The world of fashion can be such a whirlwind with new trends emerging, old trends coming back with a flair, and current trends leaving us. I just love keeping up with it! The latest group of trends to return are the 70’s inspired trends, including the bell sleeve trend. I can remember watching old reruns of The Brady Bunch as a kid, all of them wearing bell sleeves. Then I got to wear the trend myself when it came back my freshman year of high school back in 2002. And now it’s back again but of course, with a flair.

This simple black Banana Republic blouse has a double bell sleeve, giving it a feminine ruffled look. It’s so versatile and the bell sleeve detail really does give it an extra something special, plus it’s flattering and makes you look thinner. There’s nothing but positive here, so let’s get right into the style guide. Here’s How To Wear The Bell Sleeve Trend!

photo credits: Shelby & Co. Photography

What Is The Bell Sleeve Trend?

Whether you call it the bell sleeve or trumpet sleeve, it’s all the same! It’s exactly what it sounds like; a sleeve that is tighter and then flares out at the end, similar to the shape of a bell. It’s mostly considered a romantic or bohemian style and it’s more often designed as a flowy top with a 3/4 length sleeve or a long sleeve. In my opinion, this style is incredibly flattering in a way that’s similar to the peplum top. While the focus is on the arm instead of the waist, it still gives off that same illusion of thinness because of the contrast between the wide sleeve and your arm.

How To Wear The Bell Sleeve:

The cool thing about this trend is its versatility. There really isn’t one set way to wear it! This bell sleeve top is loose fitting and flowy, so there are a number of ways that I could wear it stylishly. Here are just a few ideas!

Modern: For this particular look, I wore my bell sleeve blouse in a modern way. It has a modern look because I wore a few current trends, like the rolled up skinny jeans with ankle boots and a large statement necklace. I also left it tucked in slightly on the front to the side. That gives it a cool I’m-not-trying look. It’s all in the details!

Classic: For a classic style, you can wear the bell sleeve blouse tucked into a pencil skirt and wear it to the office. If you want to take it to the next level and add a trendy vibe, try wearing a neat top knot and thick framed glasses.

Trendy: For a trendy style, you can wear the bell sleeve blouse tucked in with a pair of wide-leg pants or a button-up a-line skirt with over the knee boots. Both styles are very current and would add a nice balance to the flared sleeves since both silhouettes are also flared.

Cozy: Sick of dressing up? For a cozy look, try wearing a flowy bell sleeve blouse with a pair of leggings. If the blouse is long enough with a loose fit similar to a tunic, a legging look would be very flattering and comfortable. What a great combination!

photo credits: Shelby & Co. Photography

The Look

Banana Republic Bell Sleeve Blouse similar  |  LC Lauren Conrad Jeggings similar  |  Forever 21 Crossbody  |  Grey Buckle Ankle Booties (similar: Express Belt Ankle Boot)   |  Unionbay Rhinestone Oval Sunglasses  |  Simply Vera Wang Beaded Statement Necklace (similar: Teardrop Beaded Necklace)  |  Topshop Asymmetrical Ear Crawler Set similar  |  Movado Bold Luxe Chronograph c/o Movado

photo credits: Shelby & Co. Photography

How would you wear the bell sleeve trend? Show me your style! Post your look on Instagram and tag me (@theclosetbychristie) for a chance to be featured.

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