Dresses with statement sleeves

The dress edit: statement sleeves

Covering up has never been so cool. We explore bridal designers' current love affair with statement sleeves

Let's not dwell on the silhouette or the neckline for the moment, and focus on the sleeves. It's one of the easiest ways to make a gown more 'you' while also ensuring it smacks of modern and uber fashionable panache. Yes, ladies - statement sleeves are causing quite the stir, so prepare to fall for the latest lust-have styles.

Statement sleeves are all about volume, with puff, bell and especially balloon sleeves stealing the spotlight. It's something of a regency-inspired affair featuring long poet styles, short and pleated, and detachable sleeves in organza and tulle. Anything light-as-air or barely there (such as dotted or illusion tulle) fits the bill, while starched and more sculptural styles are also making a resurgence.

While you may have scoffed at Princess Diana's ruffle and taffeta bow-trimmed puffed sleeves in the past, today they are very much en vogue - especially oversized and off-the-shoulder. Alternatively, demure cap sleeves allow brides to hint toward the trend in a more minimalist way.

Lace remains a perennial favourite, finding form with the ultra romantic likes of flocked, crochet, vintage and floral, with added embellishment through hand stitched pearls, 3D petals, and crystal embroidery.