Sequins have dominated the runway heyday since McQueen’s leggings way back in FW08, but a new trend is emerging with just as much fury: the power sleeve.
My theory behind this surge of power sleeves is their draped style are much less intimidating than a solid shoulder, and therefore aren’t nearly as terrifying to the general populus.
Draping fabrics provide a kinder, softer shape and look to a body and are more complimentary than a jacket or dress. With solid shoulders, there is also more chance that the wearer won’t be able to style the trend correctly, or pull it off.
These pieces are also much easier to layer with; while you can’t easily have a jacket on top of a strong sleeved dress, draped sleeves can easily be flattened under and over layer and easily puffed up once that layer is discarded.
The shown pieces are all from high street retailers; the silver dress being from Dorothy Perkins (£25), Keyhole puff sleeve top from Debenham’s (£25), asymmetrical striped top by Yuki at Topshop ($98) and the monster sleeve blazer from Miss Selfridge (£38).
So, what do you think – are power sleeves the new sequins?
4 Comments so far
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What do you think of formal suit jackets (office wear) with a little bit of a puff at the shoulder. I’m not thinking of anything quite so dramatic as the monster sleeve blazer, but maybe something with just a little bit of gathering right at the shoulder seem. Would that still be work appropriate while being fashion forward? Kind of like the sleeve on this FCUK coat: http://www.frenchconnection.com/product/womens+Coats+and+Jackets/75AG2/Lark+Jacket.htm
11.21.09 @ 11:34 amThis is actually probably a better example of what I mean:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cszKXSeTzcE/Su_TDpsQNoI/AAAAAAAABNg/b2qWczAu3C8/s1600-h/blazer2.jpg
11.21.09 @ 11:43 am@Virginia: Yes, I love those. Go forth and get puffy!
11.21.09 @ 12:35 pmThanks! Jacob is selling a blazer (with matching pants) quite similar to the one I linked to. I figure it won’t be in style forever, but it’ll last at least this season and next, and it’s pretty cute.
11.21.09 @ 1:28 pmLeave a comment
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