How can I pull off a pussy bow blouse without looking matronly?
The pussy bow blouse is trending in more ways than one, thanks to the hot pink Gucci blouse and pants outfit that Mrs Melania Trump - wife of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump - wore to the second United States presidential debate early last month.
To avoid looking too similar to Mrs Trump, however, Ms Ysabel Tao, a personal shopper consultant at Robinsons The Heeren, suggests choosing a blouse in a sheer fabric, or one trimmed with lace.
Also, try tying the bows to the side or leave the ends draping, and contrast the romantic-looking top with edgier separates such as military jackets, velvet skirts and widelegged trousers.
Since the focus of the outfit should be the pussy bow, make-up should be minimal.
Ms Tao says: "The hair should be pulled back into a slick ponytail, or tucked behind the ears. One could try adding a pop of colour on the lips."
She shares a few outfit ideas:
1. Look masculine and feminine at the same time
"Tuck the blouse into a midi, high-waisted pencil skirt. To keep the look modern and stylish, don a broad-shoulder blazer so the outfit showcases a balance of masculinity and femininity."
Product suggestions: Guipure lace shirt with bow, $55.90, from Mango; jungle print midi pencil skirt, $295, from Bimba Y Lola; and flat strappy shoes, $89.90, from Zara.
2. Laidback and fashionable look
"For a more casual look, try matching the blouse with culottes or denim jeans, and dress the feet with a pair of pointy or laced up flats. This ensures the look exudes a more laidback, yet fashionable, vibe."
Product suggestions: High-neck floral print blouse, $89.90, from Marks & Spencer; denim jeans with button-fly detail, $110.80, from iRoo; and flat strappy shoes, $89.90, from Zara.
3. Retro-inspired look
"Pair the blouse with a pair of widelegged trousers. Complete the outfit with chunky platform loafers."
Product suggestions: Printed silk blouse, $99.90, from Uniqlo x Carine Roitfeld (exclusively at Uniqlo Orchard Central and available online from Nov 11); silk mesh trousers, $245, from Cos; and faux leather and suede lug-sole moccasins, $56.90, from Charles & Keith.
4. Preppy look
"Layer the blouse under a fitted sweater vest, with the pussy bow showing at the front. Match with a midi-pleated skirt for a preppy back-to-school look."
Product suggestions: Pink shortsleeved pussy bow sweater, $53, from G2000; glitter pleat midi skirt, $129, from Topshop; and faux leather and suede lug-sole moccasins, $56.90, from Charles & Keith.
