At Fashion Week Spring 2018. Photographed by Valentina Frugiuele for Vogue Arabia
2017’s penchant for statement sleeves has been documented on the runways and in real-life respectively, and in multiple manifestations. We’ve seen the off-the-shoulder shirt make way for fingertip-grazing cuffs, supersized bishop sleeves, puff-shoulder blouses, and peasant styles with voluminous dimensions. It has certainly been the year of extreme tailoring. As seen at the likes of Harithand, Jacquemus, Rosie Assoulin, Balenciaga, Gucci, Nora Al Shaikh, and A.W.A.K.E – the major fashion houses have encouraged its loyal customers to draw attention to the upper body. Especially the arms. Alluring, the trend is to cover them but with swathes of carefully-appointed fabric.
Beaufilles Athena High-Neck Blouse, AED/SAR 1,718
US $ 468.
If there’s a new trend on the horizon it’ll be spotted in Vogue Arabia’s street style pages first. And so, at the Spring 2018 shows in NYC, Paris, and London the fashion desk spotted the puff sleeve with flared detailing dancing beyond the ruched gathering. Decidedly feminine and somewhat ’80s, the look is very much en vogue.
Here’s how to wear the look for 24-7 chic and score instant style points with the pros. After all, it’s the detail of an outfit that impresses.
#1: Layer It
At Fashion Week Spring 2018. Photographed by Valentina Frugiuele for Vogue Arabia
The instant route to outfit cool status? Layer a tulle statement sleeve blouses underneath your wintry separates for a unique style twist.
#2: Go All White Now
At Fashion Week Spring 2018. Photographed by Valentina Frugiuele for Vogue Arabia
Fend off the seemingly ever-present Middle Eastern heat with white dress featuring the sleeve du jour: the voluminous frill style. Fully-loaded sequin kitten heels optional.
#3: Go Extreme
Harithand Spring 2018 RTW. Courtesy Hairthand
Your shopping options are broad, so it’s all about reaching for the key styles that tap the next-level detailing of this trend. Sheer, feather-weight fabrics are preferable: Harithand and Roksanda are go-to brands for this aspect. The more extreme the frilled cuff is the better: Beaufille and Balenciaga go full throttle on this tailored element.
Here Vogue shops its top three picks to tap for the office:
Teija Striped Cotton Shirt, AED/SAR 8,000; US $ 2,135
Jacquemus La Chemise Boutons Polka-Dot Cady Blouse, AED/SAR 2,800; US $ 741
Roksanda Truffaut cotton-poplin top, 1,968 AED/SAR; US $ 524
