I’m in love with anything that has puffy sleeves at the moment. Or should that read puff sleeved? In any case, I want all the sleeves poofay! Not Seinfeld Puffy Shirt ridiculous, more like elegant balloon sleeves.
Indeed statement sleeves like this trumpet shape often catch my eye. My current craving is specifically tuned to the dramatically over-sized variety. I bought the puffy sleeves *Mango top in today’s post more than a year ago and have worn it rather a lot more than I anticipated. Proving puffy sleeves and I actually get along surprisingly well despite my initial doubts.
Gosh, I hope this look has longevity because I’m definitely hooked on it. There are so many different versions of tops with puffy sleeves, a shape for every figure. From Artist smock, high neck and button down, through to cropped, wrap and tie front. I’m literally drowning in a sea of poofee! All my tabs are open, carts bulging. I’m so confused by the subtle differences in the hundreds of styles I’ve seen that I’m actually frozen, unable to make even one selection. Arrrgh help!
Time to step back and reset. Going in crazed like this is never a good thing so I sleep on it and start fresh in the morning.
Almost certainly I’ll go for the Ganni puffy sleeves purely because it’s broderie anglais which I adore. However, I may need to contemplate this particular material a tad longer as it could be worthy of greater investment in the form of a dress. For now, I should concentrate on choosing a top. This has been such a long courtship, at least three years in my estimation, it’s time to commit. I can’t see the style of puffy sleeves going away any time soon, it’s safe to continue my quest for THE ONE. And do you know what? Even if puffy sleeves disappear next season, that won’t stop me wearing mine. Besides nothing in fashion is ever gone for good, is it?
My only concern is whether to buy plain white, plain black, broderie anglaise or another striped version. Any one of these options is right for my wardrobe but I definitely do not need all four.
So here’s the deciding factor I consider before blowing my budget – If I can style this top with pants and jeans as well as a skirt and shorts, both tucked and untucked and if it works equally well dressed up as casual day wear, then I’m willing to spend the money. Ulla Johnson has this exquisite version of the puffy sleeves in broderie anglaise which is more expensive than the Ganni top but I can see why. What’s more, there’s a caveat to the spend in this case, and that is the colour white.
The colour of my top will have a bearing on how often I wear it and I usually don’t wear white a lot….BUT…my original idea came from the desire to pair a white puffy sleeves top with my white puffball skirt ARRRRGH!
Now I’m wondering if white is right? Oh and yes I also hear your concerns about this outfit idea. Is a puffy top and bottom just way too much puff? I’d hate to be over-puffed eek.
Street Artist ~ KOBRA
DRESSES WITH PUFFY SLEEVES ON SALE
So enamoured with puffy sleeves, I’m seriously considering adding a dress to my collection. I imagine a Summer dress with puffy sleeves will convert nicely throughout other seasons too. Layering under the puffy sleeves creates a super funky look especially when you contrast the print or colour of the top underneath. Equally, in cool months, my usual move of chunky knit over a dress works perfectly since the weight of a heavy knit keeps the puffiness down and prevents the sleeves from looking bulky.
As always I consider my options carefully before making a purchase, even when the item in question is half price. Because, well you already know this – “It’s not a bargain if you hardly ever wear it” – Yep I learned that important lesson a very long time ago when the mere fact something was on sale was reason enough to buy it.
Speaking of sales, aren’t they terrific at the moment? Evidently, puffy sleeves on dresses aren’t so popular as I see loads in the Net-a-Porter sale. Most sizes are still available and some of these beauties are as much as 50% off!
Lots of love beauties, Mx
*More about Mango and another High Street brand in my next article on sustainable fashion.
Photographer: JESSICA KARL
~This post contains affiliate links~
Comments ( 10 )
Lisa the Sequinist
I think this particular poofy sleeved shirt your’e wearing is fabulous on you, and will be hard to beat as you peruse all the sales. If it were me, I’d go for a bright colour, one that works year round. I don’t own any puffy sleeved anything, and I think it is something I’ll probably not invest in. I’m so puffy everywhere else, I’m not sure I need to add to it with a sleeve, hahaha. Gorgeous photos, and what a cracking spring outfit, my lady. xxx
MT
No you’re not!!!!
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
MT this look is SO dreamy – I’m definitely with you on the poufy sleeves train. Blue stripes and white are such a classic summer look, you’ve styled it to perfection. And I think it would only be too much pouf if the skirt were short and poufy; being long means it gives you length. No that you NEED any of that, LOL!!
The picks you’ve shown here are gorgeous – such great sales as you say! These styles always make me think Little House on the Prairie, though that’s not a bad thing 😉
Catherine x
MT
Ah yes that’s a good point about skirt length Catherine. I remember a black “bubble skirt” I used to wear back in the….mid 90’s (I think)It was a mini and I wore it with a black tank top and Doc Martens. I had cropped bleached white hair and dated a 6 foot 6 punk with a mohawk. That is true. Nothing dreamy about that look, punk chick all the way 😉
Rozanne
Ooh me likee the pouffee!! Looks great with the subtle tulip shape of the skirt too! I can’t do full puffy as I would then have arm boobs to mirror the actual boobage. But I am finding blouson sleeves are my best friend and am scouring the net for vintage versions to add to my collectiob. Etsy is a treasure trove of dreamy-sleeved beauties! X
MT
Actually that’s right, Etsy is great for vintage poufant! Thanks for reminding me Rozanne 😉
No Fear of Fashion
Never thought I would like puffy on puffy but I really do like your outfit. One never knows until one tries.
As for Mango.. I was wondering about their sustainability so I am curious about your next post.
Greetje
MT
Yes Mango has been a tricky one for me to figure out but I think I may have some information we can use. Anyway, more soon Greetje 😉
Ruth
The puff sleeves are so fun! I don’t think I will try a huge puff, but a small one would be fun!
http://www.ruthyannie.com
MT
Yes try a smaller puff Ruth, there are plenty to choose from!