Gwyneth taps into the power of the pussy-bow blouse
In European palaces and American courtrooms, the power blouse rules. Pussy bows, specifically, are having a moment – the neckline of choice for the Princess of Wales on a diplomatic mission, and for actress-turned-wellness-guru Gwyneth Paltrow, on trial and out for vindication in Utah.
You only have to look at the small and pretty knot on Gwyneth’s blush pink silk shirt to appreciate how the pussy bow’s power can be harnessed. The top comes from her own Goop G. Label, and signals soft power in the way that all of her creamy knitted trial looks have. She claims she is being sued because she is famous – the blouse represents her claims of innocence, while showing she is still taking the accusations seriously.
Throughout history, the tie-neck style has been loaded with political meaning and social status, and first became a symbol of female power dressing when worn by Margaret Thatcher in the late 1970s. Depending on their wearer’s attitude, pussy bows can at once appear sweet yet business-ready. They could be neat and chic on a suited Keira Knightley, or Harry Styles-level flamboyant.
For others in the public eye, the done-up neckline acts as an armour; it symbolises a type of "you’ve got this" polish and togetherness. Pamela Anderson, while taking back control of the negative narrative that has surrounded her career, promoted her self-made Netflix documentary in a houndstooth skirt suit and trussed-up neck last month.
The Princess of Wales, like the late Princess Diana before her, has several pussy-bow blouses in her wardrobe. This month, she wore an emerald version with a darker green trouser suit to promote eco-friendly trade with Norway (see what she did there?). She also recently played the same colour palette styling trick by wearing a pale pink style with a burgundy trouser suit.
Historically, female politicians have harnessed the pussy bow’s power, with mixed success. US vice president Kamala Harris wore a white silk pussy bow blouse to claim her historic victory alongside Joe Biden in November 2020. Liz Truss attempted to echo Thatcher by wearing one on her way to the top in 2022, at the beginning of the Tory leadership contest. Perhaps tellingly, she hasn’t worn one in public since… The power blouse is nothing if not versatile.
Others who have worn the look with conviction in the last month span Queen Letizia of Spain to actress Cate Blanchett, at events from palace receptions to red carpet premieres. Never has a season gone by when some form of pussy bow blouse has been omitted from the catwalk – this year, it was Saint Laurent that teamed them with broad-shouldered blazers and spray-on leggings for a strong, no pussyfooting silhouette.
In everyday life, I’d argue, the messaging and styling flourish comes down to the way your knot is tied. For relaxed vibes, opt for a low, loose or even open neckline, and wear with 1970s-worthy flared jeans. Go bigger, and you’ve got more of a Sybil Fawlty theatre to your look. In a boardroom, a skinny tie looks sharp under a jacket, mimicking the pulled-together polish of a man’s tie.
There are pussy bows galore for everyone – whether you wield much actual power, or just fancy dabbling for effect.
Try these
Clockwise from top left: Cotton blouse, £60, La Redoute; Silk blouse and bow, £295, Winser London; Silk satin blouse, £250, ME+EM; Silk blouse, £120, & Other Stories; Polka dot blouse, £29.99, Mango
