Springtime calls for a little romanticism and what better way to embody the seasonal spirit than to cop the exaggerated puff sleeve trend that’s become even more prominent in 2021 – off and on the runways.

From dresses with massive ballooned shoulders to outerwear with gathered sleeves, designers have been playing with this whimsical style of dressing wholeheartedly. While some brands embraced femininity, many others brought a tougher attitude to this standout sleeve silhouette. Get in on the trend with our top picks:

Frame Denim Gillian puff sleeve poplin top

An upgrade to your usual button-up blouse, the puff structure with ruching and shirred details on the shoulder and back will allow you to stand out at the office and beyond. 

Available on lanecrawford.com

Ganni checked seersucker mini dress

Fitted for daytime, this lightweight dress is cut from micro-checked seersucker and detailed with an oversized pilgrim collar and balloon sleeves. You can style it with a pair of ballet flats, or bring in a masculine edge with a handsome pair of combat boots. 

Available on NET-A-PORTER

Simone Rocha ruffled cloque mini dress

The designer mused over a portrait of Royal mistress Nell Gwyn while crafting this mini dress. Cut with a square necklace and puffed lantern sleeves, and panelled to mimic corsets that speak of a different time, the spongy navy cloque masked with spring flower motifs then gave it a contemporary appeal. 

Available on NET-A-PORTER

Mame Kurogouchi black cotton classic midi dress

This cotton jersey dress with a rib-knit crewneck collar and cuffs appeals to modern-day cool girls with a dash of nonchalance. 

Available on ssense.com

Artclub Aster one-shoulder midi dress

Founder Heidi Middleton opted for a neutral palette for this piece to be easily dressed up and down. Cut from silk-dupioni, the drama is focused on the silhouette with a voluminous one-shoulder neckline and accented with plush velvet ties that effortlessly sit around the narrowest part of your waist. 

Available on NET-A-PORTER

Rotate Birger Christensen Irina jacquard dress

Speaking of theatrics, this occasion-appropriate dress made from blue jacquard is a stunner. It has a pretty sweetheart neckline and darted bodice to accentuate your figure in all the right ways. 

Available on NET-A-PORTER

See also: Trend alert: Designer iPhone cases are the new mini bags