When you think of fashion trends, you might be thinking about floral prints and Maxi skirts or over-the-top stilettos and fashionable flat sandals. Do you ever think about your sleeves? Many people do not give a thought about how to style sleeves but the runways at Fashion Week carried some of the boldest sleeve styles you could possibly imagine. Let’s look at some of the sleeve styles you may be seeing this fall and how to wear them.
Extra-Long Sleeves
Although these sleeves appear oversized and stretched out, they are among the top sleeves worn at the moment. These statement sleeves can be found on delicate tops, button-up shirts, beautiful dresses and even casual knitwear. Extra-long sleeves are statement pieces and they go best with a simple pair of jeans or black pants. Be sure to wear them with heels or you may be looking a little short. This sleeve style can be worn in various ways so let your creative imagination work for you.
- With a Trench Coat: You can wear a cute top with extra-long sleeves peeking out from under a trench coat. Add this ensemble with your favorite pair of high-waist jeans for a great look.
- Casual Look: With a classic button-up blouse, you can leave your top untucked and your cuffs unbuttoned for that classic yet casual look.
- Pajama Days: Nail the pajama look by throwing on a knit sweatshirt over the button-up blouse. Be sure to leave the cuffs hanging past the sweatshirt and add a pair of fashionable PJ’s for that effortless and chic look.
- Built-in Gloves: On chilly days, pull out your extended sleeve sweater and treat them like gloves for a subtle and fashionable way to wear your extra-long sleeves.
Bell Sleeves
Bell sleeves are similar to the traditional extra-long sleeve style but they tend to flare out wide, toward the wrist. Bell sleeves can be found on a wide array of chic tops and sleek dresses and they add a unique burst of material to even the simplest of attires. You will find that bell sleeves have their own subcategories such as extra-wide flares, ruffle flares and flares that tie at the elbow. Like the traditional style of extra-long sleeves, bell sleeves should be paired with simplicity in mind. Your favorite neutral colored pants or slacks are all you need to make this style work for you.
Flounce Sleeves
Flounce sleeves have a similar silhouette to bell sleeves but are considered more subtle and feminine. This style was designed by attaching a circular-shaped fabric to the sleeve to create a ruffle effect with a flare. The flare of flounce sleeves can vary from a subtle ruffle at the wrist to a large ruffle which starts at the elbow. Keep in mind that shirts with a small flounce is considered a casual style which should be paired with low-heeled shoes and clothing such as jeans or skirts. However, large or dramatic flounce sleeves are best with standout dresses and an attention-grabbing style.
Bishop Sleeves
Bishop sleeves are also designed with softness and femininity in mind. This type of sleeve is generally seen on an array of lovely dresses and blouses. Bishop sleeves have a balloon look toward the lower arm before gathering into a cuff at the wrist. This style of sleeve is usually seen in sheer fabrics such as lace and chiffon.
Off-The-Shoulder Sleeves
Off-the-shoulder sleeves provide a flash of skin at the shoulders for a sexy, feminine and eye-catching style. This type of sleeve makes you feel like you are vacationing in the lap of luxury while sipping on a cocktail or enjoying a holiday. Off-the-shoulder sleeves can be found on many kinds of tops and dresses including ones with ruffles, patterns and soft fabrics.
Cold-Shoulder Sleeves
Cold-shoulder sleeves have grown in popularity along with off-the-shoulder sleeves. This style is ideal for women who choose to bare a little less skin than off-the-shoulder sleeves since they only show a subtle amount of skin at the tops of the arms. These cold-shoulder sleeves are both modern and chic but they are also more practical than off-the-shoulder sleeves since you can wear them all year long. Cold-shoulder sleeves are gorgeous and leaves the person without the worry of the sleeves slipping up or the top slipping down.
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