Puff Sleeves are Back, Baby! Here are 25 Styles to Wear All Summer Long
Puff sleeves may be trending, but these are not the shoulder-pad lined or bulbous satin monstrosities of the ‘80s. Think more along the lines of prairie frocks, princess-y poufs or balloon sleeves. The trick to pulling off the voluminous sleeves in 2020 is to find the variation that suits you best, whether that be a mini pouf or an amped up ¾-sleeve. Here, we rounded up 25 of the best tops and dresses to help you navigate this summer look and find the style that works best for you.
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PUFF SLEEVE TOPS
1. H&M Linen-Blend Top
Squared-off sleeves combined with sweetheart ruching at the bust makes for one of the most universally flattering necklines of all time. Plus, it adds a bit of a romantic touch to an otherwise basic white blouse.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL
2. Halogen Lace Puff Sleeve Top
Not quite sure you’re ready for a full ‘80s puff? Less voluminous sleeves, like the ones on this sunset-hued lace number, are just as trendy and less intimidating way to try it out.
Available in sizes 1X to 3X
3. BB Dakota Printed Bubble Top
This ditsy daisy print looks just as good with distressed jeans as it does with an A-line white eyelet skirt.
Available in sizes XS to L
4. Missguided Plus Puff Sleeve Sleeve Top
We came for the trendy princess sleeves but stayed for the sexy (but still bra-friendly) open back.
Available in sizes 12 to 20
5. Ganni Puff Sleeve Rose Print Cotton Poplin Blouse
Best for those who subscribe to the mantra “go big or go home,” this rose-covered blouse (in unexpected shades of green) juxtaposes an oversize sleeve with a form-fitting bodice, so you can still maintain some semblance of a waist.
Available in sizes 0 to 12
6. 7 For All Mankind The Puff Sleeve Top
The elastic at the neckline can also be stretched into an off-the-shoulder silhouette for double the styling options.
Available in sizes XS to 1X
7. Y.A.S. Organza Top with Puff Sleeves
Who knew gingham could be so sexy? This semi-sheer top doesn’t come with a liner, but we kind of love the idea of layering it over a colorful silk cami (or white lace bra) rather than a plain slip, anyway.
Available in sizes XS to XL
8. Alice + Olivia Joslyn Puff Sleeve Cropped Top
This structured Alice + Olivia top is the perfect length for high-waist jeans or skirts, if you’re not into the idea of revealing your midriff.
Available in sizes 0 to 14
9. Allison New York Eyelet Puff Sleeve T-Shirt
A more casual approach to the trend, this cotton tee feels a little less basic (and a lot more fun) with the addition of eyelet lace on the sleeves.
Available in sizes XS to L
10. NBD Sierra Top
The Swiss dot fabric makes this the most romantic blouse on our list. It’s best worn for date nights (over Zoom or IRL) with denim shorts in any color or wash.
Available in sizes XXS to XL
11. A New Day Puff Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
The easiest way to test this trend? Swap your go-to T-shirt for one with a more voluminous sleeve and wear it with abandon.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
12. English Factory Smocked Puff Sleeve Top
Smocked fabric is great for smoothing over lumps and bumps, creating a more streamlined silhouette that’s form-fitting but not constricting.
Available in sizes XS to XL
13. Staud Papaya Top
Oversize sleeves by themselves are pretty attention grabbing, but when combined with giant tropical flowers, vivid pink and vibrant orange? Now that’s a true show-stopper.
Available in sizes 00 to 12
PUFF SLEEVE DRESSES
14. Rhode Rosie Puff Sleeve Wrap Mini Dress
We love a good wrap silhouette for creating the illusion of a tiny waist, but when combined with puff sleeves and an A-line skirt, this Rhode dress is guaranteed to give you a gorgeous hourglass figure.
Available in sizes XS to L
15. Tanya Taylor Dorothy Dress
Another wrap option, this delicate navy floral can easily be dressed up or down, depending on your plans. Yep, you can wear it for cocktails and a warm-weather wedding, plus a walk in the park or a walk with the dog.
Available in sizes 0 to 22
16. & Other Stories Puff Sleeve Seersucker Mini Dress
When we think of seersucker, we often see visions of preppy pinks, blues, greens and afternoons spent at the Cape. But this olive-green frock gives the typically stuffy fabric a much-needed fashion-forward makeover.
Available in sizes 0 to 12
17. Eloquii Puff Sleeve Smocked Minidress
Why stop at one puff when you can have four? The tiered sleeves on this Eloquii frock are balanced by a fitted bodice so your body shape won’t completely disappear within all that fabric.
Available in sizes 14 to 26
18. Never Fully Dresses Plus Puff Sleeve Dress
The painterly petals on this midi aren’t quite neon, but they’re pretty darn close. Wear them with neutral hues and pearl jewelry to avoid an overwhelming explosion of color.
Available in sizes 14 to 20
19. H&M Crepe Cotton Dress
Worried the length will be too much on your petite frame? Unbutton a few buttons starting at the bottom to show off some leg and break-up the solid block of red.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL
20. Faithfull the Brand Sidonia Mini Dress
We’re getting some major Laura Ashely vibes here…and we couldn’t be more into it.
Available in sizes XS to XL
21. Rebecca Taylor Textured Ikat Midi Dress
The tie at the waist works to create the illusion of a small waistline and also breaks up this midi into two parts, making it easy to wear if you’re under 5’4”.
Available 00 to 14
22. Ulla Johnson Omaira Long Sleeve Mini Dress
If you’re going to sport a full-length balloon sleeve puff, opt for dresses with shorter hemlines that won’t drown you in fabric.
Available in sizes 0 to 10
23. Vera Moda Shiny Smock Dress with Puff Sleeves
The belt is removable if you prefer a looser silhouette. Or it can be worn over a trench coat or duster, once cooler months return.
Available in sizes XS to XL
24. River Island Puff Sleeve Shirt Dress
Subtle stripes of lace and semi-sheer cotton bring detail and shape to this lightweight LBD. Plus, the easy silhouette makes it a great beach dress.
Available in sizes 2 to 14
25. Ace&jig Noah Dress
Why stick to plain old black-and-white gingham when you can sport checks flecked with gold thread, peach eyelet with rows of tiny puffs, all combined into one dress.
Available in sizes XS to XL
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