Style Friends: The Bow-Tie Blouse

The bow-tie blouse is yet another mark of the latest fashion trend for women - the gender bending boyfriend-dressing trend. Its name basically says it all, and we ladies know very well what that's all about, given that we've all asked ourselves at some point "do I look good wearing his shirt"? The answer to this ageless question seems to be "yes" - this season, we're allowed to rummage through their wardrobes and use their shirts, trousers and jackets as a source of inspiration for our own outfits. A bow-tie blouse is nothing but the good old-fashioned buttoned-up shirt with a twist - a flouncy, feminine bow at the neck, and it is the latest "it" blouse of the season.

Here are a few suggestions about how to make the most of your bow-tie blouse. First of all, we have to keep in mind the fact that the wrong choice of style and fabric can make a bow-tie blouse look frumpy and matronly, rather than a piece of clothing at the cutting edge of style. Make sure to go for good-quality materials and body-skimming and/or tucked-in styles. A feminine bow-tie blouse in creamy red or feisty green will work wonders for your style factor. Tuck it into a pair of the season's must-have high waisted jeans or trousers and wear the ensemble with a pair of peep toes or high heeled pumps and you'll be the queen of the "demure and trendy style" at work or anywhere else.

If you're going for the "killer pseudo-masculine" look, then you can add a slim-fitting cropped blazer to the skinny jeans and bow tie. Another possibility is to wear the blouse tucked into a pencil skirt and patent leather shoes. For a more casual, grade-school inspired look, wear a jumper dress over a bow tie blouse and add a pair of leather boots to the outfit. The best bow tie blouses are those which come in solid colors, polka dots and small prints in general. A patterned bow tie blouse is generally a no-no, since the bow is enough of an embellishment and you'll risk looking old-fashioned and over the top. Wear the bow tie blouse with style, allow it to be the only eye-catching splash of color on your outfit and you'll definitely be high in the style department.