Before, the word “statement” used to call to mind loud prints or outsize jewelry. Now, amped up, cleverly detailed sleeves are claiming their rightful place in the spotlight. No longer simply short, long or absent, sleeves are part of the reason our outerwear is getting so oversized. How else could we accommodate all the ruffles, poufs and ostrich feathers?
Fall 2016 saw the rise of the street-sweeping sleeve trend and by Spring 2017, our erstwhile overlooked arm armor had taken on a life of its own. Balloon sleeves fit for princesses walked the runways of Gucci, Simone Rocha and Anna Sui. Seventies-inspired flares solidified their reign at Sonia Rykiel, Chanel, Ellery and Marques’Almeida. And the sleeve renaissance didn’t stop at bells and bubbles.
It’s time to look beyond the straight and narrow. Whether you’re ready to pull a full-on Madonna or think your typical tailoring could use some subtle tricks, click through the slideshow below for eight statement sleeve trends to shop now.
Statement Sleeves
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Bubble Sleeves
This princess-worthy silhouette gives the illusion of a smaller waist. Celebrate your femininity — wear with miniskirts and tights. High-rise denim also works.
Images: Dsquared2 Spring 2017, Simone Rocha Spring 2017, Kenzo Spring 2017; Imaxtree
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Zara
Puff Sleeve T-Shirt, $39.90 at Zara
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J.W.Anderson
Puffed Sleeve Cloud Jumper, $968 at Dante 5
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Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons
Oversized Puff Sleeve Top, $344.31 at Farfetch
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Accented Tees
Combine the simple with the unexpected. Fluff, bow and ruffle up your typical toppers. We could all use a little dose of whimsy, your everyday uniform included.
Images: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2017, Chloe Spring 2017, Prada Spring 2017; Imaxtree
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J.Crew
Ruffle-Sleeve Top, $59.50 at J.Crew
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Farrow
Castel Blouse, $57.99 at Need Supply Co.
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Clu
Faux Fur and Silk Organza-Trimmed Cotton and Modal-Blend Top, $220 at Net-a-Porter
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Balloon Sleeves
Floaty and ethereal, balloon sleeves can be as cinched and Victorian (Fendi) or lengthy and modern (Jil Sander) as you like. That said, stick to a neutral palette and tonal ensembles when styling.
Images: Fendi Spring 2017, Anna Sui Spring 2017, Jil Sander Spring 2017; Imaxtree
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Ellery
Regency High-Neck Fil Coupé Shirt, $1,211 at Matches Fashion
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Burberry
Brushed-Back Jersey Sweatshirt With Bell Sleeves, $295 at Burberry
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COS
A-Line Top With Tied Cuffs, $89 at COS
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Bell Sleeves
Flare — both on sleeves and stems — is the silhouette du jour. The trend allows wide room for interpretation, hence its popularity. Wear yours with everything from denim to tailored skirts.
Images: Chanel Spring 2017, Marques ' Almeida Spring 2017, Sonia Rykiel Spring 2017; Imaxtree
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Stelen
Cleo Top, $68 at Need Supply Co.
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Pixie Market
Striped Ruffled Sleeve Cuff Shirt, $62 at Pixie Market
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Fenty x Puma By Rihanna
Cropped Top With Extreme Long Sleeves, $196 at ASOS
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ASOS
Denim Top With Flared Sleeve, $46 at ASOS
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Opening Ceremony
Smocked Bell-Sleeve Top, $325 at Opening Ceremony
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Pixie Market
Bella Tie Bell Sleeve Top, $102 at Pixie Market
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Cutout Sleeves
Negative space yields positive results, whether you're decorating or dressing. Style cutout sleeves with everything from knee-length shorts to voluminous skirts.
Images: Alexander Wang Spring 2017, Delpozo Spring 2017, ADEAM Spring 2017; Imaxtree
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Helmut Lang
Black Baby Rib Slash T-Shirt, $160 at SSENSE
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Dion Lee
Sleeve Release Sweater, $545 at FWRD
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LPA
Top 9, $178 at LPA
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Detached Sleeves
Months ago in Miami, Kim Kardashian spoke to the sex appeal of the detached sleeve (in Givenchy, natch). Wear with pedal pushers a la Kim or cutoff denim for a more understated look.
Images: Roberto Cavalli Spring 2017, Ann Demeulemeester Spring 2017, Emilio de la Morena Spring 2017; Imaxtree
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J. Mendel
Ruffle Shoulder Blouse, $895 at Shopbop
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Isa Arfen
Knot-Front Ruffled Cotton and Silk-Blend Top, $617 at Matches Fashion
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Forever 21
Contemporary Flounce Tie Shirt, $17.90 at Forever 21
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Slit Sleeves
An easy way to make elongated sleeves wearable is by slitting them at their seams. Damsel vibes without the helplessness of limited hand function? That's a win-win. Up the tomboy factor — wear with wide-leg, tailored bottoms.
Images: Lacoste Spring 2017, David Koma Spring 2017, Hellessy Spring 2017; Imaxtree
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Mango
Poplin Blouse, $34.99 at Mango
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Tibi
Mock Rib V-Neck Sweater, $445 at Tibi
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Jacquemus
Cutout Ribbed Wool Turtleneck Sweater, $445 at Net-a-Porter
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Stacked Ruffles
While ruffles walked the runways in infinite iterations, one easy way to wear them is on your sleeves and with a Latin flair. Contrary to Jacquemus, we do advise pairing tiered tops with tailored pants or midis.
Images: Loewe Spring 2017, Jacquemus Spring 2017, Gucci Spring 2017; Imaxtree
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Zara
Lace Tunic With Frills, $69.90 at Zara
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Co
Tiered-Sleeve Knit Sweater, $730 at Neiman Marcus
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C/Meo Collective
Spelt Out Long Sleeve Top, $128 at Shopbop
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Topshop
Lace Frill Long Sleeve Blouse, $80 at Topshop
