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Puff Sleeves are Back, Baby! Here are 25 Styles to Wear All Summer Long

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Puff sleeves may be trending, but these are not the shoulder-pad lined or bulbous satin monstrosities of the ‘80s. Think more along the lines of prairie frocks, princess-y poufs or balloon sleeves. The trick to pulling off the voluminous sleeves in 2020 is to find the variation that suits you best, whether that be a mini pouf or an amped up ¾-sleeve. Here, we rounded up 25 of the best tops and dresses to help you navigate this summer look and find the style that works best for you.

5 Summer Sandal Trends That Will Soon Be Everywhere


Puff Sleeve Tops

hm puff sleeve top
H&M

1. h&m Linen-blend Top

Squared-off sleeves combined with sweetheart ruching at the bust makes for one of the most universally flattering necklines of all time. Plus, it adds a bit of a romantic touch to an otherwise basic white blouse.

Available in sizes XXS to XXL

halogen puff sleeve top
Nordstrom

2. halogen Lace Puff Sleeve Top

Not quite sure you’re ready for a full ‘80s puff? Less voluminous sleeves, like the ones on this sunset-hued lace number, are just as trendy and less intimidating way to try it out.

Available in sizes 1X to 3X

bb dakota puff sleeve top
Shopbop

3. bb Dakota Printed Bubble Top

This ditsy daisy print looks just as good with distressed jeans as it does with an A-line white eyelet skirt.

Available in sizes XS to L

missguided puff sleeve top
ASOS

4. missguided Plus Puff Sleeve Sleeve Top

We came for the trendy princess sleeves but stayed for the sexy (but still bra-friendly) open back.

Available in sizes 12 to 20

ganni puff sleeve blouse
Saks Fifth Avenue

5. ganni Puff Sleeve Rose Print Cotton Poplin Blouse

Best for those who subscribe to the mantra “go big or go home,” this rose-covered blouse (in unexpected shades of green) juxtaposes an oversize sleeve with a form-fitting bodice, so you can still maintain some semblance of a waist.

Available in sizes 0 to 12

7 for all mankind puff sleeve top
7 For All Mankind

6. 7 For All Mankind The Puff Sleeve Top

The elastic at the neckline can also be stretched into an off-the-shoulder silhouette for double the styling options.

Available in sizes XS to 1X

y a s puff sleeve top
ASOS

7. y.a.s. Organza Top With Puff Sleeves

Who knew gingham could be so sexy? This semi-sheer top doesn’t come with a liner, but we kind of love the idea of layering it over a colorful silk cami (or white lace bra) rather than a plain slip, anyway.

Available in sizes XS to XL

alice olivia puff sleeve top
Shopbop

8. alice + Olivia Joslyn Puff Sleeve Cropped Top

This structured Alice + Olivia top is the perfect length for high-waist jeans or skirts, if you’re not into the idea of revealing your midriff.

Available in sizes 0 to 14

allison new york puff sleeve top
Verishop

9. allison New York Eyelet Puff Sleeve T-shirt

A more casual approach to the trend, this cotton tee feels a little less basic (and a lot more fun) with the addition of eyelet lace on the sleeves.

Available in sizes XS to L

nbd puff sleeve top
Revolve

10. Nbd Sierra Top

The Swiss dot fabric makes this the most romantic blouse on our list. It’s best worn for date nights (over Zoom or IRL) with denim shorts in any color or wash.

Available in sizes XXS to XL

target puff sleeve top
Target

11. A New Day Puff Short-sleeve T-shirt

The easiest way to test this trend? Swap your go-to T-shirt for one with a more voluminous sleeve and wear it with abandon.

Buy it ($17)

Available in sizes XS to XXL

english factory puff sleeve top
Shopbop

12. English Factory Smocked Puff Sleeve Top

Smocked fabric is great for smoothing over lumps and bumps, creating a more streamlined silhouette that’s form-fitting but not constricting.

Available in sizes XS to XL

staud puff sleeve top
Shopbop

13. Staud Papaya Top

Oversize sleeves by themselves are pretty attention grabbing, but when combined with giant tropical flowers, vivid pink and vibrant orange? Now that’s a true show-stopper.

Available in sizes 00 to 12

PUFF SLEEVE DRESSES

rhode puff sleeve dress
Verishop

14. Rhode Rosie Puff Sleeve Wrap Mini Dress

We love a good wrap silhouette for creating the illusion of a tiny waist, but when combined with puff sleeves and an A-line skirt, this Rhode dress is guaranteed to give you a gorgeous hourglass figure.

Available in sizes XS to L

tanya taylor puff sleeve dress
Tanya Taylor

15. Tanya Taylor Dorothy Dress

Another wrap option, this delicate navy floral can easily be dressed up or down, depending on your plans. Yep, you can wear it for cocktails and a warm-weather wedding, plus a walk in the park or a walk with the dog.

Buy it ($595)

Available in sizes 0 to 22

and other stories puff sleeve dress
& Other Stories

16. & Other Stories Puff Sleeve Seersucker Mini Dress

When we think of seersucker, we often see visions of preppy pinks, blues, greens and afternoons spent at the Cape. But this olive-green frock gives the typically stuffy fabric a much-needed fashion-forward makeover.

Available in sizes 0 to 12

eloquii puff sleeve dress
Nordstrom

17. Eloquii Puff Sleeve Smocked Minidress

Why stop at one puff when you can have four? The tiered sleeves on this Eloquii frock are balanced by a fitted bodice so your body shape won’t completely disappear within all that fabric.

Available in sizes 14 to 26

never fully dressed puff sleeve dress
ASOS

18. Never Fully Dresses Plus Puff Sleeve Dress

The painterly petals on this midi aren’t quite neon, but they’re pretty darn close. Wear them with neutral hues and pearl jewelry to avoid an overwhelming explosion of color.

Available in sizes 14 to 20

hm puff sleeve dress
H&M

19. H&m Crepe Cotton Dress

Worried the length will be too much on your petite frame? Unbutton a few buttons starting at the bottom to show off some leg and break-up the solid block of red.

Available in sizes XXS to XXL

faithfull the brand puff sleeve dress
Shopbop

20. Faithfull The Brand Sidonia Mini Dress

We’re getting some major Laura Ashely vibes here…and we couldn’t be more into it.

Available in sizes XS to XL

rebecca taylor puff sleeve dress
Nordstrom

21. Rebecca Taylor Textured Ikat Midi Dress

The tie at the waist works to create the illusion of a small waistline and also breaks up this midi into two parts, making it easy to wear if you’re under 5’4”.

Available 00 to 14

ulla johnson puff sleeve dress
Nordstrom

22. Ulla Johnson Omaira Long Sleeve Mini Dress

If you’re going to sport a full-length balloon sleeve puff, opt for dresses with shorter hemlines that won’t drown you in fabric.

Available in sizes 0 to 10

vero moda puff sleeve dress
ASOS

23. Vera Moda Shiny Smock Dress With Puff Sleeves

The belt is removable if you prefer a looser silhouette. Or it can be worn over a trench coat or duster, once cooler months return.

Available in sizes XS to XL

river island puff sleeve dress
ASOS

24. River Island Puff Sleeve Shirt Dress

Subtle stripes of lace and semi-sheer cotton bring detail and shape to this lightweight LBD. Plus, the easy silhouette makes it a great beach dress.

Available in sizes 2 to 14

ace and jig puff sleeve dress
Shopbop

25. Ace&jig Noah Dress

Why stick to plain old black-and-white gingham when you can sport checks flecked with gold thread, peach eyelet with rows of tiny puffs, all combined into one dress.

Available in sizes XS to XL



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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...