The bow-tie dress (known as a “Schluppenkleid” in German, by the way) is, alongside the classic bow-tie blouse, once again at the top of the trend charts this season. Especially this fall and winter, these romantic dresses with their characteristic bow at the collar are a welcome addition to our wardrobes, as they look a little playful and feminine, yet very classic and timeless at the same time.
And there’s a reason for that: Thesehigh-necked dresseswith a bow at the collar are simply super classic and work for almost any occasion—whether it’s a business meeting or a Christmas party,a trip to the theater, or a New Year’s Eve celebration. Especially amid the otherwise rather drab winter monotony, a little extra glamour is definitely welcome…
Don't Confuse Them: Tie vs. Bow Tie
You really have to look closely to spot the subtle but crucial difference. In both cases, a piece of fabric hanging from the collar area adds to the look. The shape of the fabric is what makes the difference.
In the case of a tie dress, the cut is similar to that of a tie: a wide strip of fabric that widens slightly toward the center and ends in a triangle. A bow tie, on the other hand, consists of two narrow strips of fabric cut symmetrically to form a bow. In addition, a tie dress often—though not always—has a collar to which a tie is sewn or tied, similar to a men’s shirt. A bow-tie dress is characterized by fabric panels or ribbons attached to the collar that can be tied, as is common with the bow on a blouse.
Quite ladylike—bow-neck dresses make a comeback
The bow-neck dress really does keep coming back—as a true classic among dresses, it’s regularly reinterpreted and restyled by designers. These slightly baroque-style dresses with a bow at the collar naturally add a generous dose of romance to any look, but they can also come across as very businesslike or even rock-inspired—depending on how they’re styled.
Other features of the bow-neck dress: Soft, flowing fabrics like silk, jersey, or satin make the dress look even more delicate. But there are also gorgeous, winter-ready bow-tie dresses in cozy knit versions—perfect for the cold season! Typically, bow-tie dresses have a straight, classic cut—similar to a tunic—with long, loose sleeves featuring cuffs and a low waist (often accented with a belt). This gives them a timeless appeal, yet the bow at the collar adds a playful and romantic touch that makes the look both incredibly feminine and modern.
Discover stylish bow-neck dresses
When it comes to patterns and colors, you're once again spoiled for choice: funky leopard print, playful polka dots, or very British with tartan patterns —especially when it comes to patterns, the bow-neck dress can create some exciting style contrasts. If, on the other hand, you prefer a classic look, simply opt for a solid-color bow-neck dress without all the fuss and pair it with a few simple accessories. I’ll show you how to style your bow-neck dress in a variety of ways—from romantic to sleek!
Four Ways to Style Your Bow-Neck Dress
It doesn't get any more feminine than this—the bow-neck dress styled in a classic way
Dresses with a bow are simply perfect for festive occasions. Beautifully feminine yet always classic—that’s how we love to dress for any wedding. Simply style your bow-neck dress with feminine shoes and accessories—try pumps or over-the-knee boots, for example. Add a pair of pretty earrings, and your festive outfit is ready for any occasion.
Flowing satin, a soft bow, elegant earrings—with its classic style, the bow-neck dress is the perfect look for festive occasions @KI-Illustration
The Bow-Neck Dress Goes to the Office – Beautifully Simple
A wrap dress like this is always timeless. To make it business-appropriate and office-ready, simply spruce up the dress with the right accessories: Pair it with a simple blazer and a pair of pumps, or a classic trench coat and ankle boots. Add a roomy saddle bag, and your office outfit is complete.
Pants instead of a skirt, a blazer over it, and a saddle bag to go with it—that’s how you effortlessly wear a wrap dress to the office @KI-Illustration
Not girly at all – a bow-neck dress with a mix of styles
The signature bow and romantic details of a bow-neck dress definitely make it super feminine—no question about it! But of course, the look shouldn’t be too frilly—otherwise, the whole outfit can quickly veer into the girly realm. So to tone down the dress’s cuteness, we like to pair it with a black leather jacket, rugged boots or sneakers, and a flat cap. A successful style contrast!
Leather jacket, rugged boots, flat cap—the contrast in styles takes the sweetness out of the dress and makes it cool @AI illustration
Modern and funky – A different take on the bow-neck dress
An exciting eye-catcher: Pair your bow-neck dress with a boxy jacket, chunky sneakers, and a baseball cap, and enjoy what might just be the season’s best style clash! You’ll score extra points if you play around with materials too: Just choose a bow-neck dress in rough denim, and you’ll automatically take the sweetness out of the romantic cut. Like a pinch of salt with creamy caramel!
Bold prints meet oversized denim and chunky sneakers—this bow-neck dress plays with contrasts in a modern and funky way @KI-Illustration
Christine Schmitz
My love for fashion and communication led me to Ana Alcazar—having cut my teeth as a copywriter and concept developer in traditional advertising, I’ve been writing for our Munich-based designer label for over 10 years. On the editorial team, I’m responsible for all corporate topics, and I also focus on current trends and my passion: gender equality.
Between Image and History
Sometimes a story needs more than a photo can convey. That’s why some of the images in this article were created using artificial intelligence (AI)—curated, inspiring, and always in the spirit of “Wear your Story.” The AI-generated images are clearly labeled next to each photo.
