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Fashion: Girly or glam – how to wear this summer's puff sleeves trend

Voluminous statement sleeves are all the rage this summer – a trend perhaps linked to the rise in online meetings, says Katie Wright

Oliver Bonas Broderie Anglaise White High Neck Blouse, £49.50 (€59.50); Chambray Denim Paper Bag Waist Trousers, £59.50 (€72)
Oliver Bonas Broderie Anglaise White High Neck Blouse, £49.50 (€59.50); Chambray Denim Paper Bag Waist Trousers, £59.50 (€72)

Given that we do so much socialising on Zoom these days, it seems fitting that one of summer's biggest trends is all about dressing from the waist up.

Perhaps that's why puff-sleeved shirts and blouses have become so popular. Whether short sleeved or long, these frothy tops generally fall into one of two camps.

There are the Victoriana-inspired blouses with high necks crafted from lace or broderie anglaise fabrics in neutral and pastel hues.

Ideal for teaming with floaty midi skirts and linen shorts, these prim and proper pieces are the grown-up way to do statement sleeves.

Then there are the bright, retro-style separates that inject a bit of 80s glam into your wardrobe.

Tick another summer trend box by choosing a pink puff-sleeved top and teaming it with faded denim jeans or that other 80s favourite – the ra-ra skirt – for a party-ready ensemble (even if the party you're going to is the online kind).

From demure to dramatic, here are the best puff sleeve pieces on the high street...

Oliver Bonas Broderie Anglaise White High Neck Blouse, £49.50 (€59.50); Chambray Denim Paper Bag Waist Trousers, £59.50 (€72)
Oliver Bonas Broderie Anglaise White High Neck Blouse, £49.50 (€59.50); Chambray Denim Paper Bag Waist Trousers, £59.50 (€72)
Coast Pink Blouse, £29.50 (€32.12); Blush Crepe Trousers, £29.50 (€32.12), available from Coast
Coast Pink Blouse, £29.50 (€32.12); Blush Crepe Trousers, £29.50 (€32.12), available from Coast
Topshop Lilac Gingham Puff Sleeve Blouse, £22 (€29)
Topshop Lilac Gingham Puff Sleeve Blouse, £22 (€29)
Abbey Clancy x Lipsy Lace Puff Sleeve Blouse, £35 (€40), Next
Abbey Clancy x Lipsy Lace Puff Sleeve Blouse, £35 (€40), Next
Miss Selfridge Pink Poplin 1 Shoulder Blouse, £11 (€15); Pink Poplin Ruffle Mini Skirt, £12.50 (€17.50)
Miss Selfridge Pink Poplin 1 Shoulder Blouse, £11 (€15); Pink Poplin Ruffle Mini Skirt, £12.50 (€17.50)
Monsoon Cassidy Crinkle Puff Sleeve Blouse, £25 (€27.21)
Monsoon Cassidy Crinkle Puff Sleeve Blouse, £25 (€27.21)
New Look Pink Organza Puff Sleeve Peplum Top, £10.49 (€13.99)
New Look Pink Organza Puff Sleeve Peplum Top, £10.49 (€13.99)