All 'puff'ed up for the party!

One of the best examples of puffed sleeves are the ones you see princesses wearing in fairytales. Voluminous sleeves are a favourite among anyone who loves the 80s and all things vintage. A trend from an bygone era, puff sleeves are all the rage this season.

Giving us a brief description of how a puff sleeve looks, designer Reshma Kunhi shares, “Puff sleeves are usually sleeves which are gathered on top as well as bottom. It gives a illusion of a broader shoulder. You can choose from a variety of them. From leg  of mutton (fuller at the top) to peasant (puffed only at the arm), melon and bishop (where it is gathered down).”

Telling us the best way to style this elaborate trend, she suggests, “Puff sleeves can be styled in many ways. Since you have the drama on top, keep the rest of your look fitted so that you don’t look like a balloon. For the office, you can wear puffed sleeve shirt with either pants or skirts. The best way to style this is by going the indo-western way. Wear a saree draped over a fitted pant and a one shoulder dramatic puff sleeve blouse to go with it.”  

She advices that one should consider the body shape before  trying these sleeves. She shares, “Women who are slender can experiment with leg of mutton or full puff sleeves styles which gives a illusion of broader shoulder and heavier arms. But if you have got broad shoulders, bishop sleeves is your best choice.”

Avoid a complete fashion faux pas by following a few do’s and dont’s. She says, “You need to be very careful while sporting this trend. wrong fabric equals disaster. Choose the fabric carefully and follow a simple rule.  Heavy outfits should go with flowy and soft fabric like chiffon, georgette, crepe etc. For ligher fabrics one can go for crisp fabric like organza, silk, stiff cotton etc.”

Reshma suggests that since there is so much drama already keep the jewellery to a minimum. “Or, you can just skip the sparkle and just go with a fancy clutch,” she concludes.