3 ways to wear the statement sleeve

All hail the statement sleeve! Roll up your sleeves girl and show some serious shoulder this season as this trend will dominate 2016...

The weather's finally warming up, which means its time to shed the layers and show some shoulder in this season's newest trend. Whether they're puffy, frilled, bell off the shoulder or cut-out, it's all about fancy sleeve styles for Spring; sleeves become the focus of the outfit. Bare shoulders and collarbones are proving to be the most popular erogenous zones in fashion right now.

The great thing is it's a trend you can get on board with now and wear with ease daily. It’s sexy without going overboard, head-turning but wearable, fresh and new but also good for any age.

Inspiration as has come from the SS16 catwalks such as Roksanda Ilincic, Erdem and Jonathan Saunders (seen below).

Roksanda Ilincic

Erdem

Jonathan Saunders

There have been many fashionista's, models, actresses and style icons wearing this trend out and about attending the numerous fashion weeks or award ceremonies recently that we can take inspiration from.

Street style

Caroline Flack

Street style

Liv Tyler

Stella McCartney

Laura Whitmore

Dermot and wife Dee

Off duty model

But how does one make a statement with such an unusual part of the outfit?

By choosing sleeves big and even bigger, playing with bare shoulders or contrasting volumes, and by making sure we see the sleeves immediately. This new top silhouette is sure to instantly kick up the coolness factor of your Spring wardrobe. 

A bold full-on volume style on top calls for a subtle bottom half, so balance out the oversize proportions by pairing it with skinny jeans, cropped trousers or a midi skirt. My approach is that there really can only be one hero to an outfit, a ruffle sleeve for example needs to be completely played down by a streamlined outfit. See my 3 wears to wear this trend below and let me know which one you think you would adopt yourself...

1. Shirt from Marks and Spencer £29.50 - BUY NOW HERE

2. Top from Whistles £50.00- BUY NOW HERE

3. Top from Topshop £42.00 - BUY NOW HERE

For more inspiration and clothes to shop then check out my pinterest board - Roll up your sleeves

the most useful thing in your wardrobe right now - the polo neck

Use it to layer or wear on its own – either way, a roll-neck jumper is one of the most useful things you can own

Roll necks made their most recent revival a few autumns ago, after they were done by Celiné and Stella McCartney. Layered under suit jackets or with knee-length skirts, they reintroduced a way to wear a jumper but still look chic. Unlike a lot of catwalk trends, this one really does work. Put one under a sleeveless dress and it means you can wear said dress when it’s cold. Or, wear one under a blazer for a non-iron work option. OR, with slouchy jeans to balance out proportions. If you’re considering wide-leg trousers or those pleated midi skirts that everyone’s banging on about, then I’d suggest putting a roll neck on your top half. If you are layering, they work best under things with round or V-necks. Anything sleeveless is good too, like a long-line waistcoat.

The best thing? They keep you incredibly warm without adding bulk. 

My tip would be to choose a style that’s fitted. This is particularly good if you are busty,  it’s far more flattering. I would suggest, when wearing one, to avoiding very tight trousers, which can look a bit après ski. I brought my black jersey roll neck from Atterley and can be found here - Selected Femme £25 or there is a fab one at Topshop Boutique £30 but if you are looking for colours then I suggest Uniqlo £12.90

Here's my styling tips on how to wear your polo neck.

1. Casual day time style. Wear your roll neck with jeans under a shirt, jumper or coatigan, paired with a hat you will look stylish for any autumn day.

2. Smart day to evening style. Wear your roll neck under a dress or jumpsuit to utilise it from your summer wardrobe. Add winter boots and a leather jacket or coat and your roll neck is doing all the work for you.

3. Evening style. Wear your roll neck tucked into this season's must-have; the skirt. Add thick black tights, heel's and a fur coat to keep warm and you will be the most stylish gal on the town.