Style Notes—Statement Sleeves
When I started to lean into the idea of a capsule wardrobe and focus my closet more towards capsule styles, I thought I was a failure if I strayed from the typical “capsule style” of neutrals and basics. While my overarching tendency is towards these items, my style also shifts. It ebbs and flows. It grows, it changes and it evolves. Just as we all do.
Particularly when summer hits, my style seems to shift. It’s a shift towards some of the more feminine pieces in my closet—dresses, puff sleeves, prints, ruffles, etc.—and while I love wearing and re-wearing my favorite neutrals and timeless basics, to me, a capsule wardrobe is not a capsule because it fits a mold. Rather, it’s paired down to the styles that make you feel your best. And that—is something that looks different for everyone. To me, a capsule sparks joy. It should make you happy and you should want to wear it.
This idea has absolutely shifted the way I shop and how I think about my closet and wardrobe. I don’t buy a trend for the sake of a trend and always ask myself questions before making a purchase. Can I re-wear this? Does it fill a void? Does it make me feel good? Does it make me feel chic?
To me, a well-done statement sleeve is always a yes. A must-have in my own collection, it’s an easy way to add a touch of personality or whimsy—a statement if you will. An organza puff sleeve top has been just that and is the first style note I reach for on special occasions like date night, a day trip to Napa or dinner on the patio. The dainty sleeves add a feminine yet sophisticated feel to an otherwise plain outfit and I just feel happy wearing it.
So while I do try to avoid trends from fast fashion brands as much as possible, and while I’m by no means perfect, I do my best to support more timeless brands that do that “trend” best—like Sézane, Rebecca Taylor or Reformation for feminine pieces—and above all, make sure it’s a “trend” that feels like me.
