Okay, we know you might be a little hesitant about this one — all it takes is one oversized puff too many and people might start asking you if there's a Renaissance fair in town. But, if fashion didn't reinvent itself and modernize old trends now and then, we'd all be bored out of our minds. From 16th-century Florence to a stunning Lauren Bacall to the J.Crew catalog, the puff-sleeve has made its ladylike presence felt through time, so I guess we should embrace it.
All you need, really, are a few styling tips to make it your own. If you have a shorter build or even just a shorter neck, maybe opt for the full-length, elongating puffs of the Bailey 44 Pintucked Top. If you feel intimidated by the voluminous J.Crew Rivoli Blouse, just take it down a notch with a small cap sleeve puff like the kind on this BCBG Jersey Knit Tee. It is a great casual version that can be worn with your everyday wardrobe and not just for fancy occasions.
The puff is versatile, too, finding ways include itself on your crisp white work shirts and favorite cocktail dresses. But most importantly, all of that extra fabric up there will widen your shoulders and as a result make your waist look smaller. Why else do you think gals wore shoulder pads in the 80s?
