How many is too many with a trend? - YouLookFab Forum

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How many is too many with a trend?

delurked

Veteran

And everywhere I see bell sleeves. I’ve got a top with bell sleeves, so I’m not opposed, but I can’t remember a time with so many crazy sleeves. Some are seriously huge. When I was looking before the jumpsuit, I decided I didn’t really want a bell sleeve cause it might be out sooner than I’d like on a dressy item that might live in my closet a long time. Of course, I may have thought skinny jeans were a short term trend, and those seem beyond trend at this point, although I’ve happily moved on to other styles. I just don’t feel like adding more sleeves like that - unless I find something I can’t resist, and do it anyway.

Shopping

33 replies

Latest reply was from Violettt

Joy

Veteran

Two might be too many of a trend unless it can be tailored to a more classic look later on when the trend is dead ( like slimming wide sleeves, or cutting off crops for clam diggers). A friend's frugal sister even over-dyes.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

If you wear it a lot and get your wear out of it, as many as you want. I also think like Joy about whether something can be altered after the trend goes away. And it depends if you fall in love with a trend and are willing to wear it after it falls out of favor. And several trends I thought would be short lived have survived for much longer than I expected.

Sal

Veteran

I think it depends on a lot of things (how much you will wear it this year, will you still wear if it is not the latest trend).

I have one bell sleeve dress (bought last year and worn a lot for two seasons). I do have a couple of other tops with sleeve detailing (one is about three years old, one six months). I see myself wearing them all for at least another year, possibly longer.

delurked

Veteran

Joy - I had some capris a few years ago that all got turned into shorts when I decided the length was too short for crop pants. As to the sleeves, there’s a big difference between a few inches of width and Stevie Nicks.

delurked

Veteran

Barbara Diane- I guess that means I don’t love the trend too much. I don’t mind it, but I could take a pass on a lot of it. I totally agree that many trends stay around a long time.

Sal - my velvet jumpsuit seems trendy (to me) in both the garment type and the fabric, so I guess it’s all about preference. Maybe it’s because I need short sleeves most of the time, and if the sleeve widens above the elbow it adds width where I don’t need it.

Sal

Veteran

A velvet jumpsuit sounds fun to me!!

If you mostly need short sleeves then I think voluminous long sleeved tops could be a trend to be cautious with.... They are hard to layer over and suited to those temperate climates.

I am now wearing more long sleeves rather than short sleeve with a topper.... think it because I struggle with layering ( a very slow learner)

Anonymous

I’d say the jumpsuit is “super-cool” and not a short-lived trend.
I’m not a huge fan of bell sleeves—but I was just about to buy bell sleeves at BR because the fabric in the sweater was nice. So I think I can overcome the sleeve type for a good fabric

But I think bell sleeves and shoulder cutouts are “trendy”. Not super-cool though.

Anonymous

You're right - crazy sleeves are everywhere. I kind of like this trend, as it highlights a pretty benign part of the body but like you, am wary of buying too many pieces with this treatment. Personally, I think it's only the really extreme versions that will date quickly. Flutter sleeves, bell sleeves, pleating etc - these are all classic designs and I wouldn't hesitate to keep wearing them if the garment is of good quality .

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am not loving the sleeve trend. In theory, I don't mind it and am open to something with an interesting sleeve, but I'm just not seeing any that specifically appeal to me. They all seem to feel too fussy or something. I did try on a sweater a while back that nearly went home with me, but it was black and I don't need another black top. Then there is the matter of trying to layer a coat or jacket over them....

krishnidoux

Veteran

The bell sleeve trend is difficult because not very practical in every day life... I get upset at my sleeves if they prevent me from moving freely. They drag on the counter I try to wipe, they get cought on my elbow when I try to slip on a coat... but if you don't have to wear a coat, nor wipte kitchen counters, then you're good to go.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

The only way I’d want to wear those wide sleeves is if they are 3/4 or shorter. Even if I’m not wiping counters, I will probably need to pass by a doorknob or something. If it’s chilly, you can always layer them over a long-sleeved top or a simple undershirt.
Delurked, I like your jumpsuit because it nods at the trends without going whole hog. The sleeves have slits, which I see as a recognition of the cutouts and cold shoulder looks, but it would not be unwearable if those trends die in the next year. Likewise the back. It isn’t a cutout, just a sexy slit.

delurked

Veteran

Sal - with tops, I need to stick to short sleeves as much as possible. This week we are predicted to still be in the high 80s. Sooo sad. I just want a little fall weather.

