The Sunday News
Rutendo Chidawanyika
THIS season, it’s all about statement sleeves. From bell-shaped and extra-long to balloon and cold-shoulder, attention grabbing sleeves are stealing the spotlight. Before, the word “statement” used to refer to mind loud prints or outsize earrings. At the moment amped up, cleverly detailed sleeves are claiming their rightful place in the fashion world. No longer simply short, long or absent, sleeves are part of the reason our outerwear is getting so oversized. In case you have been left in the dark, these are THE in sleeves.
Balloon Sleeves
The balloon sleeve is a definite must have. While extra-long sleeves are stretched out, balloon sleeves are puffed up to be short and wide. The round style is then gathered at the end, so the overall shape resembles a semi-deflated balloon. This unique sleeve plays with proportion in a way that’s different to all the other statement sleeves, which is why you need it. The design looks particularly great when paired with a fitted bodice and worn with cropped, straight or wide-leg pants.
Cold-Shoulder Sleeves
The cold shoulder sleeve is the sister to the off-shoulder sleeve. This type of sleeve is perfect for women who like to bare a little less skin, cold-shoulder designs feature a flash of skin just on the tops of arms. Appearing like a regular design with cut-outs at the shoulders, cold-shoulder sleeves are modern and chic. Despite being less impactful than off-the-shoulder designs, cold-shoulder sleeves have the benefit of being more practical. After all, with the addition of the bodice top, there’s more support and sleeves can be looser. This means that there’s no need to worry about your sleeves slipping up or top slipping down! The style is also gorgeous and looks great when paired with long, flowing silhouettes.
Ruffle Sleeves
These sleeves are loud, fun and attention-loving. They were spotted in the streets recently. Choose between different sizes and amounts of ruffles for different variations on this trend. Whether you choose ruffles that completely cover the sleeve or ones that start from the elbow, these sleeves are all the statement you need. Get rid of loud colours and patterns and opt for the plain black and white colours instead. Pair your ruffle sleeve shirt with simple designs such as cropped, straight-leg trousers. The straight-forward style will keep your look super stylish and chic, rather than letting it go over-the-top.
Bell Sleeve
This sleeve has been on runways overseas for the past couple of seasons. Fitted on the shoulder and flaring out wide toward the wrist, the bell sleeve is the same as it always was, yet totally different. It has graduated from the bohemian look, the new bell sleeve is modern and utterly chic. From sleek dresses to cool tops and even knits, bell sleeves add a unique flair to even the simplest of outfits. The bigger the sleeve the better, extra-wide flares, ones made of modern, structured materials, flares that tie at the elbow and ruffle designs are all key styles you need. Remember to keep the rest of your look toned down. A simple silhouette in a neutral colour palette is all you need to finish this look.
Layered Sleeves
While large bell and ruffles sleeves may garner more instant attention, layered sleeves are equally as stylish if not more so! While this sleeve appears quite simple at first glance, it’s actually quite complex. Despite being able to use pieces that are already in your wardrobe, layered sleeves require effort to get right. Likewise, fabrics should be similar (textured with textured, smooth with smooth) yet not the same. Then finish with length and shape, remembering to always wear the thicker and shorter sleeve on top. That’s what the fashion experts say. Complicated! Good news is if this one fails, you have other options.
Extra-Long Sleeves
They may not be practical, but extra-long sleeves are totally in fashion at the moment. Appearing oversized and stretched out, these extra-long sleeves have made a cool “rough around the edges” statement for many fashion week outfits of late. These sleeves have taken their place on button-up shirts, delicate tops, casual knitwear and even glamorous dresses as they continue to dominate the world of street style. Like other statement pieces, extra-long sleeves tend to look best when paired with basic items, so wear yours with a simple pair of blue jeans or black pants. Also, remember that such long sleeves can pull the eye down and leave you looking short, so always wear heels.
Flounce Sleeves
Despite having a similar silhouette to bell sleeves, flounce sleeves tend to be slightly more subtle and feminine. The style is created by attaching a separate piece of circular-cut fabric to the sleeve. This creates a ruffle effect that gives flounce sleeves their flare. There are the small and simple designs that lightly flared out toward the wrist and then there were the dramatic types that featured large flounces attached at the elbows.
Bishop Sleeves
While bell sleeves look sleek and chic, bishop sleeves appear soft and feminine. Most commonly spotted on lovely dresses, bishop sleeves complement the outfits to which they belong while remaining a stand-out feature in their own right. The style, which balloons out toward the lower arm before gathering into a cuff at the wrist, looks best in sheer fabrics such as chiffon and lace designs.
Off-the-Shoulder Sleeves
Off-the-shoulder sleeves have been trending for some time now, and they’re only getting more popular. The sexy style provides a daring yet delicate flash of skin at the shoulders that’s both feminine and eye-catching. Perfect for sunny days spent sipping cocktails, these statement sleeves make it feel like you’re on a holiday every day. Whether you’re actually on vacation or simply dreaming of the day, off-the-shoulder tops and dresses should definitely be on high rotation in your closet.
Statement sleeves are revamping the retro feel with modern variations. They are the latest supreme reign to bring in a perfection of fun and drama in the fashion world. They give a sassy ultra-feminine feel, with the above different types of sleeves you are good to go. Sleeve theatre, get your drama on. —Additional information from Online sources.
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