Go With the Flow!

Bell, butterfly, ruffled, ruched, cinched, laced, flared, pleated, leg-of-mutton…who knew the common sleeve could be so uncommon!

Decadently overblown and exaggerated, the retro inspired trend of statement sleeves carries forward into 2017.

Spring/summer RTW collections reinterpreted historic sleeve details from the 1800’s Romantic Movement straight through to 70’s boho chic and updated the look with contemporary flare.

From Chanel and Alexander McQueen to Stella McCartney and Talbot Runhof – spring /summer 2017 sleeves had big attitude in runway shows - all hail the updated “puffy shirt”!

The key to mastering the big-sleeve look is balancing volume – wear shirts belted to create a peplum effect or with skinny trousers, stirrup pants (yes, stirrups are back and worn with stiletto’s this season!), skirts with nipped-in waists, pencil skirts, flat-front minis with leggings or achieve a more subdued look with an ultra- sleek shift dress silhouette with ruffled sleeve detail – the goal is to create the illusion of added height and longer torso.

So make your move - but proceed with caution - tight spaces (crowded bars, clubs, restaurants, pesky doorknobs…) require serious navigation skills after a few cocktails!

How ‘sleeve’ it is!