From '70s-inspired boho dresses to '90s-era minimalist gowns, fashion is full of nostalgia. While both aesthetics work for a bride on her big day, one ’80s trend isbiggerthan ever as of late—puff-sleeve wedding dresses (and yes, pun very much intended). That’s right, uber-poofy sleeves, balloon cuffs, and puffed-up shoulders are ruling the bridal scene—but they’re not the same old-school versions you might have seen in your parent’s or grandparent’s wedding photos. Designers have reimagined the voluminous trend, though some dresses take inspiration from decade-defining gowns likePrincess Diana’ssilk and taffeta creation.
“We’re all about creating a look that feels unique on your big day, and we love an exaggerated puff sleeve,” saysKaity Gaskill, a buyer atAnthropologie Weddings. “We have been closely tracking the trend since the first runway emergence and are working to bring it to life in a way that feels fresh and timeless for brides-to-be.”Pia Panaligan, director of styling and visual design atDavid’s Bridal, is also in favor of the puffy-sleeve wedding dress trend, telling Brides, “If there’s something that never goes out of style, it’s a statement piece. There’s something about big puffy sleeves, especially made with transparent fabric, with some structure to it that’s very romantic.”
Whether you’re here for a subtle play on volume or love the fantasy of puffy design, there's a dress for you. Read on for the best puffy-sleeve wedding dresses for every taste and budget.
Most Romantic: Danielle Frankel Studio Rosalie Dress
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Size Range:0-12 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Organza
Danielle Frankel’s empire-waist gown with a sweetheart neckline is utterly romantic for a "Bridgerton-inspired" modern princess moment. Chorded lace peeks from beneath, under the silk organza, with every step–a unique touch we love, in addition to the crinkled sleeves.
Price at time of publish: $9,890
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Best Crystal-Trimmed: Houghton by Katharine Polk Gwen Gown
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Size Range:00-30 |Length:Floor-length |Material: Morié and crystal
Nothing screams vintage quite like taffeta, but Katherine Polk masterfully interprets the fabric for the current decade. The minimal design instantly feels modern, and it is made even fresher by its dramatic back cutout and crystal trim.
Price at time of publish: $3150
Best Goddess-Inspired: Watters Mist Gown
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Size Range:00-24W |Length:Floor-length |Material: Soft netting, Dotted Netting, Stretch Poly Charmeuse, 5' Horsehair, Tulle
Let your inner goddess shine through in this crinkle chiffon corset wedding dress by Watters. The bodice design gives it an extra feminine feel while feeling supportive for hours on end
Price at time of publish: $2,665
Best Gown With Removable Sleeves: Alon Livné Cassie Wedding Gown
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Size Range: Contact brand |Length:Floor-length |Material: Satin
This satin gown is incredibly romantic but also versatile. The sleeves are removable and can be styled asymmetrically for a directional look.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
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For the '80s-Loving Bride: Halfpenny London Cosmic Dress and Mars Sleeves
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Size Range: Contact brand |Length:Floor-length |Material: duch*ess satin
There are so many ways to update timeless looks from every decade. If you’re all about resurrecting ’80s trends to the fullest, then Halpenny London’s Out of This World collection is right up your alley. The sleeves and dresses from this assortment are separates, so you can mix and match styles to best suit your taste—our favorite combo being massive sleeves and a slim-fitting skirt.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
For the Minimalist Bride: Pronovias Turner Mermaid Wedding Dress
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Size Range: Contact brand |Length:Floor-length |Material: Crepe
Pronovias is synonymous with drama, and this puffy-sleeve figure-flattering mermaid wedding dress is hardly an exception. Though minimal in aesthetic, the Juliet-style sleeves, plunging neckline, and covered buttons lining the cuffs and backside, are breathtaking.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Most Ethereal: Dana Harel Kaya Wedding Gown
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Size Range: Contact brand |Length:Floor-length |Material: Tulle
For the bride in favor of ethereal style on her wedding day, this Dana Harel gown is spectacular. The tiered sheer puff sleeves, high collar, and beautifully intricate beadwork make it an utterly romantic wedding dress.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Best Midi-Length: Elizabeth Fillmore Isadora Wedding Dress
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Size Range: Contact brand |Length:Midi |Material: Silk taffeta slip
This lacy Elizabeth Fillmore creation is impressively detailed and perfect for the bride in favor of a mid-length dress—perfect for a less formal affair or courthouse wedding. Our favorite features apart from the sleeves? The darling swiss dots and scalloped hem.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Best A-Line Silhouette: Lela Rose The Melrose Wedding Dress
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Size Range: Contact brand |Length:Midi |Material: Embossed fil coupé
It should come as no surprise that the silhouette of the voluminous skirt and puffy sleeves of this A-line wedding dress is a match made in bridal heaven. The low-back on this design gives it a modern touch. Plus, the sleeves are removable for versatile styling on the big day.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Best Slit: Berta Wedding Dress 21-116
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Size Range: Contact brand |Length:Floor-length
Berta always delivers on sensuality, and this high-slit gown is no different. The puffed shoulders and long sleeves, however, bring an elegant balance to the otherwise skin-baring design.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
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Best Under-$500: Azazie Vendela Wedding Dress
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Size Range: WD0-30 |Length: Floor-length |Material: Tulle, lace
High drama for under $500? Yes, please! And plenty of romance to boot. For the bride in search of a fairytale princess ball gown, this budget-friendly buy is it.