Smittie - I like the concept of being super cool. I like some of the sweaters with sleeve details too.

Lisap - totally agree that more subtle ones will last well

Janet - I am steering away from more black, as I’ve got plenty. I can see wild sleeves with outerwear could get tricky.

Krishnidoux - 3/4 sleeves are more practical for that reason.

Fashiontern - thanks for the compliment on the jumpsuit. I’m happy to have found it.

Gigi

Veteran

I've been thinking about this myself. I am not a fan of most of the bell sleeves because they are really bulky, with large ties and things. I would like a bell-sleeve top but haven't found the right one. I would probably have no more than two in my closet if I could find ones I like. But my style is heavily influenced by seventies style, so bell sleeves would go with my current pieces and I would not mind wearing them after the trend goes away.

I am also wary of the shoulder cutouts. I have two tops with shoulder cutouts, but again, they are heavily seventies influenced and could withstand a trend change. I was considering buying a more modern dress with cut-out shoulders but was hesistant for the reasons you mention: if it's a special-occasion item, I won't wear it much, and the trend might be expired before I've gotten much use out of the dress. I really can't see cut-out shoulders being a trend that sticks around and becomes a classic. But who knows?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Lisa p, said.

Anonymous

for me something like a bell sleeve or a CST one is plenty. Ankle and capris I have more than I need

IMO in these days of fast fashion thoughts of tailoring a trend might not be worth the time or money, unless you just want to do a DIY.

Anonymous

I'm with Gigi on this. I do have one bell-sleeved top, but it's for summer and I don't plan on wearing something over it. That will probably be the only bell-sleeved item I buy, though I never say never. I just don't want to overdo it on something that's not versatile. As for the cold-shouldered items, I just don't see the sense in that. It's not for me, so I'll pass.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

N'thing Lisa P.

I'd never advocate buying something just because it's trendy. When I was younger, I used to find that if something became incredibly popular, I'd feel very self-conscious about wearing it, so I'd try to find the most classic version possible or make it personal with DIY. I still feel a bit like that, but not so much.

These days, I think when any new trend comes around, it's worth asking what's in it for you? For instance, taking the plunge on an interesting sleeve detail might be worthwhile not because it's trendy but because it offers new proportions with existing pieces. If it works for you, and fits a certain objective, then why not?

Zibbets

Veteran

Some of the bell sleeves are a lot more flattering than others. I've tried on a few in stores that looked great on the hanger and were just too leg of muttony when I had them on. So far, the ones I like best are fitted to the elbow and get bigger toward the wrist. The ballooning upper arm looks too much like a costume for MY lifestyle, although I love it in photos.

LaPed

Veteran

Depends entirely on the trend. I haven't bought into sleeve trends, because I haven't bought many shirts this year, i have plenty, and because they're not practical for my climate/lifestyle.

Wide leg crops, on the other hand -- I have two pairs and would consider a third pair next spring. Also looking for a pair of full length wide legs now that they seem to be coming back. Feeling the same way about structured/tailored jackets and shorter boxier tops. I also have total tunnel vision when it comes to trends; I see all the things I like, none of the things I don't. The sleeve stuff is off my radar completely, especially now that summer is over.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Zibbets makes a really good point about some of the more extreme sleeve styles. Fitted sleeves that bell towards the wrists are more wearable (and generally more flattering). I think large sleeves are a little harder to wear when you are busty -- at least I always end up thinking they just make me look big all over when I try them on.

