Neo-bourgeois originated in the 1970s as a style meant to emulate modern elegance, more sophisticated and formal than what surrounded it, reimagining older formal dress in a modern way. Pussy bow blouses are the signature. Blazers go over them, often with an interesting cut or unusual buttons. Plaid or tweed mini skirts and pleated midi skirts cover the bottoms. Heeled leather boots go below, with a monochromatic designer bag. Contemporary versions recut those pieces or add unexpected colors and patterns.