Price at time of publish: $499
Best Off-the-Shoulder: Fanm Mon Giamba Dress
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Size Range: XS-XXL |Length: Midi |Material: Linen, tulle
Few dresses are as romantic as Fanm Mon's Giamba Midi Dress. With subtle embroidery, it’s our top pick for ultra-feminine tastes.
Price at time of publish: $320
What to Look for in a Puff Sleeve Wedding Dress
Sleeve Details
If you think puffy-sleeve wedding dresses might feel a little tooDisney princessfor you, subtler variations could be a welcome dose of volume. The same goes for Victorian-inspired mutton sleeves or billowing bishop sleeves—both area lotof fun. The Danielle Frankel Studio Rosalie Dress is ideal for a Queen Charlotte-inspired wedding because it has a ball gown silhouette, an empire waist, and a sweetheart neckline, all of which scream romance. Choose the Michelle Pencil Dress from Imad Eduso Bridal for stylish, out-of-this-world balloon puff sleeves. We’re fans of the chicness it’ll bring to your bridal style as you walk down the aisle.
Silhouette
Gaskill tellsBrides, “We love the many ways a puff sleeve can be executed, whether in anoff-the-shoulder silhouette, a dramatic long sleeve, or a simple short sleeve, there’s no wrong way to wear this trend!” When offset with clean lines andminimal accessories like pearl bridal earrings, such details will result in a modern bridal moment.
Proportion and Balance
Consider the proportion and harmony they create with the rest of the dress because puff sleeves can add volume to the upper body. To avoid overpowering your figure if you have a small frame, choose subtler puff sleeves. The Alon Livné Cassie Wedding Gown, for instance, is a corset gown with horizontal draping details at the top, a high slit at the skirt, a puddle train, and short off-the-shoulder wrap-sleeves, all of which can be removed. Larger puff sleeves can have a balanced and dramatic effect on brides who are taller or who have a fuller figure.
FAQ
Should I buy a puffy-sleeve wedding dress?
Puffy-sleeve wedding dresses are best suited for brides in favor of drama or those who want romantic and feminine touches.They feature large sleeves or shoulders and range in aesthetic from minimal to ornate.
Where and when can you wear a puffy-sleeve wedding dress?
Super-exaggerated styles and heavier fabrics are best in the cooler months. In contrast, lightweight materials, arm and shoulder-baring silhouettes, or designs featuring cutouts are most comfortable in warm weather.
How do you style a puffy-sleeve wedding dress?
A general rule of thumb: For voluminous and decorative dresses, simple shoes, veils, and minimal jewelry are ideal. If you choose a simpler design, you can consider a detailed veil, statement sparkly shoes, or bold jewelry.
Meet the Expert
- Pia Panaliganis the Philadelphia-based director of styling and visual design atDavid’s Bridal. With a thorough knowledge of bridal fashion, current trends, and an acute eye for fit and detail, she articulates the brand's voice each season by styling their digital and print fashion editorials and brand visuals.
- Kaity Gaskillis a buyer atAnthropologie who is in charge of developing and curating the retailer’s product assortment. She’s been with the brand for over six years, buying for all categories but loves gowns the best.
Why Trust Brides
Laura Lajiness is a writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry (she pens the occasional beauty conundrum and travel essay, too). Her work can be found across various outlets, including Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery29, The Zoe Report, Well+Good, and Barneys New York, among other titles and brands. She was the senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report and PopSugar, and she has additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.
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