ALL ABOUT STATEMENT SLEEVES

This year, it’s all about sleeves. From bell-shaped and extra-long to balloon and coldshoulder, attention grabbing sleeves are stealing all the spotlight. So, to make sure that you’re not left in the dark, we’ve rounded up the top 10 sleeves trends to invest in right now.

Bell Sleeve

One of the key trends to come out of recent fashion weeks is bell sleeves. Fitted on the shoulder and flaring out wide toward the wrist, the bell sleeve is the same as it always was, yet totally different. Gone are any hippy and bohemian references, instead, the new bell sleeve is modern and utterly chic. From sleek dresses to cool tops and even quirky knits, bell sleeves add a unique dose of fashion to even the simplest of outfits. When shopping for bell sleeves look for styles that are a little flamboyant. Extra-wide flares, ones made of modern, structured materials, flares that tie at the elbow and ruffle designs are all key styles to buy this season. Once you have your statement bell sleeves, remember to keep the rest of your look minimal. A simple accessory is all you need to finish this look. MODEL for TIFFANY AMBER

Ruffle Sleeves

To up the ante on flounce sleeves, consider statementmaking, ruffle sleeves instead. These sleeves are loud, fun and attention-loving. They were spotted on the streets of the recent ARISE fashion shows, and we haven’t been able to get them out of our heads since. 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. Pair your ruffle sleeve shirt with simple designs. The straightforward style will keep your look super stylish and chic, rather than letting it go over-the-top. MODEL FOR ODIO MIMONET

Balloon Sleeves

The statement sleeve that should be added to your wardrobe right now is balloon sleeves. 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 voluminous design looks particularly great when paired with a fitted bodice straight skirt or pants. MODEL FOR TURFAH

Cold-Shoulder Sleeves

Coinciding with the rise in popularity of the off-the-shoulder sleeves has been the rise of cold-shoulder sleeves. 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-theshoulder 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! As well as being practical, the style is also gorgeous and looks great when paired with nice pants. MODEL FOR SUNNY ROSE

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. Flounce sleeves are seen in all sizes. They have the small and simple designs that lightly flare out toward the wrist and then there are the dramatic types that featured large flounces attached at the elbows. Whatever the size, both types are on trend and statement-making in their own way. The large and dramatic flounce sleeves, on the other hand, are best reserved for standout dresses and times when you’re after that“look at me”style. MODEL FOR RICH MNISI

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 weeks 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, extralong 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. MODEL

FORTZAR

Off-theShoulder 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. So, 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. While there are many types of off-the-shoulder styles to choose from, our favourites play up the femineity of the design with soft fabrics, pretty ruffles, and lovely patterns. MODEL FORYUTEE RONE ATELIER

Layered Sleeves

This statement sleeve may not be an actual type of sleeve, but rather a lesson in how to turn regular sleeves into a statement. 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. You need to think about the juxtaposition of the two sleeves and how they work together as a whole. Start with your colour palette and pick either neutrals or similar colours in different shades. 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. MODEL FOR PAPA OPPONG