Puff em sleeves up!

This year, we have a huge revival of the classics and oldies. The latest to join the bandwagon is the puffed sleeve. A trend from the Victorian ages has seen a comeback into the fashion cycle this year. Fashionistas like Kangana Ranaut, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Emily Blunt and many others have sported this trend.

The puffed sleeve, an 80’s trend is here to stay. Designer Reshma Kunhi says, “This season is all about voluminous sleeves. We have seen silhouettes on the runway with oversized sleeves, be it short puff sleeves, 3/4th puff or leg of mutton puff. Statement sleeves is the current season’s favourite trend.” This trend gives out a very vintage vibe that is perfect if you are interested in classics. Prachita Devi adds, “It’s a vintage look. It was mostly worn in India during weddings. This season, the puff sleeves are at two extremes. They are either really big or very small.” Styling is key with this trend feels designer Riya Kodali. She adds, “For Indian styling, it is often very crisp and minimalistic in volume. On the other hand, for western styling, the shirts and dresses can be dramatic with oversized shoulders and sleeves with a voluminous body at the top and cuffed at the wrist. This is basically a return of the 80’s trend which is popular and flattering.” Prachita suggests, “A puffed blouse can be worn w
ith a pencil skirt on the other hand, for Indian, a puffed sleeved crop  top can be paired with a lehenga. When wearing a puffed sleeve, the focus should be on it and the rest should be subtle. You can play around with prints and colour but ensure the rest is simple.”

Giving us a few tips on how to get this look right, Reshma stresses on balancing out the rest of the outfit. She says, “The biggest thing to remember while sporting a puff sleeve trend is that if you are planning on a voluminous sleeve, one should remember to balance the outfit with a straight or fitted piece or you will look like a round ball. If you are on the heavier side, try fabrics like georgette, knits and net and if you are on the slimmer side, try fabrics like organza, silk, dupione which will add more volume to your arms.” Accessoring this trend is very interesting, feels Riya. “It can be interesting if one is up for experimenting. But most of the time, since the pattern itself stands out, nothing heavy or loud is needed,” she concludes.