How to Style Puffy Sleeves

MASTER THIS RUNWAY LOOK LIKE A PRO!

Erin of She's Red Haute wearing a floral puff sleeve dress

The puffy sleeve trend has made its rounds from the 1800’s to the 80’s, and started resurfacing in the 2019 runway shows of designers such as Marc Jacobs and Valentino. You probably even caught a regal glimpse of Beyonce sporting the style at the 2020 Golden Globes! Here are a four tricks of the trade to style puffy sleeves!

Erin of She's Red Haute wearing a floral puff sleeve dress

FOCUS ON FABRIC: Finding the right fabric is the basis of conquering a puff-sleeve ensemble. A light fabric can be too wispy and cling, where as sturdy fabric will help the look from losing its shape.

Erin of She's Red Haute wearing a floral puff sleeve dress and hot pink accessories

BOLD ACCESSORIES: You can add heightened accessories to help even out the drama of the look. My recommendation, wear your hair up with a large pair of earrings, or even go with a bright color. In this look, I chose to do both with the hot pink Forever 21 bag and earrings.

Erin of She's Red Haute wearing a floral puff sleeve dress

PRINTS: A good print, like the floral motif seen in this H&M dress, is a perfect way to help camouflage as well as accentuate the puff. You’d almost think that adding a bold print with puffy sleeves would be too over the top, but really, it ups the drama and can give the whole look high-fashion vibes.

Erin of She's Red Haute wearing a floral puff sleeve dress

CINCH THE WAIST: To even out the fullness of the sleeves, find a design that has a cinched or form fitted waistline, or even do it yourself with a cute belt! It will allow the puff sleeves to be the statement piece without feeling frumpy everywhere else!

Trying this dramatic look takes some getting used to, but with these four style tips, you’ll be ready to wear puffy sleeves like a pro! Who says the runway models should have all the fun?

A Romantic Look with a Hint of Floral

Erin Leigh She's red haute Romantic look hint floral standing on a dock in a pink shirt and floral ivory skirt

It’s always exciting to find a cool statement piece as a starting point for a new outfit.  At the heart of this look, you’ll find an ivory midi skirt, detailed with a hint of floral (Similar Here).  I fell in love with this soft romantic piece immediately, as well as how the petals cascade down the skirt. The vertical pleats in the skirt lengthen the look of your legs and the light wispy tulle layer is perfect for summer.  It flows beautifully when slightly caught by the breeze.

Erin Leigh She's Red Haute Romantic look hint floral looking down wearing a pink top

I wanted to keep the skirt the focus of the ensemble.  So, I styled the look with a simple delicate tee (Similar Here), in the same blush tone as the petals on the skirt.  The lightweight feel keeps it appropriate for hot days. Plus, the jersey fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable.

Erin Leigh She's Red Haute Romantic look hint floral wearing ivory floral skirt and pink shirt on a dock

Thankfully, I just bought these adorable Pink Steve Madden Born heels (similar here) for a wedding in June! They are timeless, modern, pair perfectly with the embroidered blossoms, and compliment the gentle nature of the overall look.

Pink Steve Madden Heels on a dock Romantic look hint floral She's Red Haute

To maintain the floral tone, I threw on a pair of flower earrings (Similar Here), from Lou Lou Boutique in Philly, and completed the outfit with a rosy pair of sunnies.  This outfit is perfect for brunch with the gals, church, a dinner date on vacation, or even a hitting up a winery!  How will you wear it?

Erin Leigh She's Red Haute Romantic look hint floral wearing ivory floral skirt and pink shirt in Steve madden pink heels standing on a dock

GET THE LOOK: Pink Heels, Moon Collection Midi Skirt (Similar), Blush Metaphor Tee (Similar at Urban Outfitters), Lou Lou Boutique Earrings (Similar)

Photo Credit: @j0nathang0nzalez