How to Wear Puffy Sleeves Without Looking like a Milkmaid

It’s official; puffy sleeves are definitely in. I’m literally seeing them everywhere and I’m definitely not mad about it. I will be honest – puffy sleeves are not the easiest for me to pull off. I have fairly broad shoulders and a large chest, so I always feel like I’m built like a linebacker when I put on anything that draws attention to my shoulders.

However, I gave this top a try despite my apprehensiveness about the trend and I fell in love. It looks absolutely perfect with these high rise mom jeans and totally enhances my hourglass shape. Let me just say, I’m glad I hopped on this trend.

The thing about puffy sleeves is they can be a bit hard to pull off without looking super old-fashioned. So, if you want to try out the trend, here are my top tips for not looking like a milkmaid when your OOTD hits the streets.

Mix textures.

Even though I’m totally in love with this top, I love how it looks with my satin slides, boyfriend jeans, and Louis Vuitton canvas Sologne. The satin adds a luxury touch to an otherwise super-casual outfit and the tones in the LV monogram print matches the look perfectly. Since this top was a crop top, high rise jeans seemed like a must.

Every single item in this look has a different texture, with none overpowering the other. I tend to think that a mix of textures helps make any look more modern, especially when the focal point of the outfit is linen and has puffy sleeves. I mean – does it get more old-fashioned style than that?

Add a touch of luxe.

If there is one thing that doesn’t scream old-fashioned, it’s a luxury handbag. While it’s not essential to the look, my Louis Vuitton Sologne matched perfectly.

To get a touch of luxe without breaking the bank, it’s also totally possible to add a modern looking bag in a high quality leather (or faux leather) or even a modern-looking acrylic. This might be the perfect outfit to match with an acrylic bag from Cult Gaia or one of those clear bags that are taking over the internet.

Be wary of florals.

Florals are great – I wear them literally all the time – but florals and puff sleeves together? Be careful.

While it can look super cute, it can also look straight out of the 1700s. I stayed away from patterns for this look, but I probably would’ve avoided florals unless it was a silky skirt. With the right texture, it can totally work! After all, fashion “rules” are really just guidelines and meant to be broken anyway.

Pick a modern silhouette.

I honestly don’t know if I could’ve done super puffy sleeves on a linen midi dress. I acknowledge that. (Midi dresses are also not my favorite or most flattering length.) But, the puffy sleeves on the corset-like crop top felt much more modern.

Sticking with a modern silhouette for the rest of the piece when the sleeves feel a little more antique will help prevent your whole look from looking like it stepped out of a time machine.

Will you be rocking the puffy sleeve trend this summer?

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Hi - my name is Kirsten! I am currently based in Chicago after a long cross-country move from Arizona. What will you find here? I love sharing all things sustainability and slow fashion, any of my day-to-day shenanigans, the latest new hobbies I picked up, and whatever concert or music festival I can find. Welcome and thanks for popping in to my little corner of the world wide web!