Two Kinds of Cute: Bow Tops

When I was a little girl, I had oodles of ribbons for making hair bows. My mom made me keep them organized by length in Mason jars. I had bows in my hair, on my clothes, and bows on the toes of my shoes. As a teenager I shunned anything bow-like, and prefered not to be reminded of my girlish past, but as an adult, I am again crazy for them.

These days, however, I need the little girl cuteness of bow-adorned clothing to be balanced out with sophisticated silhouettes and modern sensibilities. I am not, after all, trying to relive my childhood, I am just trying to repurpose a childish aesthetic.

This stripey bow tank by Erika Hendrix is girlish and cute, but the stripes give it a nautical, tomboy look that makes it totally wearable by grown up women. The drape is also lovely for us lesser busted ladies. Available for $80 from Smashing Darling.

This Check Mate Slanted Bow Top by La Mixx is basically perfect, as far as I’m concerned. Its plaid, it has a poufy, easy-to-wear cut, and it’s cotton. Plus the slanted bow neckline is interesting and a bit avant garde. They suggest wearing it with leggings, but I might try it with short shorts and some boots. Available for $56 from La Mixx.

Photo Credits: Smashing Darling, La Mixx