When the Princess of Wales stepped out in a decorative black bow hairclip from Jigsaw for her annual holiday carol concert — many were impressed with her ability to accessorize and elevate a look with a simple bow accessory.
Yet, royal watchers recognize that although bows of all shapes and sizes are currently trending — the princess has always been dedicated to bow-tiful styles. She’s worn pussybow blouses for years, owns multiple handbags accented with bows and even has more than one pair of heels decorated with bow embellishments.
Here are 18 of Kate Middleton’s Best Bow Fashion Moments:
1. Roksanda Brigitte Yellow Bow-Shoulder Midi Dress
The princess donned this crepe dress in bright lemon yellow for Wimbledon in 2022 which she recycled from a trip to Jamaica.
The colorful dress boasts an artfully gathered statement bow at the shoulder.
2. Moschino Boutique Bow Embellished Wool and Cotton Blend Jacket
Long before the rise of the bow trend, Kate was wearing the feminine flourish for royal functions.
She sported this warm woolen bow trimmed jacket for a roundtable discussion at Kensington Palace in November 2017.
3. Lock & Co Hatters Betty Boop Hat in Brown
One of Princess Kate’s many fascinators adorned with a bow at the side, this pillbox hat has been a staple in the mom of three’s Windsor wardrobe for years.
The princess has worn the hat on seven different occasions.
4. L.K. Bennett Agata Pink Bow Sandals
Adorned with a pale pink bow in suede, these 4-inch stiletto heels have a romantic sensibility thanks to their bow detailing.
The princess has sported the fanciful pink bow sandals on two occasions — once in 2011 and again in 2014.
5. Andy Shiels Navy Gloves with Bow
The princess was picture perfect in a monochrome navy ensemble for a Place2Be forum in 2013.
For the engagement, she wore custom bow accented gloves courtesy of a collaboration between Dents Glovers and The Worshipful Company of Glovers in London. In addition, Kate has a a large collection of bow trim gloves from Cornelia James.
6. White and Blue Printed Top with Bow by Zara
The princess left her maternity leave for a public walkabout at the Ring of Fire ultra marathon in Anglesea in 2013.
For the outing, she opted for a dainty blouse featuring a blue print with a bow nestled on the shoulder.
7. L.K. Bennett Delilah Aubergine Purple Suede Bow Clutch
The princess carried this pretty purple clutch for a wedding in West Yorkshire in January 2011.
Crafted from soft suede, the bag features a flap closure with a large bow. She matched the purple clutch with plum suede platform pumps by Jaime Mascaro featuring a bow on the toes.
8. Catherine Walker Beau Tie Coat
The princess owns this wool coat dress with a bow at the neckline in both candy apple red and black.
She loves wearing the A-line wool topper for special and important events in the royal calendar.
9. J.Crew Black Velvet Hair Tie
The perfect festive flourish for an ordinary ponytail, this budget-friendly bow ribbon hair tie was seen on the princess on two separate occasions in November 2018.
The charming scrunchie can be worn in a multitude of ways.
10. Alexander McQueen Black Bow Front Leather Waist Belt
The perfect belt for turning an ordinary shirtdress style into something more glamorous, this sleek belt boasts a knot-effect bow and gold plaque at the front.
Kate wore the belt with a white Suzannah midi shirtdress to Wimbledon in 2019.
11. Alexander McQueen Red Skull Clutch with Bow
This luxe silk hard box clutch features glossy gold detailing, a skull clasp and bright red bow at the center.
Princess Kate modified the piece to have rhinestones placed in lieu of the skull.
12. Miu Miu Bow Embellished Shoulder Bag in Red Suede
Designed in Italy of a luxurious soft crimson suede, this rich and regal red bag features a striking bow detail at the center.
Kate carried the bag in Canada in 2016 and recycled the accessory recently for the South Korean State Visit in November 2023.
13. Mascaro Velvet Bow Clutch in Black
Staying true to her girly aesthetic, the princess carried this lush black bag first in December 2011 and later for multiple red carpet events.
Featuring a black tonal bow on the front flap, this opulent evening bag is the perfect finishing touch on any glam ensemble.
14. Goat Ellory Bow Detail Coat in Marine Blue
Designed from 100% wool, this high collar coat has a straight shape with a funnel collar.
A bow affixed to the neckline gives the classic coat a bit more fashion flair.
15. Aquazzura Bow Tie 105 Pumps in Black Suede
The princess is fond of a demure court shoe in basic neutral shades but every now and then she adds a sultrier shoe to her footwear collection.
Case in point: her black heels from Aquazzura with a perky bow at the back.
16. White Jenny Packham Sheath with Black Trim
The princess made her old Jenny Packham striped sheath feel brand new with the addition of a large bow on the bodice.
Striking and stately, the dress felt like a nod to one of the original fashion influencers Audrey Hepburn when Kate wore the dress to King Charles’ birthday parade this summer.
17. Sylvia Fletcher Bespoke Salsa Black Fascinator
Princess Kate owns numerous pillbox hats with bow detailing but this striking and sophisticated cocktail fascinator is a standout.
The delicate cap boasts metallic threading with a moulded brim and petal bow accent.
18. Jigsaw Black Velvet Bow Hairclip
For her carol concert this year, the princess upcycled her red Alexander McQueen longline coat and reinvented the look with a bow hairclip from Jigsaw.
The creative clothing addition imparted some festive flair to her familiar red topper.
Aquazzura 85 Bow Tie Heels, Amazon
Velvet Bow Hairclip, Amazon
