HEY THERE,
If you’ve been wondering why everyone’s sleeves have been seemingly getting longer and longer—it’s not you. Designers have taken a strong hold of the bell-sleeve silhouette and they are not letting go anytime soon. It’s a new take on a going-out top: fun, dramatic, and perfect for making a fashion statement.
A bell sleeve can be either long or short and is usually set smoothly into the armscye and flares toward the bottom. Bell sleeves end anywhere from the elbow to the wrist. Flared sleeves ending at the upper bicep are similarly shaped, but are instead called butterfly sleeves. The effect is reminiscent of a bell in its shape. If the sleeve is relatively full in circumference and is gathered or pleated into both the armhole and at the bottom, it is called a Bishop’s Sleeve Flared sleeves have been part of the fashion lexicon for centuries, dating back to the Heian period in Japan (beginning in the year 1794). It was during this era that the Japanese began crafting and wearing kimonos. A dramatically long, flared sleeve was and is a major feature of this classic garment- and has since been referenced by numerous designers drawing inspiration from Japanese fashion.
The Medieval Era
Bell sleeves began making their way into western fashion during the Medieval Era. At first, the sleeve style was only seen on garments for the clergy. They wore a robe known as a chasuble, which featured very large, wide bell sleeves that arched on the sides.
Royalty and nobility adopted the bell sleeve with a dramatic flair. With most fashions of this era, the rule was “the bigger the better,” and sleeves were no exception. The look was especially popular with French nobility. Anne of Brittany, the queen of France at the time, was a notable proponent of this trend.
Many iconic styles have spread through the west via France, and the bell sleeve was no exception. England was the next country to embrace the look. The London fashion elite of the Elizabethan era adored wide sleeves. The extra space around the wrist left room for even more embellishment: frills, pleats, lace, etc. Again, the bigger (and more embellished) the better. A favorite style of the era was a wide, billowing bell sleeve, which was layered over other “false sleeves” such as puffed brocade, or a dainty flared cuff. As you might have guessed, the look, while dramatic, was utterly impractical. Thus, only the wealthy would adopt this wide, layered style, while the working class wore more sensible fitted sleeves.
The Hanging Sleeve
During this time, another highly fashionable sleeve style was the “hanging sleeve.” This look was even more theatrical. Hanging sleeves were a complex garment that functioned as both a sleeve and a cape. Heavy fabric cascaded down the wearer’s back to the floor, coming around the arms and shoulders. Wide slits served as armholes, and were of course embellished.
This style remained in fashion until the 17th century. Bell-style sleeves in general slipped in and out of style for the next few hundred years.
The 1970’s to Today
Fast forward a few centuries to the bell sleeve are next big fashion moment: the 1970’s. The 1960’s had made loose-fitting, flowy clothing popular and as silhouettes widened, so did sleeves.
Bell bottoms and bell sleeves were highly fashionable. Many wore “peasant” style dresses and tops. These were typically cut from cotton and fit loosely, often featuring a flared sleeve.
The bell sleeve also enjoyed a brief revival in the early 2000’s. Fitted blouses or sweaters would occasionally feature a sleeve with a ruffled flare at the elbow, or a subtle taper to the wrist. Incidentally, flared jeans had made a comeback as well, and many celebrities favored an outfit comprised of low-rise flares, and a cropped, bell-sleeve peasant blouse or crocheted sweater. Kelly Clarkson, Brittany Spears, and Christina Aguliera all sported bell sleeves during this decade.
Bell sleeves disappeared for a few years, but as we’ve seen, they are back with a (fortunately more refined) vengeance. While it might disappear again, it’s safe to say this trend is likely to continue popping up.
THE SEASON STYLE TIPS
You can pair layer a sleeveless dress over your flared sleeve button-down and finish the look off with a belt.
If going for dramatic bell-sleeve shape, opt for understated tones of navy and black.
Turn up the heat on cotton top and skinny jeans by opting for shirting with head-turning volume.
For an evening out, pair a statement top with a pencil skirt. By opting for a cream palette, it will keep your look fresh and youthful.
You can steal my look kick the LBD up a notch by seeking one with nontraditional sleeves, like this layer frill bell sleeves and pair up with holographic heel they are hot this rainy season.
Now you know all about this new style called BELL- SLEEVES, coming more in PATTERN & STYLE to keep you educated on fashion. Till then wear what is in THE SEASON STYLE.
BRAND I M WEARING
DRESS – STREET-STYLE FLEE
SHOE – NEW LOOK
CHOKER – ERISTONA
Keep styling and experimenting with pattern you can also tag me @jannatsorathia on Instagram.
Happy Shopping