Laws of Couture: Fit to be Tied: Bow-Tie Blouses

This Fall, channel the gender bending boyfriend-dressing trend with bow-tie blouses. The bow-tie blouse, which is the latest "it" blouse of the season, is nothing more than a good old-fashioned buttoned-up shirt with a twist - a flouncy, feminine bow at the neck. With the feminine, ‘70s-era aesthetic that’s ruling our fashion universe this Fall, this pretty bow-tie staple is a welcome flashback. One half wardrobe basic, the other half romantic trend, the bow-tie blouse is an elegant addition to any wardrobe—casual or dressy. The bow-tie blouses coming down the Fall '13 runways at Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, Tory Burch, and more speak emphatically to a very feminine style sense. Not to be confused with a man's tie, these tie neck blouses are all about retro-inspired, ladylike appeal with high, Victorian-like collars, or sometimes deeper, more modern necklines. They appeal to the season's call to elegance, like high-waists, structured handbags, and slim skirts and trousers — and they wear just as well with them, too. Bow-tied- they feel prim and poised; undone- they're just a little sexier. Either way they're like having a key accessory already built in to your look.

The softly romantic shirt turned up in totally different variations on the Fall '13 runways, which means there's surely a blouse for anyone's style. I love the retro vibe the crisp blouse gets when worn tucked into the season’s high-waisted straight-leg trousers, finished off with a sharp tailored jacket. But it looks equally chic (and timeless) worn with skinny jeans. While jeans are the easiest, fool-proof way to style a bow blouse, you can create an instantly modern look with a fun bow blouse and shorts, a pleated mini skirt or leather pants.

Here are a few suggestions about how to make the most of your bow-tie blouse. First of all, keep in mind the fact that the wrong choice of style and fabric can make a bow-tie blouse look frumpy and matronly, rather than a piece of clothing at the cutting edge of style. Make sure to go for good-quality materials and body-skimming and/or tucked-in styles. A feminine bow-tie blouse in luscious red or feisty green will work wonders for your style factor. Tuck it into a pair of the season's must-have high waisted pencil skirt and wear the ensemble with a pair of peep toes or high heeled pumps. With this look you'll be the queen of "demure and trendy" style at work or anywhere else.

If you're going for the "killer pseudo-masculine" look, then you can add a slim-fitting cropped blazer to the cigarette pant and bow-tie ensemble. Another possibility is to wear the blouse tucked into a pleated mini skirt and leather booties. For a more casual, grade-school inspired look, wear a jumper dress over a bow tie blouse and add a pair of knee high leather boots to the outfit.

The best bow-tie blouses are those which come in solid colors, polka dots and small prints in general. A large patterned bow-tie blouse is generally a no-no, since the bow is enough of an embellishment and you'll risk looking over the top. Wear your bow-tie blouse with style and allow it to be the only eye-catching splash of color on your outfit. This will guarantee you'll be high in the style department.

There are a number of great bow-tie blouses available this season. Here's a look at my favorite versions straight from the top designers.