Just as the fit and fabric change for tops and dresses, so do the sleeve styles. Check out the latest sleeve trends and how to wear them.
There are
6 types of sleeves:
Kimono: Loose, wide sleeves that hit anywhere from short to wrist length. This voluminous sleeve borrows its look from Japanese wardrobe where the wearer's age and marital status were indicated through sleeve length (young unmarried women wore the longest sleeves. The best way to wear this voluminous style as a dress or a top is belted to bring in a waistline. Designers who do this style: Michael Kors, Trina Turk.
Fit Tip: Best for medium to small busted women. Women who are bottom heavy this works well for as the belted look and kimono sleeves draw attention away from the bottom.
Flutter Sleeve: This sleeve detail is distinguished by a ruffle effect, with a sheer, soft fabric that drapes into a fluid ruffle at the should, adding softness and romance. Designers who do this style: Ark & Co., Esprit.
Fit Tip: A flutter sleeve can work for every body type, but is best avoided by petites as it can look too young and girly.
Lantern Sleeve: The lantern sleeve is a full, gathered sleeve attached to a drop-shouldered garment; it can be either a long or short sleeve. It is seen on everything from jackets to dresses. Designers who do this style: Badgley Mischka, Eileen Fischer.
Fit tip: Great for camouflaging flabby upper arms. Best on narrow shoulders/slim upper body types (wide shoulders, full busts are just emphasized by this voluminous sleeve.
Balloon Sleeve: A very full sleeve-usually 3/4 length or longer-that has a banded bottom. Designers who do this style: Giambattista valli, Diane von Furstenberg, Shoshana, Roberto Cavalli, Lanvin.
Fit Tip: Adds softness to a small upper body and draws the eye away from a thick waist or any lower body problem areas. Not ideal for larger busted women as the sleeve competes with your chest.
Bell Sleeve: This look can be seen everywhere. By far one of the most popular. A full sleeve that is gathered at the shoulder and open at the cuff. Designers who do this style: Free People, Hinge, Hyde.
Fit Tip: One of the easiest of the dramatic sleeves to wear, the bell sleeve--especially if done in a soft, flowing fabric--adds controlled fullness that is flattering to most body types.
Flutter Sleeve or Poncho Sleeve: Straight fabric from shoulders to waist running down the arm. Designers who do this style: Ark & Co,
Fit Tip: This style can fit all body types. Best on medium breasted women. Great to emphasize shoulders and lower arms.
