breezy fabrics like linen, silk chiffon or cotton. These materials are perfect for hot days and won’t weigh down your hair. A casual sundress paired with a playful bow at the nape of the neck epitomizes effortless summer elegance.

Bright colours and patterns: Embrace summer vibes with bows in vibrant hues or fun prints. Think tropical florals, pastels, or bold neons to complement your summer wardrobe.

Beach-ready looks: Use a bow to secure a messy bun or ponytail for a stylish beach or pool day look. Choose waterproof materials to maintain the bow’s shape.

Headband bows: Incorporate a bow headband for a retro-inspired look that keeps hair off your face during hot days. Saint Laurent offer a super stylish one.

Braided styles: Weave thin ribbons or bows into braids for a bohemian summer aesthetic.

Mini bows: For a subtler look, use small bows to accent partial updos or to clip back face-framing strands.

Floral combinations: Pair bows with fresh flowers or floral hair clips for a romantic summer garden party vibe. Sandy Liang, known for her innovative designs featured corsage bows as part of her Autumn 2024 collection. 

Bow-tied scarves: Use a silky scarf tied into a bow as a versatile hair accessory that can double as a neck accessory when desired.

Evening elegance: For summer nights out, a sleek low bun or ponytail accented with a shimmery or metallic bow adds instant sophistication.

The key to summer bow styling is to keep it effortless and not too formal. The goal is to enhance your summer look with a touch of whimsy and charm without appearing overdone.

As temperatures drop as we reach Autumn, transition to richer textures. A velvet bow adorning the collar of a tailored coat or a satin bow embellishing a wool beret adds sophistication to cold-weather ensembles.

The oversized bow trend has captured the fashion world’s imagination, extending beyond girlhood aesthetics.

Hair bows have become a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing wearers to add a touch of elegance, or drama to any look. They can be both prim and polished or devastatingly cool.

And if you’re drawing inspiration from the recent Chanel runway or incorporating bows into your personal style, remember that these charming accessories are powerful expressions of individuality.

As I reminisce about my childhood, I can’t help but smile at the memory of the bows I wore in my hair or on my dresses.

The resurgence of bows in fashion allows us to reconnect with our younger selves while expressing our more grown-up style.

Whether it’s a delicate hair accessory or a bold statement piece, bows have the unique ability to bridge the gap between nostalgic charm and contemporary chic, proving that some trends truly are timeless.