A funny thing happened to our dress sleeves the last few years — they ballooned to cloud-like proportions. Our hypothesis is that puff sleeve dresses are what happens when fairytale escape meets stay-at-home comfort. The nap dress surely takes a lot of credit for kicking off this unexpected trend, but those frocks were more suited for indoorsy, (err, lockdown-y) life. These newer puff sleeve dress styles; however, are explicitly for being seen in. And there are so many options available right now, whether you’re keen on the poofed-up skirts or something more casual for daily wear.
Because this big-time trend (that can also fall within cottagecore and boho territory) is only blowing up even further, we’ve rounded up the best puff sleeve dresses that are sure to be the conversation starter at any social function. Broken down by dress length, we’ve compiled the best puff sleeve mini, midi, and maxi dresses for a range of different occasions (think: casual fall dresses and puff sleeve cocktail dresses). Click on for the best puff sleeve dresses that rewrite the definition of “arm party.”
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Puff-sleeve dresses channel extra-in-the-best-way energy. But if you want to take the extra down a notch, consider a longer hemline. A midi skirt length can help tone down the look from “total princesscore” to “princesscore but acceptable at the farmer’s market.”
Shop Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Iris Floral Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Shop ASOS
Only Curve Plus Size Puff Sleeve Wrap Midi Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Shop Madewell
Madewell Poplin Cutout Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Madewell
Shop Everlane
Everlane The TENCEL Puff-Sleeve Dress, $, available at Everlane
Shop Reformation
Reformation Lacey Dress, $, available at Reformation
Shop Nordstrom
Chelsea28 Pleated Puff Shoulder Long Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Shop Noralee
Noralee Dolly Dress, $, available at Noralee
Shop Hill House
Hill House The Louisa Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House
Shop Frame
Frame Puff Sleeve Dress, $, available at Frame
Shop Net-A-Porter
Roksanda Open-Back Pearl-Embellished Crepe Midi Dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Shop LoveShackFancy
LoveShackFancy Kesari Dress, $, available at loveshackfancy
Shop Net-A-Porter
Sea Shirred Patchwork Printed Cotton Midi Dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Mini dresses are for leggy moments, long strides, and hot nights. Here are a few selects that are short in length but amped when it comes to sleeves. Whether they’re short sleeve or long sleeve dresses, the volume is always on high.
Shop ASOS
ASOS DESIGN One Shoulder Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS
Shop Gap
Gap Puff Sleeve Smocked Mini Dress, $, available at Gap
Shop Amazon
Exlura Lantern Sleeve Tie Back Dress, $, available at Amazon
Shop Revolve
Likely Hansen Dress, $, available at Revolve
Shop Quince
Quince 100% European Linen Smocked Mini Dress, $, available at Quince
Shop Lulus
Lulus So Stunning Jacquard Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $, available at Lulus
Shop Urban Outfitters
Sister Jane Maria Jacquard Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Shop Nordstrom
Eliza J. Puff Sleeve Cotton Shirtdress, $, available at Nordstrom
Shop Anthropologie
t.la Savannah Puff-Sleeved Mini Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Shop Nordstrom
Socialite Ruched Puff Sleeve Minidress, $, available at Nordstrom
Shop Revolve
Selkie The Puff Dress, $, available at Revolve
Shop Showpo
Showpo Vashti Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $, available at Showpo
Go long! Ahead are a few puff-sleeve maxi dresses (and gowns) that just skim the ground (or sit slightly above at ankle length). And, to be sure, the tiered A-line skirts do allow for mobility.
Shop Dôen
Dôen Rhodia Dress, $, available at Dôen
Shop Free People
Free People Linda Lou Poplin Dress, $, available at Free People
Shop Tuckernuck
Tuckernuck Black Floral Seaport Midi Dress, $, available at Tuckernuck
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew Smocked Puff-Sleeve Dress, $, available at J.Crew
Shop Mango
Mango Satin Dress with Volume Sleeves, $, available at Mango
Shop Amazon
R.Vivimos Cotton Plaid Puff Sleeve Bow Off-Shoulder Dress, $, available at Amazon
Shop Free People
Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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