Trend Piece

Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down

Feminine, floppy and endlessly fun, the pussy bow is back for fall. Me-oww!

By Sarah Rufca Nielsen September 2, 2015

Alice + Olivia 'Irma' Tie Neck Silk Blouse

The original pussy bow archetype, shined up in glossy silk; $275 at Nordstrom.

Tara Jarmon Tie-Neck Flared Dress

This polka-dot number is straight from the 70s and as well-suited for fall as a pumpkin spice latte. $373 at Stylebop.com.

Gucci Printed Pussy-Bow Silk Crepe Blouse

This shell looks equally chic paired with vintage-inspired flares or tucked into a modern leather A-line skirt, $1,250 at Net-A-Porter.

Mango Bow Dress

How to wear this swingy trapeze dress this fall? Just add layers. $29.99 at Mango.

Express Tie Nick Halter Blouse

Wear it summery and casual like Jourdan Dunn or pair it with a high-waist skirt and a cardigan to transform this halter into fall work staple. $39.90 at Express.

Eloquii Tie Neck Blouse

Keep this look professional by with a bow at the nape of the neck or knot it just above the cleavage and dare your date to peek, $62.90 at Eloquii.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Colorblock Tie Neck Blouse

Black and white gives this classic look a downtown vibe, $79.50 at Macy's.

Meadow Rue Ombra Top

This Pollock-inspired pattern keeps the blouse from feeling too prim and proper, $98 at Anthropologie.

Tory Burch Crepe Tie-Neck Bias-Cut Dress

All hail the sexy stewardess look, $550 at Tory Burch.

Long Sleeve Tie Neck Blouse

Keep the ends open like Karlie for an undone, bohemian vibe, $49.90 at Express.

RED Valentino Tie-Neck Striped Blouse

Nothing says "I'm ready to boss people around now" like some bold neckwear, $495 at Neiman Marcus.

Alexander McQueen Floral Print Blouse

Gothic-edgy meets ready-for-brunch, $1,465 at Tootsies.

CeCe by Cynthia Steffe 'Aleah' Crêpe de Chine Shirtdress

A short hemline adds some swingy style, balances the billowy sleeves and gives you the option of wearing it now and adding leggings later. $138 at Nordstrom.

Moschino Pussy-Bow Print Tank Top

Keep it cheeky with a trompe l'oeil version, $295 at Farfetch.

Can a floppy piece of silk conquer the world? Hell yes, it can. When the pussy bow (yes, that's the proper term) debuted in the 1970s, it wasn't just a frill; it was a way for women who were blazing their own path in the working world to dress for the office while expressing their femininity. Whether tied up tight or left stylishly undone, these bows are back for fall, so tie one on and see where it takes you.

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