If you follow any bloggers, influencers or fashion trends you know the statement sleeve is having a huge moment. This eye catcher isn’t going anywhere soon since they continued to show them through Fall 2017 at Fashion Week this month.
It can come in many forms from ruffled, belled to detailed. I love this trend because it’s one anyone can wear. There is one general guideline to follow though. If you tend to be broader across the top (like me), keep most of your drama below the shoulders. Adding any extra girth will only accentuate the width giving you the dreaded linebacker feel. *sigh* I know it well. When looking for pieces to pair with this trend, anything goes. Use it to dress up and elevate the look of distressed denim. Pair it with a skirt or wide legged pant for the office.
I’m going to do something a little different again this week. Much like mixed patterns found here, this trend can be worn similarly by several life faces. What’s yours? Check out this page to find out. This is what I love about the power of fashion connecting women. For instance, a college student might not think they could wear something in the same way a Stay at Home Mom, Grandmother or Retiree would. I cannot tell you how many times when I’ve been styling people how often I’ve heard, “Just please don’t make me look like a mom.” What? You mean the most incredible person on the planet that gave you life? Moms are just one cape short of a Super Hero. Capes…hmm…maybe a future post? Anyways, I digress. This week I’ll highlight ways to wear the trend and group some of our faces together. I hope you’ll find inspiration for your wardrobe or some pieces to add to your collection.
The SEARCHER The HUSTLER The GIVER The VETERAN
Sweater here
All of these pieces could be worn by any of these faces. Anytime I’m styling people I always look at their day to day and apart from the HUSTLER not many of these faces would wear professional clothing for their norm. The SEARCHER could wear this piece in the middle as a dress with amazing heels or simple sandals instead of a tunic with leggings. The first striped piece would be perfect for college or meeting friends for a spring, patio cocktail hour but if the VETERAN is uncomfortable with the “cold shoulder” vibe she can simply opt for a different cut. The HUSTLER could easily rock any of these looks with a dressier bottom for lunch meetings. The GIVER could pair a denim or casual pant and flats or boots with any of these pieces for a day to day ensemble. It’s all in how you style it!
Blouse here (It’s only $19)
There is really only 2 things that separate the HUSTLER from the CEO and that’s money and wisdom. The way they dress is actually quite similar and that’s as it should be. A general rule of thumb is to dress for the job you want and not the one you have. Yesterday’s HUSTLER is today’s CEO. Once again, this doesn’t mean they can’t rock this trend like our other faces but for their day to day lifestyle, they need to dress for the occasion. Take your top and layer over a white button down and under a vest a la Annie Hall like I did above for a fun yet professional look. Lose the vest and button down for meeting with friends after work. Let your top be the star and build around it.
The WILD CARD
Similar shirt here Similar vest here
As I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, pretty much anything goes for the WILD CARD. People will often ask me why we put such “crazy” looks on the runway at fashion shows. It’s an artistic representation of what you could do in your life. We must remember that a show is often a form of entertainment as well. You want to keep your audience and clients engaged and inspire them to think about clothing differently. Imagine how “meh” a show of t-shirt and jeans would be. You would be bored, not paying attention and talking to your neighbor within the first 5 minutes! I view the WILD CARD as looks people might wear straight off the runway. We can all take a cue from these artists and embrace parts of these looks into our daily life. See if there are any pieces below you can embrace into your wardrobe ranging in prices from steal to splurge. As always, I’d love to see how you style your statement sleeve!
Do you have any questions about any trends? Is there something you’d like to see me address? Please let me know in the comments and I’ll see you next time!
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