Are bows for adults?

Yes, hair bows are indeed trending in fashion magazines as a versatile and chic accessory for middle-aged women, with a focus on sophisticated, grown-up adaptations that move beyond youthful coquette aesthetics. This resurgence has been building since 2023 but remains relevant into late 2025, often highlighted for its practicality and elegance in formal or everyday styling.

In a November 2023 Vogue feature, the trend is framed as “Bows are Back—And This Time, The Adults Are Joining In,” explicitly extending to middle-aged women through subtle integrations like mini bows clipped diagonally into loose waves, ribbons woven into braids for a pulled-back look, or satin strips laced through French braids for a “less Alice in Wonderland, more dominatrix” vibe. The piece notes historical context—ribbons originated in menswear before becoming accessible women’s ornaments—and spotlights stylists creating “big, sexy, and ’60s”-inspired versions, as seen on celebrities like Kim Petras.

More recently, a May 2025 Elle UK article celebrates the Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton, age 43) wearing an oversized black velvet bow to a formal VE Day event, positioning it as “beauty’s version of a little black dress or ballet flats”—timeless, versatile, and ideal for women over 40. Hairstylist Dalibor Vrtina emphasizes its appeal for this demographic: “For those over 40, the bow is a very practical option. Many don’t have time for regular salon visits, and a bow offers an easy, stylish twist they can do themselves at home. It instantly adds elegance and a touch of personality to any look.” Tips include placing it at ear level on a soft bouffant for sophistication (avoiding higher placements that feel too playful), pairing with glossy S-waves or snatched styles, and opting for black velvet for a polished, necklace-friendly finish.

Other outlets echo this: InStyle (January 2024) covered Jennifer Lopez (age 56) sporting bows at Paris Couture Week, blending sleek and shiny versions into high-fashion contexts, while older but enduring pieces like Glamour‘s 2018 trial of “adult” bows and Harper’s Bazaar‘s nods to Nicole Kidman (age 58) at the 2019 Golden Globes show the trend’s long-tail appeal for mature red-carpet glamour.

Overall, magazines portray hair bows as an empowering, low-effort update for middle-aged women—think velvet or satin in neutral tones for versatility—often inspired by runways from Chanel and Giambattista Valli, and worn by icons like Zoë Kravitz and Margot Robbie. If you’re styling them, start with a half-up ponytail or low bun for an “old money” feel, as seen on Emma Watson in The Zoe Report.