The Oscars were the final stop on 2025’s awards train, and what better way for the stars to wrap up the season than with some fabulous red carpet looks? There were countless standout fashion moments (we’re still obsessing over Ariana Grande in her sculptural Schiaparelli gown) but one trend stole the spotlight: chic bow dresses.

Ribbons and bows have been having a moment for a while now thanks to the balletcore aesthetic, but their resurgence on the Oscars red carpet shows just how versatile and chic they’ve become. Mikey Madison, Elle Fanning and Lupita Nyong’o all incorporated these hyper-feminine details into their looks, turning bows into something cool and wearable.

And while we won’t be slipping into a fully embellished bow ballgown to nip to Sainsbury’s Local anytime soon, the 97th Academy Awards have shown that there are plenty of ways to work these details into your wardrobe without feeling overdressed or like a gift-wrapped present.

Keep scrolling for the best bow looks from the Oscars 2025, plus some styling tips on how to bring this dress trend to life without feeling overdressed.  

Lean into ballet-inspired block colour 

Mikey Madison’s Dior gown in pale pink and black is the perfect example of how the right colour pairing can elevate the bow trend. The contrast of delicate pink with the bold black feels so sophisticated and balletic.

For those looking to tap into the balletcore aesthetic, lean into pastel colour-block combinations. Pale pink, white, dove grey, mocha and black will work best. 

Then keep the styling minimal to let the bow detail speak for itself. A soft-coloured dress with a delicate bow is best paired with ballet flats, leg-warmers and natural, undone hair – eg a messy bun or loose waves. 

Stick to sleek silhouettes 

Balance bow details with sleek, structured pieces, as Felicity Jones demonstrates in her gunmetal grey dress by Armani Privé. The streamlined silhouette allows the voluminous bow to shine, and her pared-back styling draws attention to the dress. Keep it simple; sometimes less is more. 

Go bold with statement bow details 

For those looking to make a statement, oversized bows are the way to go, as demonstrated by Cynthia Erivo, who wore a striking off-the-shoulder Louis Vuitton velvet gown with a dramatic bow cascading down the front.

If you’re inspired by Erivo’s Wicked-inspired emerald-green dress, see our selection below for our Free People maxi pick in a similar gemstone shade. 

Keep it monochrome for a polished look 

The simplicity of Elle Fanning’s Givenchy dress proves that ribbons can be playful without feeling over the top. For a more refined take on the trend, follow her lead with a monochrome colour palette. 

The shades black and white offer a quiet confidence, they’re a classic and, for that reason, always look effortlessly chic. For a fresh take on the LBD, take a look at the monochromatic Sister Jane option in our shopping edit below. 

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands