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Fashion: Take a bow – how to wear summer's biggest party fashion trend

Supersized bows were all over the spring/summer catwalks. Katie Wright has the trend all tied up

Lovers + Friends Kendall Blouse, £126; Grlfrnd Helena High-Rise Cut Off Shorts, £103, all from Revolve
Lovers + Friends Kendall Blouse, £126; Grlfrnd Helena High-Rise Cut Off Shorts, £103, all from Revolve Lovers + Friends Kendall Blouse, £126; Grlfrnd Helena High-Rise Cut Off Shorts, £103, all from Revolve

MORE than just a fastening, bows were a major fashion statement on the spring/summer catwalks, with swathes of silk looped to create huge 3D embellishments on gowns and oversized ribbons adorning cocktail dresses.

At the Met Gala in May, Elizabeth Debicki was perfectly dressed for the 'camp' theme in a powder pink bow-topped gown by Salvatore Ferragamo.

But how do you wear the supersized bow look if you haven't got a glitzy gala event to go to?

Luckily, the high street's interpretations of the trend are a lot more wearable – they're still perfect for partying though.

Whether it's a wedding, garden party or birthday night-out, a catwalk-inspired pencil dress with bow detailing on the top half is always a winner.

Play up the 80s associations with diamante detailing, luxe satin or velvet textures and one-shoulder silhouettes.

Colour-wise, keep it simple with monochrome hues and a lipstick shade as an accent – think scarlet, fuchsia or frosted pink.

You can BYOB (bring your own bow) with a silk scarf tied around your neck, or a bow-adorned scrunchie to top off your look – huge hair bows were also big news on the catwalks.

Ready to take a bow? Here's our pick of the best catwalk-inspired pieces on the high street...

:: Lovers + Friends Kendall Blouse, £126; Grlfrnd Helena High-Rise Cut Off Shorts, currently reduced to £103 from £156, Revolve

:: Bonprix Rose Print Dress, from £34.99

:: Coast Bow Back Bandeau Bodice, £89; Split Front Full Maxi Skirt, £159

:: Roman Black Bow Detail Dress, currently reduced to £35 from £48

:: River Island Black Velvet Bow Bodycon Dress, currently reduced to £15 from £36

:: Pretty Little Thing White Bow Detail Midi Dress, currently reduced to £18 from £20

:: The Fashion Bible Darcy Red Bow Dress, £29.99, Silk Fred

:: Accessorize Emily PU Bow Clutch Bag, £25

:: Lipsy Lightweight Pleated Wrap Scarf, £25, Next

:: New Look Pale Pink Bow Hairband, £3.99

:: Lipsy Bow Mule Sandals, £24, Next