Call it the Chloé effect: Designer Chemena Kamali recently had her runway and cool girl fashion show attendees turned out in puff-sleeve tops that looked as fresh as daffodils. I share what the New York Times called Kamali's "obsession with the blouse," from those with short little gathered sleeves to full, Edwardian-style long sleeves. Puff-sleeve tops are the low-investment, high-impact shirt that you can just button up or pull over your head and voila, you appear to have made an effort. I've cherry-picked eight standout styles of the season from preferred retailers, and most cost way less than a full dress might, but look equally cool—or even cooler—when paired with slingbacks and shorts or even sneakers and jeans. A puff-sleeve top and a swipe of makeup, and you're looking spring-summer chic.
8 Trendy Puff-Sleeve Tops I'm Loving for Spring (Starting at Just $25)
Most cost way under $100
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SPONSORED1. Banana Republic Factory Puff Sleeve Top
Banana Republic Factory
All-cotton, this has reinforced sleeves for a definite rounded effect. Style this top with jeans and a wide belt for a casual-yet-chic vibe.
2. Damson Madder Dakota Blouse
Damson Madder
Emerging London-based brand Damson Madder has practically put the puff-sleeve blouse on the map with their colorful tops and dresses. This all-cotton broadcloth blouse is machine-washable and has a bodice of figure-enhancing shirring.
3. By Anthropologie Ruffled V-Neck Blouse
By Anthropologie
This delicate cotton blouse has elasticated, smocked shoulders and sleeve hems and comes in glorious white or powder blue colorways. It's going to refresh all those classic pieces you've been wearing.
4. Quince Washable Silk Stretch Blouse
Quince
This top is a great buy, since it's going to look fancy with a black skirt, hip with a pair of shorts and boots and fresh with just about anything else, because it's washable silk so easy to keep clean.
5. Maeve Short-Sleeve Crew-Neck Top
Maeve
In a blend of cotton, polyamide, elastane, this pull-on top comes in navy stripes, plus solid white and red. The first two options come in petite and plus sizes, too.
Madewell
This is the elevated T-shirt you'll live in all summer, an all-cotton piece that's going to look as great in nights out as it does in picnic selfies. (And that shoulder detail with the exposed gathers makes this look way pricier than it is.)
7. Gap Factory Puff Sleeve Cinched-Waist Top
Gap Factory
This top has a scoop neck to be adjusted as you like, and two midriff gathers that define your bust and waist. And the blue gingham fabric is a classic spring favorite.
8. Madewell Puff-Sleeve Drop-Shoulder Knit Top
Madewell
The body's all cotton and the sleeves are 55 percent cotton with 45 percent viscose for a floaty feel. This is the T-shirt/blouse hybrid you've been waiting for, so I recommend snapping it up in both white as well as the neutral dark surplus colorway.
