They’d have to be the v-neck sort with the bow low, like that 3rd one — high tight necklines don’t really do much for me. But I like soft little blouses.

I’ve always been against pussy bow blouses as being too frilly and having too much fabric in front – I think this last issue may still bother me but I won’t know until I try. I’m definitely on for giving it a go.

And being a UK reader I am SO excited that you’ve suggested ones from Gap and ASOS!

ETA I’ve just realised the ‘too much fabric in front’ won’t work as an excuse as I happily wear scarves!

My fav is the leopard print. Meow!! Team Pink is looking pretty good too, though. Hmmm. I like pussycat blouses with a BOW – and I don’t mean a little scrawny bow – if I’m going to wear a bow, I want a real, gosh darned substantial bow, you know?

I like the 3rd one. I am not sure if I will wear them though.

Hurrah for this post! I currently have a blouse like these on my wish list and Anthro and already own a short sleeve one in my closet. I think it fits folks with a certain fashio personality PLUS aesthetic. I love classic clothes and have a pixie haircut, so I think this type blouse is perfect for that combo.Very feminine blouses, love them

thank you for the links! i’m always on the lookout for more professional clothes for work. the bow shirts remind me so much of the movie “Mr. Mom”! can’t wait to wear some!!

I don’t do bows or shirt with fussy things on or down the front, but it’s an interesting look that I will enjoy seeing on others…though the unfortunate name sounds rather pornographic

I don’t need to say much.. you all know I’m addicted to those. You can easily dress them down with jeans and a faux fur vest or a boyfriend cardi!

This is one thing I can say with 98% confidence that I will not be wearing. I’m not sure what it is exactly about these but I just don’t feel right in them.

Oh, I love the cream military one. I also like the Gap one, the pink one and the ASOS leopard one. Lots of great options!

Oh I forgot to ask, how does ASOS sizing and quality run?

I already have several in my work wordrobe, I have been wearing this style for about 3 seasons.

I wear silky blosues to work nearly every single day. When these bows started appearing I grabbed a few. Love them and I get lots of compliments, too.

I love this look! Even though I’m quite busty and they’re not the open- V-neck tops I usually wear. I have a silk-cotton navy blue one by DKNYC that I adore! Plan on wearing it with form-fitting flare jeans!

My mom had a bunch of these in the 70s and early 80s! I remember borrowing them. And as such I don’t think I could these. Isn’t there a rule about if you’re old enough to wear a trend when it came around the first time, you can’t wear it again?

I just wore one of these yesterday (leopard print to boot) under a black sheath dress for my Wear to Work Wednesday post on my blog, which was inspired by a forum post from youlookfab! I laughed to myself when bow blouses were the first thing I saw on here this morning. I’m glad I’m not the only one currently loving them!

Too fussy for me. I have purchased them in the past, but never enjoy wearing them, so they are on my personal what not to wear list.

Is that third one a knit or a woven fabric? If its a knit then it’s mine!

I’ve been hunting for the perfect blouse for awhile now. I love these. My favorites you posted are the Asos military and the Bebe one in black. I can’t wait to try one with wide leg trousers and platform pumps. Whee!
@Patience, I’ve been wondering about Asos for awhile now, too. Anybody?

I would like these a lot but they remind me of a lady I know who wears hers with a pencil skirt and sneakers. And hers are from the 70′s, she wears her hair like she did back then also. When I can get that mental picture out of my head then I might try one! lol

I struggle a little bit with the concept of this one. My understanding was that the style was not well-suited to busty, voluptuous figures…is that so? I also tend to shy away from things that could be construed as cutesy, so the bare-bones description of a bow blouse doesn’t resonate. That said, though, I’m very very very much wanting to expand my collection of woven, feminine blouses, and so I’m not willing to rule anything out completely. If I (or YLF scouts) ever hit upon a blouse with a relatively subtle bow in a top-knotch fabric in a sophisticated colour or print, I would absolutely give it a whirl.

I have loved this kind of tie-neck blouse ever since I saw a caramel-colored one from a Chloe runway photo. FW10 I think. Luxe and sophisticated, tucked into loose red leather pants.

