It was hard to go into a store or even on Instagram in 2023 without seeing a bow. With girlhood trending in fashion, the high-femme detail mounted a major comeback. It appeared on red carpets, royals, and runways; between 2024’s New York Fall/Winter Fashion Week and Prada’s recent bow-centric runway show, it’s clear the darling trend is here to stay.

While there are many ways to interpret the trend — Jennifer Lopez has opted for hair bows while Sarah Jessica Parker donned a giant one on her jumpsuit — I’m personally in favor of a more practical (dare I say grown up?) approach. Rather than making bows the focal point of my look, I prefer them as a feminine touch; I treat them as an add-on, not the centerpiece, and I’ve found that there’s really no better way to achieve that than with a bow-adorned bag or pair of shoes. It’s sweet, but thanks to the subtlety, it’s easy to style and not tookid-like. 

To add the trending-touch to your existing looks, shop my 10 favorite bow-embellished bags and shoes, below.

10 Practical Ways to Try the Bow Trend

• Dreubea Crossbody Bag, $21 (Originally $37); amazon.com
• Bandolino Lindio Loafer, $53–$70 (Originally $80); amazon.com
• Gerulata Bow Ballet Flats, $59; amazon.com
• J.Crew Zadie Bow-Strap Heels, $60 with code SHOPSALE (Originally $198); jcrew.com
• Vivaia Almond-Toe Bow Flats, $97; vivaia.com
• Loeffler Randall Iona Puff Bow Clutch, $130 (Originally $325); nordstromrack.com
• Coachtopia Ergo Bag With Bows, $275; coach.com
• Reformation Noreen Slingback Pump, $298; thereformation.com
• Cuyana Bow Bag, $298; cuyana.com
• Reformation Small Vittoria Tote, $398; thereformation.com

Vivaia Almond-Toe Bow Flats

A bowed ballet flat is one of the easiest and most classic ways to bring the trending detail to your favorite outfit, and Vivaia flats happen to be a shopper- and InStyle editor-favorite for their unparalleled comfort. This almond-toe style features a capped toe, small bow, and 10 color options, including a classic black and bold zebra (my personal favorite). Customers say the shoes are “chic and comfy." According to one person with bunions, the cushioned flats make them forget about their discomfort, while someone else gushed that they’re “never taking them off.”

Cuyana Bow Bag

Cuyana is another editor-favorite brand and this chic leather bag — which features a knotted, bow-inspired handle — is on trend while still being, IMO, timeless. While you can carry this small purse as a handbag, it also comes with a thin gold strap that converts it into a crossbody. According to one shopper who grabbed it in teal, this is “the perfect night out bag.” “It's gorgeous and the perfect pop of color,” they said, while another wrote that it “fits everything [they] need.”

Coachtopia Ergo Bag With Bows

This small leather bag from Coach’s Coachtopia collection might be my favorite take on the bow trend. The Ergo bag is designed from patent leather with a lustrous finish, available in black and green, and features a bow at each side of the shoulder strap; it’s luxurious and sweet. “The cutest bag ever,” raved one fan, while another wrote that “the bag’s quality is top notch.” Plus, I can vouch for it; I’ve been carrying the brand’s Ergo bag (sans bows) for nearly a year now and have been blown away by its quality… and how many compliments it gets me — something I expect this bag is used to.

Reformation Noreen Slingback Pump

ICYMI, slingback heels are major for 2024, with Julia Roberts, Katie Holmes, and Camila Mendes all rocking the sexy shoe — the latter of whom wore this exact pair from Reformation. The moment I saw Mendes in them, I added the shoes to my cart. They’re a triple-threat trend: Complete with a small kitten heel and ankle strap, they’re also bow-adorned and cherry red. 

Bows remain major for 2024, but if you’re weary about going all-in on the girly trend, this practical approach is for you. Shop more bow shoes and bags, below.

Gerulata Bow Ballet Flats

Loeffler Randall Iona Puff Bow Clutch

J.Crew Zadie Bow-Strap Heels

Dreubea Crossbody Bag

Bandolino Lindio Loafer

Reformation Small Vittoria Tote