Metro Luxe & Less: The Pussy Bow Blouse and How to Make It Chic for the Holidays

As the holiday calendar begins to fill with family gatherings, office parties, and festive dinners, finding the right balance between dressed-up and understated is all the buzz this season. Enter the pussy bow blouse. The signature neckline tie is hard to miss. It can be tied into a dramatic bow, loosely knotted, or left to fall effortlessly down the front, it could bring an instant sense of occasion to an outfit. Paired with tailored trousers, a satin skirt, or even a well-cut pair of jeans, it makes getting dressed for the festivities feel a little more polished.

The appeal of the pussy bow blouse goes beyond the season. Originally known as the lavallière, the style traces its roots to 17th-century France. Centuries later, designers such as Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent helped establish it as a fixture in women’s wardrobes. As seen on Princess Catherine, Melania Trump, and the likes of Anne Curtis and Heart Evangelista.

The pussy bow blouse may have its roots in traditional dressing, but its latest runway appearances prove that it is anything but old-fashioned. For Spring/Summer 2026, Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello offered a particularly chic interpretation, styling an oversized white pussy bow blouse with a sleek black leather pencil skirt. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson explored the romantic possibilities of the bow through a removable neck detail, bringing a sense of playfulness to the house’s tailoring. Valentino embraced the drama of the statement neckline on the runway.

Below, find our top picks. One made from sheer silk-organza that comes with a V-neck camisole for added coverage. The other, a classic striped shirt with a hint of romance.

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