It’s time to look beyond the straight and narrow sleeves. This often sidelined arm detail has become a strong style statement this spring adding its own quirk factor to outfits. The runways this season saw top designers like Gucci, Simone Rocha and Anna Sui giving the sleeve their creative focus. From bell-shaped and extra-long to balloon and off-shoulder, top designers talk about their favourite sleeve shapes and how to flaunt them.
Bell & lantern
From sleek dresses to cool tops and even quirky knits, bell sleeves add a dose of flair to even the simplest of outfits. Designer Varun Bahl states, “I like my ensembles to have unconventional sleeves that can make a statement on their own. Bell and lantern sleeves add dramatic and fun elements to an outfit.” He adds, “When shopping for bell sleeves, look for styles that are a little flamboyant. Extra-wide flares, ones made of modern, structured materials, flares that tie at the elbow and ruffle designs are all key styles to buy this season. Once you have your statement bell sleeves, remember to keep the rest of your look minimal. A simple silhouette in a neutral colour palette is all you need to finish this look.”
Exaggerated length
The whole purpose behind statement sleeves is to ditch the idea of clothing that clings, and instead opt for clothing that flows with, hangs off, and distorts the body and its proportions, shares designer Urvashi Kaur, adding, “One of the best examples of this is exaggerated length — an extension of the athleisure trend that looks cool both on street wear as well as a quirky addition to more formal silhouettes. With more polished ensembles, an element of dramatic volume on the sleeve lends an almost couture-like vibe to the outfit.”
The designer’s tip for fashionistas: “As with most trends, it’s important to make sure that the statement is singular, and one is not wearing too many competing factors. Like other statement pieces, extra-long sleeves tend to look best when paired with basic items, so wear yours with a simple pair of blue jeans or black pants.”
Embellished
Fitted sleeves with dramatic embellishments and intricate embroidery add to the drama and vibrancy of the outfit, believes designer Manish Arora. He says, “One of the best things about embellished sleeves is it can escalate the look completely yet keep it simple, giving it an elegant feel — making it the classic chic pick of this season for all fashion lovers.”
Three-quarter
Not too long, not too short, this sleeve style can never go wrong, says designer duo Kinnari Kamat and Saaksha Parekh, adding, “With sleeves less is more, so keeping them simple and stylish is what makes it the style of the season. One could add light embroidery running through the edge. This ensures the outfit can be easily dressed up or down depending on the event. Mirror and antique sequinned embroidery on the sleeves adds a touch of drama and elegance that otherwise would not have existed.”
Voluminous & frilly
The recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai witnessed designers experimenting with voluminous sleeves in a big way. “Voluminous sleeves with frill details are very in these days,” share designers Meera and Muzaffar Ali. “They work well with different body types. Besides being elegant, they are also comfortable, making them a popular choice. Silhouettes don’t need any other detailing, as the sleeves add an edge to the garment.”
Off-shoulder
“This sexy style provides a daring yet delicate flash of skin at the shoulders that’s both feminine and eye-catching,” states designer Sulakshana and adds, “You can wear plain solid colour blouse with lehengas or sarees. Perfect for sunny days spent sipping cocktails, these statement sleeves make you feel like you’re on a holiday every day. So, whether you’re on vacation or simply dreaming of the day, off-shoulder should definitely be on high rotation in your closet.”