Huge fan here!! I got the ASOS Tie Neck Military Blouse in black just before Christmas (on sale) and at least three more on this list are calling my name;-)

Patience and Sarah: this was the first time I ordered something from ASOS and I haven’t worn the blouse yet, so I’m not sure about the quality (it looks fine)/how it will hold up after washing. I’m usually a US size 8/10 and I ordered the blouse in a UK size 12. It fits very well, maybe slightly on the roomy side.

I love this look. It is very easy to wear. The last two are my favorites. I think these would look great with trouser jeans.

I like the look of some of them, but I think this style looks fussy and frumpy on my large bust.

I was concerned about the fussy factor as well but I was thinking that a blouse like this worn under a denim jacket or with jeans would keep it from heading into fussy territory.

I’m passing on this one…really not my style. I’ll get my 70′s fix from peasant blouses instead.

They’re all beautiful and take me back in time! I used to love the secretary look of one of these blouses and a plain A-line skirt, chunky heeled round toe shoes.

I really like #8, 9, 11 and 12, but 11 is my favorite for me! hmmmm I just bought this blouse yesterday from Target (had some gift cards to use) thinking I could work this into my casual wardrobe, not sure if it would be considered a pussy cat blouse though,

http://www.target.com/Mossimo-.....detaillink

No.

I’ve always liked this style for my small chest but not tucking in. I’m so glad that they can be worn out. Is loosely tucked so that fabric flounces over the waistband acceptable for an over-60 or just messy?
I want to find a bow blouse in polka-dots. Please show us ways to wear these dressed down.

I really like them on others, but they’re not practical for me. Ties on shirts end up hanging in whatever I am cooking or cleaning, and our weather window for long sleeved and lightweight is too small. I’ll be enjoying seeing other rocking these looks, though.

I like the look of these, especially the simpler ones like the UO hot pink one. I also prefer that the fabric be soft and drapey, so the bow droops gracefully rather than standing at attention, but that is just my own neurotic preference .

I wore these in the 70s and loved them! So glad to see they’re back!

Chewy – I would have never considered a top like this back in my San Diego days…too hot, too short a time to wear it. But up here in the northwest, it should get loads of wear!

It is hard to make these appealing for me. I can’t get the bad 1980′s bows out of my head. Overall I think they are too dressy for my style but might appreciate them with causal jeans – and I really mean *might* .

Oh! I like the Gap one a lot, and it’s natural fibers for a reasonable price! Must go find it in the store to try on…
I am on the lookout for a pussy bow blouse but so far have not managed to find one that fits right… I need a lower neckline (mostly because I hate the choking feeling of things close to my neck, and because I have a short neck to begin with) and would strongly prefer natural fibers. My other problem is that I am short waisted and a pear, so a lot of times blouses like this are too long and end up tight around the hips (tucking sometimes helps, but I would really prefer one I could wear both tucked and untucked). Any suggestions for nice ones that come in petites?

Am I the only one who hates the name “pussy bow”? UGH. I’d be happy if it disappeared from the face of the earth.

I like the look on other people, but since I’m overweight and have an adequate bust it makes me look like I’m dressing like my grandma. I’ve never felt able to pull off any of the ‘faux’ prim secretary looks, actually, they just make me look like someone who hasn’t bought new clothes in 20 years.

Pussy cat bow blouses are a “no” for me. It reminds me of too many white interview blouses I wore in the 80s. Also I I’m Team Knit for as much as I can get away with. I would wear the bow blouse only for a very specific conservative/proper event.

I am interested in finding more blouses, I just don’t really go for the bow blouses on myself.

Also, I’m with Rhubarbgirl (Laura) on the name

Oh my, the 80s really are back. I think I overdid this one back then…not sure I’ll go this route now.

I agree with rhubarbgirl – if I even mentioned this style to my DH, his mind would be right in the gutter!

I was not a fan of these blouses back then and doubt I will sport them now. The v-neck one is cute but reminds me too much of those sailor shirts that were also in style then. The bow just makes me feel too fussy and frilly.

Look forward to seeing this look on those who love it!

I just can’t get into this look. The Gap blouse, with it’s side bow, but overall, I think it looks dated, and for a busty gal like myself, it would just add volume where I don’t need it.

