Swoon Worthy Sleeves

This season it is all about the statement sleeve!

Statement sleeves of all shapes and sizes have been making waves for a while now having dominated the SS17 Fashion Week runways in New York, Paris and Milan. From bishop and bell to trumpet and cut-out, every variation imaginable graced the catwalks of fashion houses like Gucci, Celine and J.W. Anderson. Playful, larger than life sleeves is now one of the key trends for Spring Summer ’17 and (yet) another reason for me to go shopping!!

With most fashion houses and brands creating their own iterations, sleeves are fantastically frivolous and a tad theatrical (if not a little impractical – anyone who’s tried to eat soup while wearing a bell sleeve sweater will feel me!). So to make sure your sleeves steal  the spotlight, I’ve rounded up my top 5 sleeve trends to invest in right now (click the images to shop my picks).

1.  Bell Sleeve 

Probably the most prolific of all the sleeve styles, the bell sleeve is fitted on the shoulder and flares out into a wide bell shape towards the wrist. This shape, while nodding to hippy, boho references,  is modern, achingly chic and instantly updates even the simplest of outfits. I love this bell sleeve sweater from M&S (and so does every other blogger in the land if my insta feed is anything to go by!).

2. Bishop Sleeve

The bishop sleeve, a balloon shape that tapers into a cuff at the wrist, creates a soft and feminine silhouette and looks great in floaty chiffon and lace. Go as exaggerated as you dare with this one! This ditsy floral blouse from Topshop covers the sleeve, ruffles and floral trend. Talk about multi-tasking!!

3. Flounce Sleeve

While quite similar to the bell sleeve, the flounce sleeve is more subtle and ultra feminine. With a ruffle effect, the flounce sleeve can come in all sizes from small and dainty at the wrist to dramatic styles coming from the elbow. I love this flared sleeve tunic dress from & other stories as it’s a subtle nod to the sleeve craze for anyone looking to dip their toes into the trend.

4. Tiered/ Ruffle Sleeve

To up the ante on the flounce sleeve go for rows of deep or dainty frills and get ready to shake your maracas with this exotic inspired style. These sleeves are loud, fun and frivolous and are a fave with the uber cool street-style set. I adore this Zara tiered sleeve sweater. It is a total nightmare to wear under a coat but fashion is not meant to be functional right??!

5. Balloon Sleeve

This sleeve style is puffed up perfection and is a really fun way to play with the proportions of your look. Balloon sleeves are a great way to add some drama to your look and works well with heavier materials like jersey and cotton. This Zara sweatshirt is the stuff my embroidery and sleeve dreams are made of.

An honourable mention must also go to the cold shoulder/ cut-out trend that has been on the scene for some time but shows no sign of dying down any time soon. A shout out must also go the power shoulder; go big and boxy with this one and channel your inner Alexis Carrington.

So whether puffed or bell-shaped it’s time to let your sleeves do the talking!

Stylishly yours,

Trish xx