Playful Bows And Vintage Prints Dominate 2026 Fashion

On January 28, 2026, the world of fashion found itself at an intriguing crossroads, where nostalgia and novelty collided on the racks and in the wardrobes of both everyday shoppers and international celebrities. Marks & Spencer’s Pure Cotton Bow Detail Collared Shirt, priced at £36, was making waves among British shoppers, while the iconic Prada lip print from the spring/summer 2000 collection—recently sported by Harry Styles and Lily Allen—was experiencing a full-blown renaissance, according to British Vogue. It seems that, in an era marked by uncertainty, the sartorial urge for playfulness and comfort is stronger than ever.

Let’s start on the high street. Marks & Spencer, a stalwart of British retail, has been enjoying a surge in demand for its Pure Cotton Bow Detail Collared Shirt. The shirt, available in sizes 6 to 20, is currently listed as both “popular” and “trending now” on the M&S website. What sets it apart? A trio of oversized bows running down the button-through front, paired with a rounded hem that’s just begging to be worn untucked. The product’s description promises a “feminine addition to your smart-casual wardrobe rotation,” crafted from pure cotton in an easy regular fit with long cuffed sleeves.

Customer feedback has been enthusiastic, with many praising the shirt’s quality, fit, and whimsical bow detail. One happy shopper gushed, “This shirt is lovely on but would go down a size because of the pleat in the back.” Karo, another reviewer, wrote, “Superb piece, great cut and length, easy to style but hard to iron (the bows detail). Great quality!” Others echoed these sentiments, noting the fabric’s “good weight and quality,” and the shirt’s versatility—“can be dressed up or down,” Jaycee commented. Mily chimed in, “Lovely shirt can be dressed up or casual, the bows are a playful fun look great with jeans.”

Of course, not every review was glowing. Tam pointed out, “The shirt fitted well and the bows are very attractive, but the fabric (100% cotton) was very stiff. Not sure if this would have softened after washing so unfortunately, decided to return.” Still, the overall consensus is that the shirt is a hit, offering a dose of lighthearted charm in a sea of basics.

Marks & Spencer isn’t the only brand capitalizing on this wave of playful femininity. The retailer is also offering a Pure Cotton Broderie Long Sleeve Blouse for £30, while Boden’s Embroidered Cotton Shirt White-Navy Embroidery, priced at £75 and available in sizes 4 to 22, provides a more upscale alternative. River Island’s White Broderie Long Sleeve Shirt—£49 and also available in blue—rounds out the options for those looking to refresh their wardrobe with a crisp, white classic, albeit with a twist.

But the story doesn’t end with the British high street. Across the Atlantic and in the world of high fashion, a different sort of nostalgia is sweeping the scene. As reported by British Vogue, Prada’s lip print from the spring/summer 2000 collection is back in the limelight, thanks in no small part to celebrity endorsements. Harry Styles, known for his fearless approach to fashion, wore a custom lip print shirt from Prada SS00 in his music video for “Aperture.” Lily Allen, never one to shy away from a bold motif, was recently spotted in Mexico wearing a crop top featuring the same lip print.

Fashion insiders have taken note. Back in 1999, when Prada’s SS00 collection first hit the runway, Vogue Runway described the lip print as evoking “a cosmopolitan panache not seen since the jet-set ’70s and early ’80s.” The motif quickly became a collector’s item, famously gracing the wardrobe of Charlotte York in season three of Sex and the City. For Kate Russel of Sweet Disorder Vintage, who currently stocks a lip-stamped blouse from the collection, the print’s appeal lies in its “IYKYK” (if you know, you know) status. “If you recognize the print, you are a fashion savant; it gives people a feeling of satisfaction and status,” she told Vogue.

There’s a certain delight, Russel added, in realizing that the “pretty print is actually lips—you’ve understood an inside joke.” While lip prints first appeared on textiles in the 1930s and 1940s, it’s Prada’s version that has become the ultimate trophy piece for vintage collectors. Misty Guerriero, founder of Vintage By Misty, explained, “Pieces from this era capture a sense of fun and novelty that people are craving again. The Y2K era is a time that now feels deeply nostalgic.”

Why now? According to Russel, the current climate—marked by multiple global crises—has left many seeking comfort and levity in their clothing choices. “Celebs wearing the print introduces it to a larger audience, and educates the audience about a world that was mainly the province of hardcore fashion nerds. It widens the appeal.” In other words, what was once a niche obsession is now a mainstream trend, with demand (and prices) for vintage Prada lip print pieces on the rise.

This interplay between mainstream and high fashion, between new releases and vintage gems, speaks to a broader cultural moment. On one hand, shoppers are snapping up pieces like the M&S bow shirt for their playful, accessible twist on tradition. On the other, the resurgence of the Prada lip print—fueled by celebrity sightings and a yearning for the exuberance of the early 2000s—reflects a collective desire to recapture a sense of joy and novelty.

It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, too. Clothing, after all, has always been about more than mere utility. It’s a way to express identity, to signal belonging (or nonconformity), and, at times, to inject a little fun into the everyday. Whether you’re drawn to the crisp bows of a Marks & Spencer shirt or the sly wink of a Prada lip print, the message is clear: fashion, at its best, offers both comfort and a canvas for self-expression.

With the renewed interest in Y2K-era motifs and playful details, it’s safe to say that 2026’s fashion landscape is as much about nostalgia as it is about innovation. As new shoppers discover the delights of a well-placed bow or a cheeky lip print, and as vintage aficionados hunt for the next big thing, the world of style continues to prove that what’s old can be new again—and that a little whimsy goes a long way.

For those seeking a wardrobe refresh this season, the choices are as varied as they are inviting. Whether you opt for a trending high-street shirt or a coveted vintage designer piece, one thing’s for certain: fashion’s playful side is having a well-deserved moment in the sun.