First things first: You may be tempted to use whatever ribbon you have lying around after gift wrapping to try this out—and that’s totally fine. Just keep in mind a few tricks of the trade, so to speak, that we’ve noticed.

The effect of a ribbon around one’s neck is a curious mix of androgyny and girlishness—and when not so neatly tied, it all comes together. A ribbon—especially one in a bright color—is 100 percent feminine in such a simple way. Keeping it just a bit imperfect bucks tradition and pairing it with a tomboy button-down will temper its inherent girliness. Plus, let’s be honest, could there be a more appropriately timed style tweak?

Julia is wearing a Madewell Duskfall Stretch Blazer, Oversized Button-Down Shirt and Skinny Skinny Jeans in Madewell Rinse.

See more style tweaks we’ve noticed here.

Photography by Angi Welsch.