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
Photo: Frame Denim
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.