Transform your bell sleeve top into fashion statements with these OOTD tricks.
You’re seeing variations of the big-sleeved top everywhere: Zara, H&M, Forever 21, and more, but are you having trouble pairing it?
There are 2 main ways to pair the bell sleeve top, and they are quite contradictory, but hear me out.
Big sleeves, slim bottom: Offset the volume of the sleeves with a slimmer or tighter fitting bottom.
Big sleeves, big bottom: Complement the volume of the sleeves with a similarly voluminous bottom, but make sure to have portions of the top or bottom that are more fitted.
Now that you know the basic principles, here’s a lookbook to inspire your next OOTD!
With Jeans
Pairing it with skinny jeans to offset the volumes on the sleeves is a no-brainer. But since it’s 2017, opt for a slim or straight cut jean instead!
![Bell sleeve straight jeans](https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/lovely-news/article-full-plain/531549e9-2afb-4bbc-80bf-f8894d262a87/bell-sleeve-straight-jeans.jpg)
SOURCE: vanessajackman.blogspot.co.uk
Cropped lengths and raw or cuffed hems are really on trend too, and the shorter length plus rugged hem are the perfect contrast to a flowy bell sleeve top.
Loose-leg jeans or ones that flare out at the ends are also trending, and contrary to the slim-cut jean, it complements the volume on the sleeves, creating and top-and-bottom silhouette match.
![Bell sleeves flare jeans](https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/lovely-news/article-full-plain/bba5d288-c9f3-4f78-8c83-024e30c89ff7/bell-sleeve-flare-jeans.jpg)
SOURCE: stylecaster.com
Under a Dress
Bell sleeve tops are also particularly dreamy when layered under a dress. This romantic number goes particularly well with a shorter, fitted dress. It’s a clever mix of feminine and sporty.
![Bell sleeve short dress](https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/lovely-news/article-full-plain/8d68a10d-742d-4ba3-8841-c54ab5d44466/bell-sleeve-fitted-dress.jpg)
SOURCE: Instagram user lissyroddyy
Whereas this stripey top works well with a lingerie-esque loose, slip dress.
![Bell sleeves slip dress](https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/lovely-news/article-full-plain/9814b934-052e-461a-953a-1c0319f858af/bell-sleeve-slip-dress.jpg)
SOURCE: closetfulofclothes.com
With Skirts
A really lofty top like this one would do well with a shorter skirt; we love the wrap detail and the colour combo too!
![Bell sleeves skirt](https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/lovely-news/article-full-plain/29252f6b-a350-455c-9a4c-cf94116a22eb/bell-sleeves-wrap-skirt.jpg)
SOURCE: thecultcollective.com
You can also pair a bell-sleeve top with a full midi skirt. Since you’re turning up the volume from top to bottom, keep the patterns and colours simple.
![Bell sleeves midi skirt](https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/lovely-news/article-full-plain/ee8513c5-3755-4198-bab4-feb432d440c2/bell-sleeve-midi-skirt.jpg)
SOURCE: memorandum.com
It doesn’t always have to be all-or-nothing in terms of volume. This flirty outfit is fitted and frilled at just the right places!
![Bell sleeves ruffle skirt](https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/lovely-news/article-full-plain/d84db630-f4df-4632-a192-b1ed8b4d3939/bell-sleeve-ruffle-skirt.jpg)
SOURCE: Shop.nordstrom.com
Cover image from thefancypantsreport.com.
Transform your bell sleeve top into fashion statements with these OOTD tricks.