Trend Report: Puffy Sleeves
It's not a secret that strong shoulders are having a serious fashion moment this season. Quite the opposite, in fact, as jackets, dresses, and blouses with architectural and austere shoulders are everywhere right now. And while the more angular rendition of this trend originally got the sartorial spotlight, we have noticed that some of our favorite trendsetters have taken a shining to a different variation of the look: the puffy sleeve. Whether it's a fancy flounce on a little black dress or a swell of fabric on a vintage bolero, this iteration is less Frankenstein and more feminine, creating a silhouette that is soft yet dramatic.
Before we get into the who and wear portion of today's story, let us focus first on the what. The S/S 09 runways at Chloe and Rue du Mail provide perfect examples for how to best execute this festive detail. A puffy sleeve can accentuate a tiny waist or willowy frame by drawing the eye upward and conveys a sense of confidence—if you are going to wear a balloon or ruffle-armed garment, you've got to be able to carry the look and not let it carry you away.
A good example of one such style-setter is British girl-about-town, Peaches Geldof. The darling dresser wore a pale puff-sleeved selection to an exhibition of London-based illustrator Hannah Bays' collaboration with PPQ. Geldof's romantic ringlets and opaque tights balance out the boldness of her shoulder, and add hint of lady-like sophistication. Another dress that stole our hearts was Reese Witherspoon's Prada frock, which she wore while promoting her 3-D children's flick Monsters vs Aliens in London earlier this year. Madame Miuccia's directional designs are always ahead of the, ahem, curve, but this silk cocktail confection with black stone embroidery from the F/W 09 collection is a cut above the rest. We love the way the compact concentration of volume can add interest to a little black (or white) dress, and recommend you invest in one, as it is sure to persist well into the summer and fall months. You will certainly get maximum mileage out of any dress in this style, so we suggest Designers Remix's Ohhstyle Dress
($386), Voom's Joy Puff Sleeve Dress ($198), and Twelve by Twelve's Puff Sleeve Dress ($39), all of which are on-trend and classic.
Of course, this shape is exceptional outside of the monochromatic spectrum as well; Hervé Léger, for example, affixed this peplum embellishment to a geometric-printed bandage dress. At the Hannah Montana: The Movie London premiere, Miley Cyrus looked trés chic in the aforementioned frock, proving that a mutton sleeve can look proper and playful, simultaneously. Rihanna, risk-taker extraordinaire, opted for a luxurious Louis Vuitton ensemble for the DKMS Gala in New York. Her metallic puff-sleeved top from the house's F/W 09 collection strikes a nice balance with her geranium-hued bubble skirt, and makes a bold and festive statement. The songbird shows us that a blouse is the perfect way to integrate this look into your wardrobe; just make sure the top isn't bogged down with enough fabric to sail a ship (lest you resemble Jerry Seinfeld's notorious puffy pirate shirt.) We recommend Derercuny's Pintuck Blouse with Puff Sleeves ($643) and Clu's Puff Sleeved Blouse
($202), two sensational options.
Another great way to incorporate this novel shape into your warm-weather rotation is by picking a great jacket or shrug that features this exaggerated shoulder silhouette. Byrdie Bell did just that when she wore a ruched vintage bolero to the Cinema Society's after-party for the New York premiere of The Brothers Bloom. Her studded piece looked remarkably au currant for a breezy summer evening, but for those of you who don't have such a stellar antique piece hanging in your closet, try Designers Remix's Polka Black Jacket
($426) for a circular yet structural alternative!—KM
Runway images, from firstVIEW; Photo of Miley Cyrus, from INF; Photos of Reese Witherspoon and Rihanna, from Splash; Photo of Peaches Geldof, from Getty Images.
Before we get into the who and wear portion of today's story, let us focus first on the what. The S/S 09 runways at Chloe and Rue du Mail provide perfect examples for how to best execute this festive detail. A puffy sleeve can accentuate a tiny waist or willowy frame by drawing the eye upward and conveys a sense of confidence—if you are going to wear a balloon or ruffle-armed garment, you've got to be able to carry the look and not let it carry you away.
