Though I like to be aware of what the latest fashion trends are, I’m not one who jumps onto every new boat that passes by. For the most part, I want my wardrobe to be made up of timeless pieces that I can wear for many seasons. When I do decide to try something trendy, I’m often a bit late to the party.
Bell sleeves have been on trend for about a year now and I’ve been studiously avoiding them for a couple of reasons. First of all, I wore them back in the early 1970s. I distinctly remember sewing myself a bubble gum pink mini dress with voluminous bell sleeves. Somehow I couldn’t quite picture my 65-year-old self in a style that I wore when I was 20!
My second reason for avoiding them was practicality. I have nothing against the look, but unless the sleeves are short or three-quarter length, those bells get in the way. I simply don’t want my sleeves dragging in my dinner!
Bell sleeves aren’t going anywhere in a hurry though. They’re definitely sticking around for spring and summer 2018, so when I found this top on a Northern Reflections sales rack for 75% off its regular price, I couldn’t resist.
I love the colour, the fit is perfect, and at less than $20, what did I have to lose? The bells are smaller than many and if I get tired of them or the trend passes quickly, I can simply cut them off. I think this top would look equally good with three-quarter length sleeves.
Following Augustine 
I had to laugh Elaine, I thought the very same thing about the sleeves dragging thru everything. A chef on a talk show was wearing a top with bell sleeves and she struggled not to light the sleeves on fire!
Awkward! I would definitely have to roll up the sleeves to cook in this top.
Elaine, Thanks for trying a Trend Before it’s gone! Trends are just that, they come and go and indeed the Bell Sleeve is a Trend. It’s Part of a Larger Trend that shows Any Feminine Sleeve Detail. There’s nothing Cuter than a simple Blouse with a Fun Sleeve that’s simple, elegant and on Trend. AND … if you’re clever and purchase a Bell Sleeve that’s 3/4 length or a full length Sleeve that has some elastic Before the Bell that can be Juuzzed up when needed, like cabi’s Trumpet CARDI or a 3/4 Bell Sleeve as shown in cabi’s Bell Jacket, You’ll Love this Feminine Trend.
Happy Trending Ladies!
Linda Kreamer
Independent Fashion Stylist for cabi ðŸ‘
Elastic at the base of the bell sounds like a great idea!
You can likely also just stitch out the bell. You wouldn’t believe the # of bell bottom trousers we converted in Kenya.
The bells on this one are separate pieces of fabric, so it would probably be easiest to simply remove them and make them three-quarter sleeves which is my favourite length anyway.
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Totally agree!
Love your comments!
Thanks, Glenys!