STAR TRENDS

Waist Watchers

Natasha Richardson tops off her Shoshanna dress with a striking cinch at a theater gala in April To see more Star Trends visit PEOPLE.COM

(PEOPLE) -- 'Tis the season for tying the knot, and stars like Brittany Murphy and Christina Ricci have gotten a little loopy, accentuating their waistlines with pretty bows.

"It adds a feminine touch," says Bad Company's Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, who tied one on for a recent film premiere.

Designer Roberto Cavalli agrees. "A bow brings a touch of romanticism to an outfit," he says. "It's a nostalgic expression of elegance."

MORE STORIES PEOPLE's Steven Cojocaru answers your most burning fashion questions    MORE FASHION NEWS Behind the Seams: Get the latest fashion gossip from PEOPLE   E-MAIL Sign up  for the new Stylewatch Fashion E-mail featuring Steven Cojocaru

The style dates back to the mid-19th century, when "accessories were a sign of wealth," says Kevin Jones, museum collections manager at L.A.'s Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. But today, adds Jones, "you can add a bow to a dress or jeans and personalize a look easily and cheaply."

Keeping the bow tied, though, is another matter.

"Bows have a natural tendency to come loose," warns L.A. stylist Brenda Cooper. "They do require maintenance and sometimes retying. You definitely have to keep an eye on them."