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?

Plaid is Trending

Redhead Erin of She's Red Haute posing and wearing Ann Taylor's Fall 2019 Fall Plaid Collection in a park

Plaid is the Fashion Week’s newest, yet most revisited prints on the runway. This motif exudes a feeling of comfort, usually crafted in warm fabrics which are perfect for Fall. Thankfully, there are now far more edgy ways to wear plaid than resorting to the classic flannel shirt and jeans. Here are a few on-trend ways integrate this pattern into your wardrobe:

Runway models side by side wearing plaid.

GET THE INSPO: This motif can be incorporated in many different ways to compliment your unique style. You can pair a dress with a similarly patterned coat, wear a two piece which teams together, or sport a fashionable midi with a laid back tee. These inspirational styles have been spotted at shows such as Max Mara (left), Maryling (center), and Trussardi (right).

Redhead, She's red haute in a park in the fall wearing plaid

DETERMINE THE COLORS: When searching for a plaid outfit keep your hues in mind. Both neutrals and monochromatic tones are currently being spotted at on the runway, so the options are endless. Luckily, redheads can easily choose the classic Autumnal neutrals, as they match perfectly with our copper locks. I recommend finding plaids with 3 complimentary colors, to create intrigue without the print being too busy for the eye. This look by Ann Taylor, coordinates cinnamon tones, with black and white.

Redhead, She's red haute in a park in the fall wearing Ann Taylor plaid

DOUBLE UP THE PRINT: To really make a statement, pair the print with its twin coat or blazer. The designers at Ann Taylor have created a range of complimentary pieces in their new limited edition Modern Plaid Collection! I paired their retro-inspired mock neck shift dress (similar here) with their beautiful Modern Plaid Trench (similar by Club Monaco), to create a dramatic look suitable for any stylish city. If you can’t find patterns that match, I suggest combining smaller and larger plaid pieces together.

Nasty Gal cognac bag with plaid jacket

ACCESSORIZE LIKE A PRO: Let the print do the talking and accessorize with solid colored pieces. My recommendation is to choose a color within the lattice, like how this cognac handbag from Nasty Gal brings out the hazel hue. Additionally, this black ASOS Design knot headband plays-up the retro vibe and keeps the focal point on the print, as seen below.

Redhead in the park in the fall wearing plaid and sunglasses

The most important aspect of pairing plaids is to make sure it makes you feel confident! This classic design truly makes a statement and will highlight the powerful woman you are!

GET THE LOOK: Modern Plaid Shift Dress, Modern Plaid Coat, Nasty Gal WANT a Day in the Life Bag, ASOS Design Knot Headband