Sleeves much to be desired

From flowing and fluted to cut-out and cool, it’s all about sleeve detailing. Katie Wright selects the hero pieces of the season

Forget statement skirts or look-at-me jackets, this season it’s all about a new kind of arm candy...

Fashion’s focus is squarely on sleeves right now, with exaggerated proportions and ruffle detailing adding interest to even the simplest of separates. It’s time to let the sleeves do the talking...

BLOUSON SLEEVES

Part of the shirting story that’s also been huge this season, blouson sleeves take a classic white shirt to the next level. Perfect for updating your summer workwear wardrobe, combine a puffysleeved blouse with a midi skirt or crease-front cropped trousers, and add sandals.

– Sosandar white blouson sleeve shirt, £39(www.sosandar.com)

– Hobbs Emily shirt, £65 (www.hobbs. co.uk)

FLUTE SLEEVES

Flute, bell, trumpet – call them what you will, flared sleeves are not going anywhere soon.

Proving phenomenally popular with bloggers on Instagram, this 70s-esque style is best for warm summer days, because putting a jacket on top presents a whole other set of problems...

– Anthropologie Canberra bell-sleeve blouse, £78 (www.anthropologie.com)

– Manon Baptiste v-neck trumpet sleeve dress, £149.99 (Navabi.co.uk)

– PrettyLittleThing Ionee blue embroidered tie sleeve shirt, £18 (www. prettylittlething.com)

RUFFLED SLEEVES

Last summer’s flamenco trend has evolved, with structural ruffles now making the look more suited to the city.

These directional pieces will give summer separates like frayed jeans and denim shorts a new lease of life.

– Marks & Spencer Autograph pure cotton tiered sleeve Bardot top, £39.50 (www.marksandspencer.com)

– Neon rose stripe frill shirt, £38 (Littlewoods.com)

– AMT striped off-the-shoulder top, £49.99 (OwntheLook.com)

TIE-DETAIL SLEEVES

If voluminous sleeves don’t float your boat, you can still get on board with the trend by opting for subtle tie and knot details.

Meshed with cold-shoulder necklines and cut-out details, these tops have lots of daywear-to-date-night potential.

– Oliver Bonas kite top with bow sleeves, £65 (www.oliverbonas.com)

– Ouor cold-shoulder tie detail shirt, £79.99 (OwntheLook.com)

Clockwise from left: Ouor coldshoulder tie shirt; Manon Baptiste v-neck trumpet sleeve dress; PrettyLittleThing Ionee blue embroidered tie sleeve shirt; AMT striped off-theshoulder top; Anthropologie Canberra bellsleeve blouse; Hobbs Emily shirt; M&S...