The pussy-bow blouse has been biding its time out of the spotlight since Melania Trump - she famously wore a bright pink one for a presidential debate circa 2016, just as her husband was deflecting attention around his about ‘grab them by the pussy’ comment - but is ready, finally, to make a triumphant return.
Kate Middleton wore hers - a flamboyant number from Gucci - over the weekend. It made its debut last year, in what was one of her most memorable outfits to date, diverging as it did from her usual dresses, coats and patent beige heels. This was a serious statement, especially as the tabloids suggested that she was wearing it back to front (apparently the pussy-bow was meant to trail down the back, who knew?).
Clearly she doesn’t give a damn because yesterday she again wore it ‘back to front’, making for the perfect waist-up outfit to talk through the answers about parenting, especially parenting through the pandemic, with Early Years.
And she isn’t the only royal wearing the power pussy-bow. Picking up as it does from the late ‘70s, The Crown’s latest series has plenty of supporters, from Thatcher (who sports a true blue style with a modest square pattern) to Princess Diana (who famously wore a white pussy-bow in the couple’s engagement portrait).
SHOP: The Best Pussy-Bow Blouses
1 of 5Victoria Beckham, Ruffle-Tie Blouse In Pink, £690
2 of 5Uterqüe, Shirt With Tie Detail, £100
3 of 5Hush, Sarah Printed Blouse, £69
4 of 5Me + Em, Shirring Cuff Pussy-Bow Blouse, £225
5 of 5J.Crew, Tie-Neck Blouse With Rainbow Lurex Dot, £143
Today’s pussy-bow has just as much flair, but you do have to be careful about styling. Padded shoulders, costume jewellery, even a blow dry that’s a bit too bouncy will look overly polished or, quite possibly, like you’re going to a fancy dress party (theme: ‘80s). Victoria Beckham’s has a supersized tie, and is made of semi-sheer silk organza. For something a little more classic, Uterqüe’s louchely-sized shirt with a floppy bow-tie is just the ticket. Back at the other end of the spectrum, Hush’s black-and-green leopard print blouse will make your video call appearances extra eye-popping.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.