Statement sleeves are really fun, but they are not always practical. To get my feet wet in this trend, I first dabbled in bell sleeves, which did not mesh well with my pizza-eating, condiment-loving lifestyle. I then gave exaggerated cuffs a whirl, but those proved equally problematic. What finally sold me on statement sleeves are batwing sleeves, which made me feel like one of the gliding mammals (this really appeals to me) without subjecting me to greater soiling risk.
Also fun (and practical) are bubble sleeves. I picked up a few items with bubble sleeves last fall, but really committed to this trend this fall. One of my favorite new purchases is this Vince Camuto Bubble Sleeve Sweater, which comes in five colors and is available in regular and petite sizes. The style is reminiscent of Italian Renaissance fashion, but tempered with modern pragmatism.
Statement sleeves can be intimidating to those who describe their style as “simple,” but there is enough variety on the market right now to represent every degree of an exaggerated sleeve. Statement sleeves can even be subtle, contrary to their name. You can further minimize the drama by wearing statement-sleeved tops with regular skinny-jeans or a solid colored pant.
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| Vince Camuto Bubble Sleeve Sweater in Deep Claret (size XXSP) || Ann Taylor Kate Refined Flare Trousers (past season) || C. Wonder Leather & Chain Belt (past season) || Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Neverfull MM Tote || Kate Spade New York Lydia Pumps in Red Chestnut (reviewed here) |
This sweater is currently sold at Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Vince Camuto, and Zappos.
