How to Wear an 80's Bow on a Dress

If your wardrobe needs a boost, get inspired by the 80's. Adding retro style can be as simple as accessorizing your favorite dress. Whether you are styling yourself in a classic "Pretty in Pink" persona or putting a twist on the latest runway style, wearing an 80's bow is a simple way to add customized personality and fashion.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dress(es) of your choice
• Your Bow(s)
• Safety Pins

Prepare to style

1. Choose a dress. An 80's bow can be added to just about any dress, but you may want to pick a dress that you feel needs renovating or one that will match an occasion you already have in mind. Remember that a dress with a busier pattern may call for a simpler bow, while a simple dress allows for wilder style when accessorizing.

2. Choose your bow. While you can make your own by tying your favorite patterned ribbon, experimenting can be really fun. Dollar shops and big brand superstores are great places to find great fabrics for your bow that are reminiscent of the 80's style. Try retro buttons or pins in the shape of a bow. This can be a unique way to get this glammed up 80s look, without the muss or fuss. You can also cut out a picture of an 80's bow from a vintage T shirt or fabric. Match your choice to the color and style of the dress.

3. Strategically place the bow at your waistline. Rocking an 80's bow can compliment the shape of the dress while attracting key attention to your chosen accessory. Safety pinning an 80's bow to a cute belt or onto the bare fabric is a minimalistic option. If you are styling your dress with ribbon simply wrap it around your waistline. Experiment with different widths and lengths; a slender ribbon can wrap around several times before being tied while a large one allows you make a bigger and bolder statement. Customize your look by rotating the bow to the side or to the center of your back.

4. Add an 80s bow to the straps of your dress. Try pinning an over-sized bow to only one side in a complimenting color or placing small bows on both straps. Work with your materials and decide whether a bow at the base of the strap on each side is enough for your style, or whether you should place them front and back. Add and subtract in numbers until you reach the desired look.

5. Put the bow right out front. Make an impression by placing an 80's bow on the front of your dress. This may mean attaching vintage pins in a cluster over your heart or making a bow shaped design on the chest with retro buttons. If you are featuring a large bow, be careful to balance the look to avoid looking like you've been gift wrapped. Whatever you opt for, this look makes a big impression and is customized to your style.

Tips & Warnings

• Try lining the sleeves, hem or neckline with many bows. Big or small this is guaranteed to add 80's impact. 80's bows can also be a great way to accessorize shoe straps and jewelry. Make an 80's bow choker with your ribbon scraps or pin bows to your headbands, bracelets or necklaces. Don't overdo it; the bow should be a highlight of your outfit rather than commandeering your dress. Test drive your look before making it permanent. If you are hooked after a trial run, sew or glue on your 80's bow but remember that a temporary bow means you can flaunt many varieties of the same dress.

Resources

• "What did people wear in the eighties?"