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There are some garment accents that instantly elevate the silhouette. Where leather and silk are fabrics that have a way of dressing up a design, gold hardware and pleats are small characteristics that can make a significant impact. Meanwhile, when it comes to dresses, few attributes can make as big of an impact as a bow.
Whether it’s a casual cotton or linen number or a luxurious satin or organza gown, adding a bow to the mix will give it a whimsical flair that dresses it up just a smidge more. To prove it, we rounded up 12 beautiful bow accent dresses to lean into the trend taking over 2023.
1. Show Me Your Mumu Claire Midi Dress
The Show Me Your Mumu Claire Midi Dress is one of the most versatile bow-accent dresses on the market. Sold in 30 colors in sizes XXS to 3X, the square neck midi dress features a front slip, ruffled hem, and adjustable bow-tie straps. In a word: It’s charming. Best of all, since it’s sold in satin, chiffon, and cotton iterations, it works well for every occasion, ranging from brunch with your besties to dressier events where wedding guest apparel is required.
2. Farm Rio Summer Garden Ombre Mini Dress
Hold onto summer for a little bit longer with this fun mini dress from Farm Rio.
Looking for a more casual approach to bow-accented dresses? The Farm Rio Summer Garden Ombre Mini Dress is just the thing! The 100 percent cotton dress features trendy puffy sleeves and a bow-like cut-out bodice, along with a bow-tie detail on the back. It’s sold in sizes XXS to XL.
3. Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress
Deceptively comfortable for looking so formal, this Bow-Tie Maxi Dress is the ideal wedding guest dress.
At first glance, you’d likely be surprised to find that the Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress is made of cotton. That’s because the bow bodice and ruffle hem give it a notably luxe flair. Love the look? You’ll be glad to know that the breezy, breathable dress—which works well for garden parties and black tie weddings alike—is sold in three colors in standard, petite, and plus sizes, ranging from 00 to 26W.
4. House of CB Ariella Ivory Satin Crystal Embellished Bow Dress
Looking for something to wear to your bachelorette party? You can stop searching.
The Ariella Ivory Satin Crystal Embellished Bow Dress from House of CB is giving major ‘80s vibes and we’re all for it. The large bow bust is rimmed in crystals for an even more eye-catching design. Made of satin, the dress features slight stretch and is sold in sizes XS to L+.
5. Fleur du Mal Midi Bow Slip Dress
This elegant slip dress from Fleur du Mal adds a touch of glamour to any look.
The Fleur du Mal Midi Bow Slip Dress is just plain stunning. The body-skimming midi dress features an exaggerated bow bust with cut-out detail that simultaneously gives it a chic, sexy, and retro flair. The only downside is that, since it’s made of 100 percent silk, it’s dry clean only, so it requires a bit more TLC to keep looking its best.
6. Lavish Alice Plus one Shoulder Cut Out Detail Wrap Midi Dress
Shop Asos for this fun lime-colored one-shoulder dress with a bow.
How pretty is this lemon-lime one-shoulder dress? The Lavish Alice One Shoulder Cut Out Detail Wrap Midi Dress is sold in women’s sizes 14 to 22. Rather than featuring the star detail on the bust or back, the bow drapes over one shoulder for an unexpected detail.
7. Pomander Place Light Blue Coco Tweed Bow Dress
This tweed dress from Pomander Place is classic in the best way.
Bow-accented dresses don’t always have to be special occasion dresses. The Pomander Place Light Blue Coco Tweed Bow Dress looks classic and refined, like something Sofia Richie Grainge would wear. Sold in four colors in sizes XS to XXXL, the long-sleeve, V-neck mini dress is perfect for brunch, the winery, the office, bridal showers, and more.
8. Cynthia Rowley Dolman Sleeve Dance Dress
This glamorous dress will stun at all of your fall soirees.
The Cynthia Rowley Dolman Sleeve Dance Dress is the ultimate party dress. It’s colorful, chic, and comfortable enough to wear all night long. Although it’s sold in an all-black colorway, the pink iteration with a red sash and the green version with a purple sash are our favorites.
The one-size dress showcases a high front slit and a removable belt, so you can wear it as is with the bow or switch it up with a belt of your own.
9. Free-est Ruffle It Up Midi Dress
Wear this Free People fan-favorite dress to every brunch date.
The Ruffle It Up Midi Dress is one of Free People’s most beloved dress silhouettes. Earning over 11,000 hearts from shoppers, the thick cotton dress, which is sold in seven colors in sizes XS to XL, stands out with its dramatic ruffled straps which can be worn classically or off the shoulder.
No matter which way you decide to wear them, they tie in the back for an adjustable fit, accented with a bow. Oh and did we mention? It has pockets!
10. Karen Millen Italian Satin Bandeau Structured Bow Detail Midi Dress
Reach for this Karen Millen midi dress to make a bright and bold statement.
The Karen Millen Italian Satin Bandeau Structured Bow Detail Midi Dress is nothing short of a showstopper. Sold in tangerine and lime colorways in sizes 2 to 12, the bold-yet-classic midi dress features a column silhouette topped off with a fold-over neckline and an exaggerated, vintage-inspired bow. Just keep in mind, this beauty is dry clean only.
$334 at Karen Millen (Save $180)
11. Nookie Adore 2Way Dress
This versatile dress from Nookie is great for standing out or blending in.
We love a versatile garment and the Nookie Adore 2Way Dress is just that. The strapless satin mini dress, which is sold in black and white in sizes XS to XL, comes with a detachable bow train. Whether it’s on or off, the dress makes a statement with its bunched bodice, structured boning, and gold hardware.
If you ask us, it’s the perfect mini dress for special occasions—whether it’s a wedding reception, bachelorette party, or birthday. You can have all eyes on you with the bow on your big day, then remove it for events when you want to look luxe but low key.
12. Rhode Zoe Dress
Every bow doesn’t have to make a statement, especially at Rhode.
Love the idea of a bow-accented dress but want to dip your toes into the trend before fully diving in? The Rhode Zoe Dress features dainty bows at the bust to add a delicate flair to an otherwise simple (yet stunning) silhouette. The ankle-grazing dress, which is sold in sizes XS to XL, is designed with adjustable spaghetti straps and a ruched back for extra comfort.