There’s no denying we are in the midst of a sleeve revolution. From bells to puffs and frills to ruffles, the statement sleeve is the new cold shoulder; the 2017 uniform of the fashionista. Except it’s not. It’s the adopted uniform of the masses. Giant sleeves are soaking up miso soup and smudging ink the world over. Practical it may not be, but beautiful? Absolutely.
Sourcing Statement Sleeves
You can walk into any shop and you’ll find sweaters, blouses and an array of shirts with statement sleeves and the best part is, you can find your dream sleeve at any price point. You may remember our last hero Marks & Spencer buy, the velvet jacket which Zoe styled two ways last summer? Well, they’ve done it again with this cotton poplin shirt; classic tailoring, a long tail perfect for tall ladies, and elegant, flared sleeves knotted in a delicate bow.
Styling Statement Sleeves
Styling this shirt is easy. It will look as good in the office tucked into a pencil skirt or black trousers as it does for a relaxed weekend with raw hem jeans and mules, as I have done here. For the more relaxed styling, give the shirt a tuck at the front but leave it flowing at the back, a kind of rebellious, nonchalant approach to wearing a classic white shirt.
I’ve styled the shirt with Le Original jeans from Frame. We’re a little bit obsessed; their uniquely stepped hem and 80’s-style faded wash and high waist are both flattering and very on trend. Helpfully, they’re also very comfortable, unlike my much loved MiH Mimi jeans, which look great but prevent me from being able to put on my shoes. Or eat. The former I can live with, the latter I cannot. Plus, the stepped hem on Le Original shows off my orange mules to perfection.
Accessorising Statement Sleeves
One of my all time greatest ASOS purchases, the mules are nudging on too tall for all-day use (but who cares when they look this good). The combination of mirrored heel and orange suede makes me feel like a fembot in Austin Powers. Sassy and deadly. Otherwise known as #girlboss. Sadly, they’re well out of stock but you can buy similar at New Look or Sam Edelman. The orange also happens to be the perfect tone to match this stunning suede clutch from the SS17 collection at L.K.Bennett. The blue is the kind of colour that you can’t quite believe exists, reminiscent of white sands, turquoise waters and endless sunshine. Which is the closest we’re going to get to that in London, so I’ll take it and then some.
A friend told me I managed to not look like me in this outfit. I think this is because I mostly look pretty scruffy (when I’m not trying to look stylish), never wear shirts and definitely don’t have enough colour in my life. I am so in love with this outfit that all of these things will change. This summer I am embracing the statement sleeve, extravagant colour and a little bit more polish. Bring it on.
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Love this style ……
Thanks Val! I hope they still stock the shirt in Ireland… Seems to be running out quickly here!
Hi, I am hoping to pick it up in Edinburgh this week. Hope it is still in stock!
Just realised that is a lot of ‘hopes!’
You can never have too many hopes! Let us know how you get on. x
Absolutely nailed it! What a fantastic look!
Thanks Annie! Good photos 📸
I ordered this bowed sleeve shirt from M&S. THANK YOU. I am 6ft and wondering if these sleeves will be longer enough. How tall are you?
Hi Vicki, that’s great news! It’s such a beautiful shirt. I am 6ft1 so it should be perfect on you. Really hope you love it! Maybe take a picture and tag us when it arrives? Thanks for letting us know xx
I bought it in solid white and in light blue. Fits great but personally Id like it more if it was one inch longer in the sleeve. Thanks for finding this shirt though. I love it.
Hi Vicki, thanks so much for your feedback 😊 I totally appreciate that the sleeves would be more of a statement if a few cm longer but I quite liked that they didn’t get in my way (or dip in my lunch) too much! I hope you love the shirts none the less. I have been living in mine all week! x
LOVE this look! The pretty feminine ties on the sleeves, the edgy jeans, and the pop-of-orange mules…what’s not to love? Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Camille! So glad you love the look and thanks so much for your feedback x
Found this shirt in Edinburgh. Deliberated about it as i am always cold and might end up covering up the cuffs with a cardigan. Went back today and it was still there so bought it! Might go for a wrap around my shoulders instead…..
Thanks Val for letting us know! Let us know how you get on? It’s tough balancing looks with practicality… The age old dilemma but hopefully it will warm up enough for you to get good use out of it. H&Z x