Wrapped Up With a Bow

Remember those plastic bow hair clips you wore in elementary school? The cute ribbon-adorned dresses and bow-print shirts that made you feel oh-so-pretty? Good news, girly-girls: The versatile detail has transcended youthful whimsy to become wrapped up in the grandeur of high fashion.

In other words: bows are officially cool.

The proof? Aside from the domination of this ladylike runway look, a slew of today's favorite fashion leaders are embracing the charming trend (without going Gaga). Channel your inner little girl with these fresh takes on the classically feminine style.

Fashion Week isn't complete without a taste of Alexa Chung's uniquely charming style. Case in point: This red off-the-shoulder Valentino dress (a celeb favorite this year) paired with her Charlotte Olympia cat slippers. Sweet style purrfection!

After witnessing the couture aftermath of Christian Dior without Galliano, the fashion world waited with bated breath to see what the line had in store for spring. It was delightful to see a return to the design house's '50s roots with romantic offerings like this cream organza dress.

Everyone's favorite New Girl, Zooey Deschanel, has been a trailblazer for hyper-girly styles. Even her show's character proudly defended her youthful affinity, "I brake for birds. I rock a lot of polka dots. I have touched glitter in the last 24 hours... and I hate your pant suit and I wish it had ribbons on it to make it slightly cute!"

Giambattista Valli never ceases to enchant with his exuberantly frivolous collections. His spring couture line was heavily infused with retro glamour and standout feminine detailing (think Audrey Hepburn with a touch of Mae West).

For the Deauville Film Festival, cult fashion icon Kate Bosworth double-bowed her look with this black Valentino dress and lacy wire-frame clutch. She proved exactly how to make the trend timelessly graceful without a hint of juvenility.

Secretary-chic ascot bows were a big hit in the spring shows, popping up in the collections of Oscar de la Renta and Rachel Zoe. It's no surprise Jason Wu's fearlessly feminine designs incorporated the collar accent. He didn't even let you contemplate a dowdy risk by pairing this bow-necked blouse with sexy hot pants.

Undoubtedly you've seen this shining Contrarian dress on Taylor Swift, but the metallic number perfectly showcases her red carpet aesthetic. Even her street style has a smart girlish vibe—take this bow-print sweater, for example.

Miuccia Prada's diffusion line, Miu Miu, is always full of irresistibly playful looks. Spring 2012 conjured up imaginings of an avant-garde Little Red Riding Hood with tie-neck capes and lace coats. She countered the girlification with fiery red eye shadow (certain to ward off a Big Bad Wolf).