How To Add A Statement Sleeve To Your Spring Look

 

Tina, here.

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The statement shoulder is making friends with the statement sleeve.

Reintroducing the gigot de mouton sleeve (leg of lamb or mutton). Thank God it is not the bum (miss-me no more) or the navel (bye bye Brit). The full sleeve is not the same thing as the bell-shaped sleeve. This is not a boho look, but, more precisely, a modern update to that. It's a natural follow-up to the popular dolman and raglan sleeve blouses we've been seeing for a few seasons.

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Full sleeves are tricky. Make sure you keep the rest of your outfit pretty quiet. Tone on tone is a good way to do this. A short, puffy sleeve is easier to pull off than a long puffy sleeve. (My friend Lorie passed hers down to me and I love it. Don't you?) If you'd rather not draw attention to your shoulders, you can avoid this spring trend. A dolman or raglan sleeve will be still be beautiful on you, as will an off-the shoulder top, which looks good on everyone.

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A little puff sleeve jacket makes a great spring topper. (less expensive option here and here.) It's also a great way to add this trend to your wardrobe without making it your main attraction because you likely won't be wearing your coat all day, like you would your top.

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If you go for long, full sleeves, maybe cut back on the drama. Not too puffy. A tailor can always tame the puffiness by removing some of it. I've had this done on a blouse or two.

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To avoid a mouton sleeve altogether, how about an embellished sleeve? I wore this top during the holidays a few years ago, and this spring I'll wear it with white jeans.

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Statement sleeve tops and dresses (this one runs small) can be worn in the daytime, by the way. Don't reserve your favorite outfits for special nights. Wear your clothes, already! Just add jeans to whatever fun top you have on (or flats with your fun dress) to instantly take it down a notch. And don't toss out your off-the-shoulder tops and dresses just yet. They are still going to be strong this spring. Now you've just got more choices when you're shopping!

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Best,

Tina

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