A good example of one such style-setter is British girl-about-town, Peaches Geldof. The darling dresser wore a pale puff-sleeved selection to an exhibition of London-based illustrator Hannah Bays' collaboration with PPQ. Geldof's romantic ringlets and opaque tights balance out the boldness of her shoulder, and add hint of lady-like sophistication. Another dress that stole our hearts was Reese Witherspoon's Prada frock, which she wore while promoting her 3-D children's flick Monsters vs Aliens in London earlier this year. Madame Miuccia's directional designs are always ahead of the, ahem, curve, but this silk cocktail confection with black stone embroidery from the F/W 09 collection is a cut above the rest. We love the way the compact concentration of volume can add interest to a little black (or white) dress, and recommend you invest in one, as it is sure to persist well into the summer and fall months. You will certainly get maximum mileage out of any dress in this style, so we suggest Designers Remix's Ohhstyle Dress
Of course, this shape is exceptional outside of the monochromatic spectrum as well; Hervé Léger, for example, affixed this peplum embellishment to a geometric-printed bandage dress. At the Hannah Montana: The Movie London premiere, Miley Cyrus looked trés chic in the aforementioned frock, proving that a mutton sleeve can look proper and playful, simultaneously. Rihanna, risk-taker extraordinaire, opted for a luxurious Louis Vuitton ensemble for the DKMS Gala in New York. Her metallic puff-sleeved top from the house's F/W 09 collection strikes a nice balance with her geranium-hued bubble skirt, and makes a bold and festive statement. The songbird shows us that a blouse is the perfect way to integrate this look into your wardrobe; just make sure the top isn't bogged down with enough fabric to sail a ship (lest you resemble Jerry Seinfeld's notorious puffy pirate shirt.) We recommend Derercuny's Pintuck Blouse with Puff Sleeves ($643) and Clu's Puff Sleeved Blouse
Another great way to incorporate this novel shape into your warm-weather rotation is by picking a great jacket or shrug that features this exaggerated shoulder silhouette. Byrdie Bell did just that when she wore a ruched vintage bolero to the Cinema Society's after-party for the New York premiere of The Brothers Bloom. Her studded piece looked remarkably au currant for a breezy summer evening, but for those of you who don't have such a stellar antique piece hanging in your closet, try Designers Remix's Polka Black Jacket
Runway images, from firstVIEW; Photo of Miley Cyrus, from INF; Photos of Reese Witherspoon and Rihanna, from Splash; Photo of Peaches Geldof, from Getty Images.
Puffed sleeves instantly remind me of Anne of Green Gables. Oh, childhood!
Posted by: caroooo | 2009-06-14 19:46:59
strong shoulder is one of my hatest trend this season. the exaggerating design ruins feminine spirit. but I find a tradeoff solution here. puffy sleeves make shoulder design a standout, in feminine way. Peaches Geldof, Reese Witherspoon and Miley Cyrus are my favorites. www.journeytofashion.com
Posted by: Leann | 2009-06-05 04:09:09
Gorgeous! mynaturalanthem.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kate | 2009-06-05 00:35:48
i love rihanna's look, also peaches, dont like reece at all the silhouette doesn't work for her. that bolero is hideous! http://mostaredead.blogspot.com/
Posted by: sophie | 2009-06-04 23:26:06
http://enamored-alifeofindulgence.blogspot.com/
Posted by: whitney gray | 2009-06-04 19:17:00
I would totally wear this look paired with these shoes from Chinese Laundry! http://www.chineselaundry.com/indShoe.asp?type=&store=c&id=4164&sess=06040916398491530
Posted by: Steph | 2009-06-04 16:50:15
I will wear puffy sleeves till I die :) www.lovemaegan.com
Posted by: ...love Maegan | 2009-06-04 16:29:04
I think that Peaches, Reese, and Miley pull this off fabulously. Their sleeves are exaggerated but not so much so that they look like they are wearing a costume. Rihanna's outfit is just too, though I would like to see the skirt and top worn separately with more simple pieces because then I think their design could really stand out. Byrdie's look just doesn't fit and overwhelms the top half of her frame, the same jacket with a more flattering silhouette would be much better!
Posted by: mollymc181 | 2009-06-04 09:04:02
Some of the sleeves (Peach and Reese's) remind of the national dress of the Philippines. Very feminine.
Posted by: Lizzie | 2009-06-04 08:04:17
puffy shoulder sleeves make me nervous, BUT...done this way, they are perfect! -nikky www.closetremedy.blogspot.com
Posted by: Nikky | 2009-06-04 00:37:09
Okay, puffy sleeves, yes, but the combination Rhianna put together looks like something a star trek hooker would wear. Let's hope that outfit doesn't live long and prosper...yuck!
Posted by: Monica | 2009-06-03 14:52:37
i am enamored. http://enamored-alifeofindulgence.blogspot.com/
Posted by: whitney gray | 2009-06-03 13:33:47
yes!! puffy sleeves!! reese witherspoon looks fantastic! ofcourse, i love this look on all the ladies :) xoxo http://gimmesumaraa.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Erika Hayashiha | 2009-06-03 12:48:39
Hi I would like to know what is the make of Peaches Geldof's dress??
Posted by: karine | 2009-06-03 11:13:28
rihanna for me!!
Posted by: superstargoth! | 2009-06-03 09:28:39
Miley Cyrus's dress is the best here! I like Reese Witherspoon's outfit too.
Posted by: Sarah | 2009-06-03 08:54:40
Oddly enough I like Miley's the best! But Rihanna looks pretty awesome. That bolero is just too much.
Posted by: MEP | 2009-06-03 08:15:05
I think a better example of this trend than the aforementioned is Mary Kate Olsen who wore a beautiful black dress by Balmain to the Spirit Awards a few months back. She was stunning! Not a fan of Reese's look here..
Posted by: Gillian | 2009-06-03 07:21:03
its time for a cold, bold shoulder in fashion!! http://ohdearcharlotte.blogspot.com
Posted by: oh dear charlot | 2009-06-03 06:59:39
cute. my mom hates this look. hard to do but worth tryingggg. just wish high streets did this better. always seems to be the bucks that deliver the puff. egotrippingatthegates.blogspot.com
Posted by: D | 2009-06-03 02:55:51