"Some dresses, like if it has a big bow... are too old-ladyish on me," said Katie Holmes in this month's InStyle magazine. "If I can wear it when I'm 80 I'm going to wait."
While Mrs. Cruise might think bows are best left to Suri or Helen Mirren (both equally chic), she should possibly reconsider: Both dramatic and demure bows have looped their way into everything, from dresses to sashes to hair clips. The girlish, playful accent graced Fall 2010 runways, including Armani Privé and Christian Dior, and even captured celebrities style, such as Emma Stone and Zoe Saldana.
With so many cute and affordable options next season, it's an easy way to add some bold, feminine flair to your wardrobe. Why wait till your 80?
Knitted bow scarf, $54, Emmadine
Bow Monde Dress in silk taffeta, $79.99, JCrew.com
Big bow large canvas tote bag, $24, Etsy.com
Major Scale Dress, $74.99, Modcloth.com
ASOS Bow Denim Blouse, $60.34, ASOS.com
Marina chiffon bow shoes, $55, Topshop
ASOS Bow Skinny Belt, $10.34, ASOS.com
Wendy Katlen short dress, $59.99, Yoox.com
More: Get Duchess Kate's royal look - for much less