I’m pretty sure I won’t be wearing these. Even though I am on Team Dressy, I’m also on Team Knits. I’m never quite warm enough with just a blouse, but I just don’t like the vibe of long sleeved blouses underneath jacket, and too preppy under sweaters. Oh, and I’m not opposed to bows anywhere except on blouses. All of that said, I’m like Angie yesterday with the bell bottoms…never say never!

I have one, but I don’t wear it much. When I do, I wear the bow untied, as you described, as it is a lower necked version.

Angie, do you combine necklaces with your bow blouses, and if so, how? That is my dilemma. I’d rather wear my pearls than a bow blouse if I have to pick just one.

I really love this look and fortunately it works well for me…must get more!!! Thanks Angie for doing the research for me!!

That Bebe top is KILLING me! I love stripes and white shirts… I’ll have to bookmark it and hope it eventually goes on sale.

I just happen to be wearing one today that I bought a year ago at Talbots! It has a v-neck, and I tend to tie the bow loosely so it hangs lower and wear my every-day necklace. Don’t know if I’ll buy anymore of these, but if I come across any that are cute enough, I might. They’re classy, but they can look a little too ’70s, so it just depends.

While the post on flare and boot cut jeans had me thinking “Home sweet home,” the blouse with a bow reminds me “never again!” I wore too many of those to work in the late 70s and beyond. Ugh–memories of the Dress for Success outfit.

But then, I’ve said Never Again before and changed my mind later. Also, I’ve been looking for nice, easy to wear but dressy blouses lately. This might be the year to find one.

I would feel as if I were channeling Susan Day – tambourine anyone?

Yeah baby! I love these. Love love love them. I’ve always had a thing for blouses with a bow, it’s part of the whole naughty secretary look I dig. I’ll definitely be looking for one (thanks for all the lovely temptations ) I already have one in my closet, though funnily I haven’t done the “pussy bow” (never heard that word before you mentioned it in your 70s style post recently) but just loosely tied the band and let it hang down. It’ s my “holiday blouse” due to it’s red and silver polkadots, I feel I need a new one for spring… Sorry, totally rambling, but I am just very excited about this post today

Generally lots of happy purring despite some allergic reactions to the name

Jane, this is definitely a 70′s look and not an 80′s one.

As for being old enough to wear trends a second time round, I vote go for it. Why not and there are certainly no rules in my book! I was little in the 70′s so I never got to wear the grown up stuff even though I did wear bell bottoms as a child. As for 80′s fashion, I did that big time back in the day and loved every moment of it’s stylish resurgence. It was and still is a totally nostalgic experience for me. Bring on wearing trends and improved reincarnations a second time round.

Laura, I like a heck of a bow too – although I also wear my pussy bows sans the bow as seen here. Marmark, I’m wearing a necklace layered over the untied ties in these outfits:

http://youlookfab.com/2010/10/.....t-dresses/

Rute, you are full in the bust and wear pussy bow blouses to perfection. I hope you chime in about that to inspire others.

Just like anything else, I think if you know your body type, you can make it work. For instance knowing that I’m busty with a short neck, I would gravitate to image #3 that has more of a v-neck. However the leopard print does make a gal feel like a kitten!

I’ll take one of each purrrrlease *groan*.

I love the look but would probably keep the shirt and bell bottoms separate, would that be too literal a take on seventies style?

I LOVE pussy bow blouses am seriously considering one of the ASOS ones x

I love them and they will be on my radar for spring, but I’m going to need to find some with the v-neck like the Bebe.

Love these blouse. You can pair it up with anything & it will still look good. Very stylish indeed.

I like the way the look- but need to try them on to know whether this style would be flattering on.

My instant favs were 3,8 and 12.

I’m not a big fan of this look for myself for a couple of reasons: 1) it reminds me a lot of some frumptastic looks I saw in the 70s, and 2) I’m short-waisted with large breasts. I look much better in something that doesn’t cover an expanse of my chest like most of these tops do (I don’t look good in classic sheath dresses for the same reason). I would consider trying this look with a V-neck like the black top on the right pictured above.

Ladies,

The bow blouse was one of my last surprises! I never tought I could use one because I’ve big bust and I don’t like to call the attention to it!

The secret is to choose a blouse with a soft fabric, like silk, nothing too stiff. You can wear it tucked. The way it drapes and the bow calls the attention to the face and not to the bust.

