Nuevo Culture

Once a Trend, Now a Classic, Puff-Sleeve Dresses Are Perfect for Spring

The lifespan of most trends is about a season or two, but the puff-sleeve dress has managed to turn its 15 minutes of fame into a full-feature film—with several sequels in the works. Quite a few brands are continuing to breathe new life into the movement, like Cecilie Bahnsen’s balloon-like designs and Ulla Johnson’s billowing frocks.

If there were a cheat code for putting together a flawless spring outfit, the voluminous silhouette would be at the heart of the formula. Whether you’re taking a chic “silly little walk” through your neighborhood or meeting with friends for an outdoor brunch, the one-and-done-piece makes getting dressed up easy. Plus, it looks great on Zoom! But the best thing about the puff-sleeve dress is that it pairs well with any type of shoe, from a cult-favorite pair of sneakers to comfy sandals and statement revenge heels.

As we enter re-emergence season, any one of these big-shouldered dresses will undoubtedly get a lot of wear.