How To Wear The Bell Sleeve Fashion Trend This 2017 Season
The fashion forecast for 2017 shows statement bell sleeves as a hot trend for the spring and summer seasons. We are well stocked in this trend at mint, with flutter sleeve tops and bell sleeve dresses from favorite brands like Amanda Uprichard, Lovers & Friends, BB Dakota and Blank NYC in a variety of styles and colors. Statement sleeves are an easy street style look to wear in your everyday life since a flare sleeve make a dramatic style statement without being uncomfortable or limiting in any way. With so many different varieties on this trend, such as tiered sleeves, flutter sleeves and flared sleeves, there is a style for everyone, and we’re going to walk you through how to style these statement sleeves in so many different ways, no matter your style preferences.
Bell sleeves have been seen all over the runways recently, and the recent New York Fashion Week shows debuting upcoming fall trends were no exception. By definition a bell sleeve top has sleeves that flare out wide generally below the elbow or wrist, or sometimes even all the way from the shoulder creating a dramatic focal point to the piece that has garnered much attention and designer creations. Adding volume to the arms is a fun way to create a dramatic look with minimal effort and total comfort. Since the sleeves are so wide and flowy the body of the top will generally be more fitted to balance out the look and keep it wearable for the everyday trendy gal. This wide sleeve trend brings back the flared styles of the 70’s but with modern updates that keep the looks current and fresh. Combining flared sleeves with trendy off the shoulder necklines is one popular way to keep the look up to date and modern that we are seeing a lot of in spring designer collections.
For a take that really draws on 70’s trends, a colorful printed dress with flared sleeves is the way to go. This paisley print in warm shades of reds and oranges with complimentary blues has us longing for warmer weather and sundress days. This dress makes a style statement from it’s bold print, vibrant colors, and trendy bell sleeve and off the shoulder combo. This is a combination that is popping up frequently, since the wide flowing sleeves and bared sexy shoulder compliment each other so well. This shift dress hits on several 70’s inspired throwbacks while still feeling modern with it’s popular shift cut and on -trend open shoulders. It pairs perfectly with neutral sandals and gold earrings on a warm spring day.
While some bell sleeves have a more tailored and structured shape to them, others are gauzy and flowy in a very bohemian way. This means that the trend can be interpreted for those whose style is more preppy and tailored, as well as those who prefer a more free and bohemian approach to style. One take on this is the flare sleeve peasant blouse, often printed in pretty colors with a looser fit over all. This hot red top by luxe brand Central Park West has draping sleeves reminiscent of flamenco dancers that move with your body to catch the eye as they flow with the air currents. This indie style is romantic and free spirited, and will be great for upcoming music festivals this spring and summer.
Contrarily, a structured take on the bell sleeve feels more appropriate for the office while still tapping into the season's top trends. This fitted white dress by Amanda Uprichard has a flared sleeve that adds interest to an otherwise simple frock that is classy enough for work and conservative events and fun enough to feel confident in. The wearability and effortless elegance of this piece make it a no-brainer for work days and dressier events that is easy to style without sacrificing your taste for trends. Often with the flare starting just at the wrists, tops in structured styles like this are easier to wear on the daily with jeans or skirts for a subtler take on the popular trend.
One of our favorite dress designers, known for trendy feminine pieces with a haute edge to them, Amanda Uprichard, has released several bell sleeve styles as well that we can’t get enough of. This sexy black dress features the flared sleeve we’re all coming to love, as well as a cut out neckline with a seductive laced choker neck. This modern twist on the LBD is fresh and sexy for the 2017 season, yet the classic cut and timeless black make this one a keeper. From a hot dinner date, to a night at the theater, this dress will be a showstopper for sure. Another Amanda Uprichard piece to point out, is this beautiful tiered sleeve off shoulder blouse. The light beige color makes this a must have for year-round style, and the layered flare sleeves add an extra touch of feminine sophistication to the piece. Perfect when paired with dark skinny jeans and a sexy heel, this layered bell sleeve top will take you through summer evenings and sophisticated outings all year long. The flutter of the sleeves is utterly feminine and the soft nude blush color accentuates the feel with it’s earthy tones.
Even our casual tees are taking on the new trends, with simple tee shirt styles like these olive and black bell sleeve shirts by Blank NYC. The casual cotton fabric is easy and comfy to wear everyday and the split bell sleeves add a unique touch to these classic tees. The lovely olive green is a hot color this spring, bringing to mind the fresh greens of sprouting flowers and budding trees, and the classic style is updated with the addition of the flared sleeve. A tee like this looks fabulous paired with your favorite jeans and a simple pair of flat shoes for a day when you want a no-fuss style that takes minutes to pull together and yet keeps you looking chic all day long. Casual or dressy, bell sleeves make your look more fun no matter the occasion.
Bell sleeves add a romantic flowing touch to any outfit, but to take it to the next level, a beachy pom pom trim and flirty ruffle-covered bell sleeve dress is sexy and romantic in it’s essence. A dress like this Lovers & Friends piece is perfect for a spring break getaway, for dancing on the beach at night to a daytime cover up over your swimwear. The bright coral pink color is perfect for spring and summer and fits right in with the trendy shades of pink this season. Yet a stunning piece like this is not limited to the beach. Once the sun starts to warm up and spring is well under way this dress will become a go-to for strolling city streets and picnics in the park, with it’s trendy details like a cold shoulder and tiered flare sleeve you’ll want to show off this Lovers & Friends clothing dress whenever you can.
Now that you know how to wear the bell sleeve trend, and what varieties it appears as, it’s time to start shopping and wearing the look! Spring weather is right around the corner so now is the time to prepare for spring’s best trends like the flare sleeve look. Don’t miss out, these styles sell fast!
