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No longer are fashion trends like opera gloves, excessive jewels and puffy sleeves reserved for the rich. It’s time to re-ignite that inner romantic, because it looks like regency-core is back in the world of fashion. Or at least, all over Melbourne Fashion Festival.
En route to the cooler months, we weren’t expecting puffy sleeves to be in almost every single runway show. But we weren’t mad about it — quite the opposite!
Usually reserved for spring and summer collections, puffy sleeves were a main character not only on the runway but off it too, with designers, influencers and fashion-fans wearing textured sleeve moments to the shows and on the streets.
The Acler dress (above) is a beautiful example of mixing textures. Combining the puff style with pleats, in a satin fabrication, this dress brings multiple bold elements to its sleeve. Regardless of all its various elements, however, it doesn’t feel over the top.
Below, we have another example from Torrance. In contrast, this black maxi is much more casual, working as a fantastic trans-seasonal dress for autumn through to winter. The sleeve is only slightly puffed, giving the silhouette a slightly more feminine look.
In this gorgeous street style snap, we’re seeing a slightly more extreme puffed sleeve, coming up just above the elbow — accentuated by its shape in contrast to the arm. We love seeing such a bold sleeve moment, worn in a dressed-up way that still didn’t know over-the-top.
Maximalism is officially in, but it seems that effortless styling has been perfected and wearing texture, colour and volume isn’t as monumental as it used to be.
With that being said, here are seven puffy sleeve pieces to add to your winter wardrobe in 2023.
