Amp up your festive look with statement sleeves

Diwali OOTD is all about bling, shimmer and shine. But if you want to break away from heavy embroideries, sequins, beadwork and structured fabrics, and turn heads in breathable attire instead, statement sleeves are here to your rescue! Back with a bang, exaggerated sleeves have emerged as a hot favourite among Bollywood and Hollywood celebs as well influencers. What’s interesting this time, however, is how seamlessly they’ve become a part of ethnic wear, making them a perfect trend to flex this festive season. From Bishop sleeves, to flutter, balloons, capes and kimono, among others, statement sleeves can instantly make you festive ready irrespective of whether you wear - a sari, a lehenga or a fusion look.

A blast from the past, here’s how to rock statement sleeves with ethnic wear, this Diwali.

Not all heroes wear capes, but divas love cape sleeves! Cape sleeves look extremely royal, add drama and funk to your simple, traditional festive outfit. The best thing about cape sleeves? You can ditch your dupatta and bangles! Besides, they create an illusion of a tall physique.

^{Pics: @madhuridixitnene}

^@gettyimages

Who said you can’t wear a simple printed saree on Diwali? Take the glam quotient a notch higher and make heads turn with Bishop sleeves. The sleeve pattern — that flares out from the shoulder, adding volume to the — can make your simple chiffon saree look like designer wear and you ramp ready in a jiffy! Ensure that the fabric is lightweight and fluid.

^{Pic: @realhinakhan}

If you are in a mood for some softer, feminine touch to your festive look, fluttered sleeves are your jam! Take cues from Madhuri Dixit Nene, and go all out with ruffles and team up your top or blouse with a brocade lehenga skirt. The look is effortless and elegant.

^{Pic: @madhuridixitnene}

If you are hosting a bunch of friends at home for card parties and are in the mood for an easy-breezy casual, and an Indo-Westen look on Diwali, team up a top or a short kurti in Indian print with kimono sleeves with a pair of shorts or a short denim skirt. Add chandbalis to add the festive bling.

^{Pic: @aliabhatt}

Want to add some Victorian vibe to your Diwali look? Go for bell sleeves. They look great with tulle, sheer saris, and saris with sequins. Take inspiration from Sai Tamhankar who slays in a green sari with matching blouses and balloon sleeves. Add minimalistic jewellery for a hint of bling.

^{Pic: @saietamhankar}

If you aren’t in the mood to go all out and yet want to make a statement with your Diwali outfit, puffed sleeves are for you. Whether you are wearing a floor-length skirt or a simple sari, you can pair a puffed-sleeve blouse to spice things up.

^{Pic: @katrinakaif}

^{Not just exaggerated sleeves, but exaggerated shoulders are in vogue this festive season too. “Exaggerated shoulders instantly add a lot of character to your outfit. From cold shoulders, to shoulder trimmings and structured shoulders, they make for a great festive trend. Shoulders add a hint of power and also lend an aura of mystique around the wearer. I feel shoulder detailing adds a lot of glamour and structure to the outfit,” says celebrity designer Payal Singhal.}

^{Pics: @therealkarismakapoor}

^{@tamannahspeaks}