I still like the cold shoulder look, even though I know some people are over it. I won't buy any more of them, since I have maybe three tops in that style already, but I'll enjoy the ones I have while they are "in" since it seems to look good on me.

cindysmith

Veteran

I can't do wide sleeves, not even in shorter lengths. As a matter of fact, anything outside of a "normal", fitted sleeve in a full length or a basic short sleeve...well, they drive me nonkers. All that flapping fabric annoys me. I do, however, understand where you're coming from with this:

I just don’t feel like adding more sleeves like that - unless I find something I can’t resist, and do it anyway.

I don't do cold shoulders until I find something I can't say no to and so then I do it anyway. Like the blue cold-shoulder sweatshirt I got from zulily, and the "cold arm" sweater from Cato.

It's funny how trends work. Trend hits stores, some of us say "I would never". Then, some time later, we've seen so many of that trend that we've gone nose-blind to the smell of it and we see trend in store and think "this smells delightful I think I'll take it home with me!" Like I once did with flares jeans that I was never going to wear, and like I did with skinny jeans when they came back around, and like I did with drop-crotch/harem pants.....

I guess the "too many" line, for me, is when I have so many trends (be they actual, or my own personal--like shooting things with buckshot) that I can't make an outfit that doesn't feel too "extra", if that makes sense?

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

"too leg of muttony" haha!

rachylou

Veteran

I love the weird sleeve trend. But then, I always have, starting with puff, moving onto butterfly, and all the way up to mutton. I think how many of a trend really depends on individual personality. ‘Need’ a lot of slip on sneaks, will never need more than one pair of OTK boots...

approprio

(website)

Veteran

rachylou, you know that's an excellent point, and probably the flip side of cindysmith's remark. Some of these wacky sleeve shapes are great for defining a linebacker shoulder line. Certain trends that push the boundaries of good taste for some people can work like dog whistles for others. There will always be a few who want to wear harem pants, and no amount of MC Hammer jokes can dissuade us.

minimalist

Veteran

Delurked, what brand is that turtleneck? It's great!

I thought bell sleeves were over already; I donated mine before wearing it. Just too fussy, though I didn't try Viva's technique of flipping the bell cuffs up before eating. As my body continues to change, my IT tendencies are becoming more pronounced; no need for more volume unless it's a garment I love on other merits.

I'd also thought that cold shoulder was on its way out, but still want a sleek one anyway.

delurked

Veteran

Well, the good and bad thing is that there’s always another trend coming along soon. Some times things just need time for us to warm up to them, and other times they’re things we want to skip entirely.

LP - I agree some trends just work to our tastes more than others. I’m not a cold shoulder top fan, but I’ve reached the point where I won’t immediately rule it out just because it has one. That said, I don’t personally own a cold shoulder top.

Minimalist - it’s a dillards house brand.
https://www.dillards.com/p/ant.....rderBy%3D1
I too have become more of an IT as I age. I would have defined myself as an hourglass for most of my life. Somehow my shoulders and bust have grown more pronounced. That’s also why I have to decide how much volume I want on a sleeve. Have you also noticed how many flounces and puffy shouldered tops are out there right now too?

delurked

Veteran

Cindy - I think that cold arm is cute. A little odd (as in, why is there a random hole in the arm), but cute. Just today I was watching TV and DH asked why there was a lady with her knee sticking out. She was wearing jeans with a hole in the knee. I had to tell him it was intentional distressing.

Bijou

Veteran

I agree with you that the extreme sleeves are going to date and often are not particularly practical. I have a few bell sleeved tops, but I think unless there is something that I absolutely love, I will pass on future purchases.

WitchyD

Oh, cold shoulder tops! I do like them (as I have nice shoulders, especially in summer when they are tan) and I do own 2 casual tops like this. But when I started see them as "office wear" on dress blouses, I just thought that was a trend taken too far.

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