We may not have thought about wearing ribbons or bows in our hair since our grade school days, but the resurgence of the coquette look has brought them back in a big way. With celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez and Mariska Hargitay showcasing the elegance of a delicate bow on the 40-and-up set, consider us influenced. Here, expert hairstylists share tips on mastering this accessory trend with sophistication and grace, regardless of age.
Add Volume
Celebrity hair stylist Paul Labrecque of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, emphasizes the importance of tailoring the bow or coquette look for women over 40 while keeping it on trend. He commends Jennifer Lopez’s approach, stating, “Jennifer Lopez did this best with a beautiful blowout. For the look, put one side back and place a small bow behind the ear so it looks feminine-chic and not so ‘little girl.’“
Scottsdale hairstylist Drew Noreen recommends pulled-back hairstyles like low ponies, buns, or half-up or half-down styles, as they offer the perfect canvas for showcasing bows. He suggests maintaining volume in the hair to avoid overly slicked-back styles, advising, “Tight, slicked-back styles tend to be less flattering for more mature women. ”
Labrecque suggests opting for hairstyles like flips and bobs when pulling back hair, as they offer versatility and complement various face shapes and textures. He advises against overly vintage looks, cautioning, “If you make yourself look too vintage, it can become cartoon-like. Subtle bows pulled back and away from the face are really best.”
Bow Size Matters
In terms of accessories, Labrecque recommends delicate ribbons tied to slides or barrettes, but warns against oversized bows, noting, “If the bow is too big, you may start to look like Baby Jane, so be careful with size.”
Noreen emphasizes the importance of customization when adapting the bow or coquette look for mature women. He advises considering factors such as the size, material and placement of accessories, stating, “I find the best way to adapt bows and other accessories into hairstyles for women over 40 is to consider the size and material of the accessory as well as the placement and intended outcome of the look. Are we looking for formal vs. casual, small accessory or a statement piece… that sort of thing.”
DIY Bows
Lastly, have fun with it says Labrecque, suggesting you can even make your own bows based on what you need. “They can be very easy to make and go with every outfit. Take a pretty ribbon and tie it to a slide or to a barrette,” he advises.