I like to wear mine also untucked with jeans, it’s a lovely smart casual look. This style is not exclusive of the ladies with a more classic styles, you can wear it with a vest, a moto jacket, sknnies, 70′s wide leg jeans, faux fur.

I’m hourglass, I have big bust and I found that it looks lovely and you all know I always find flattering clothes a priority!

Yes, I’ve learned here to try everything and have fun! You’ll be surprised!

I always stayed away from this blouse style – maybe because it felt too frilly and unnatural to me… However if there is something I learned from Angie here is to never say never and at least try it. I quite like some of the blouses from the list – military and animal print especially – I would give them a try if I can find them. I also like the Gap one because the bow is asymmetrical – alas, Canadian Gap does not carry it

Yay – they’re back! Oh, I love this style – it says “me” over and over again. I can’t wait for the weather to get cooler so I can pick up a few blouses!

I may need one of the ASOS blouses! Yum! I have my eye on a nice summer wardrobe as I hope to have need for looking more dressy! You all will groan when I reveal why, I’m sure, but that’s okay by me!

I can’t keep a bow tied to save my life. I have a couple of silky tops with bows and the bow always slips out and I end up fiddling and fussing with it all day long. So no more bow blouses for me.

I never thought I would wear another bow again after the seventies, but you are making me reconsider, Angie.

I started out with the first few pictures not liking these blouses at all and then really liked several of them. I’m finding that the more traditional ones don’t appeal to me but things like the Chanelesque one are super or ones with assymetric bows. Thank you for providing a variety of options.

I like the look, but haven’t found the right one yet. The Tracy Ellen or the Bebe may be close. Wish there was someone close I could go try these on. This would definitely be new for me and I’m hesitant.

I like the shape of these blouses, but hate the way they are mainly polyester. Ugh!!!

Lucie gives her pawprint of approval to this post.

I actually had the UO blouse in my shopping cart but can’t decide whether I should get it or not. It’s a high neck, but since it’s sheer I figured I’d just layer a vneck or scoopneck underneath. I prefer these blouses to be relatively simple so the patterned ones don’t appeal to me, but color is always welcome.

I have a pussy bow buttondown blouse with thin silver stripes, but it’s a stiff cotton. I would like something more drapey and soft, without those pesky buttons.

I like these, and especially that they are blousier than a fitted blouse which are so hard for me to fit right. I’ll give it a go.

I just got a dress version of this style on sale at LL Bean Signature. Love it! (Warning, it looks ridiculous until you add a belt…). Super cute. Solid versions as well. I love it so much I might get the blue. http://www.llbean.com/llbeansi.....at4=505949

Am not a fan of these kinds of tops. For starters, I can”t get beyond the name – it just gives me the creeps. Then there is the style itself – it just looks and feels fussy and prissy to me. I’m pretty sure that I will pass on these!

I really like no.2 and 3 (the striped one is making me drool). I’m so glad to hear we’ll see more of these because I kind of missed out several years ago when there was a brief resurgence. So far I have one dressy silk blouse of this type, and I’d like one more. Thanks Angie for the heads up!

Oops, I made a mistake. By no.3 I really meant no.12 from Bebe.

RandomThought, DO TELL!

I like this style with deep vnecks instead of the bow right up against the neck, often the large bow looks like it is attacking the wearer. The purple neck tie blouse is a lovely shade of purple. And I really like the BEBE top too.

I have a couple of these in my closet already! I’ve never thought about wearing the bow knotted and hanging down, i’m totally going to try that next time i wear one.

I also really like the Bebe and Gap ones listed here!

And i’m glad someone else spoke up about not liking the term “Pussy bow” lmao

Drooling……thanks for the amazing selections Angie! I’ll take one of each please…

Maybe it’s just because I’m, uh, busty, but I always feel really stupid wearing anything that has frills, ruffles, or bows in the front. I can deal with scarves that hang flat but anything else makes me feel like I am wearing a bib.

I always think these look cute on thinner people, though. And I hate the name “pussy bow” too.

I like the word “pussy bow”. It makes me smile

Manda, there are forum members with a fuller bust who totally rock the bowed-blouse look. It’s all in the cut and fabric of the blouse.