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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
New York Fashion Week is the perfect time to gain a wealth of inspiration for the upcoming season. After a long week covering runway shows, networking at industry parties, and collaborating with amazing brands (see below for details), I was able to assess what will be trending for Fall/Winter 2019. The biggest takeaway from NYFW F/W 2019 is the chic use of texture.
Textured detailing will play a huge role on our F/W 2019 styles. A bold use of metallics, prints, beadwork and even feathering are on the rise. Hakan Akkaya’s Glam Rock Collection exceptionally portrayed this detailing. His pieces ranged from retro-inspired looks with full studs, head to toe metallic beadwork, to full printed looks. I adored the androgynous 70’s rock inspiration, especially in the hair band styling and the pronounced shoulders. Admittedly, each model had strength powering down the runway… a confidence everyone should (and will) feel when wearing pieces of this collection.
Anveglosa NYFW FW 2019 – Photos: Albert Urso/Getty Images for Fashion Hong Kong
Thankfully, leather is a fabric that is making a large comeback on the runway. With its sleek texture, it adds strength to feminine ensembles. Reminiscent of the fantastic 2013 Kenneth Cole collection (which I adore), the Anveglosa line, by designer Annette Chan, represented the fortitude of women using treated leather blended with soft tulle and silk. The thick fabric adds a sophisticated functionality to a soft base look.
Cong Tri NYFW FW 2019
Designer Cong Tri was also spot on with his texture palette. His feminine looks appeared in all fabrics starting with beaded body suits, merging into architectural tulle, merging into model Winnie Harlow strutting down the runway in printed metallics. Each piece was designed with a romantic flare ready to turn heads.
Photo: Taylor F. Lucas
MY LOOKS:
My outfit for the Cong Tri show consisted of an amazing asymmetrical grey wool coat and thick high necked top by Marcella Moda NYC (pictured above). I love a sleek, simple look, and this captured it with sophistication. Also, it was about 15 Degrees that day and the coat was SO WARM!! Marcella Moda NYC pieces mix NYC style with European craftsmanship for beautiful minimalist modern pieces.
(Photo 1) Wearing Nasty Gal, Stephanie Poulos Photography, (Photo 2) Wearing Marcella Moda NYC, Taylor F. Lucas, (Photo 3) Met Gala inspired, Paula Mendoza bangle, Patrick Hovan
Backtracking to the first day of NYFW, I wore a full Nasty Gal look with a 1970’s retro vibe (see below for outfit details). When it came to my jewelry on day two, Lele Sadoughi‘s beautiful Trumpet Lily Earrings (similar) and ring (similar) influenced my white look. I sported a Paula Mendoza bangle, supplied by Lihte, to the Fashion Mingle industry party. The black and white look was inspired by last years Met Gala theme.
NYFW Day 2, white outfit, Jewelry: Lele Sadoughi
Also, I tried some new hair products during fashion week to repair my broken ends! I was extremely surprised at the outcome! Featured blog on SEVEN Hair Care coming soon!
Thank you to all the PR companies, designers, collaborators, and a special thank you to the Element Times Square West for hosting me during NYFW (stay tuned for a NYC travel blog coming your way.) Cheers to a successful fashion week and many more to come!
