STYLE GURU STYLE: Saved by the Bell...Sleeves

November 4th, 2015 at 2:00am

Designers are constantly resurfacing styles from previous seasons and decades, and one of the most prevalent fashion eras that has reemerged on the runway has been the ‘70s. I had never really regarded the ‘70s as a fashion era that I particularly identified with, but seeing how designers recreated trends from that time into something more modern, yet classic, without abandoning the original style, really turned me on to the “new” looks.

The fall 2015 Atelier Versace show was full of ethereal looks, each model donned in flowing flocks in varying pastel shades. The entire collection was whimsical, each piece accented with beautiful florals to contrast the sexiness of the cutouts. Even the set matched the enchanting theme of the collection, with purple and green flowers scattered on the floor of the runway and used as backdrops. What really caught my eye, even more than the patent leather platforms that the models pranced down the catwalk in, were the long, flowing bell sleeves that were frayed at the ends. Although the entirety of the collection did not represent a ‘70s theme as a whole, this particular ‘70s trend was recurring throughout many of the pieces in the Versace collection.

When I saw this Free People dress, I knew I had to have it in my closet. Not only have I been a fan of flowy dresses recently (as they are a great, way more comfortable alternative to pants), but I have also been keen on the femininity of florals. The bell sleeves are what really set this dress apart from the rest, though. The daintiness of the lace trim on the bottom of the sleeves and the unique cutouts on the back had me coveting this piece for weeks before finally making the plunge and splurging on it. Although it’s more of a summer/spring piece, this dress can definitely be translated into a fall/winter look with some knee-high socks, any type of boot, a warm scarf or a fur vest. I wore it here with a lace bralette and gray ankle boots. I paired it with my violet Michael Kors tote to bring out the violet flowers on the print and some simple gold accessories.

Get My Look: 1. Floral bell sleeve dress. 2. Gray ankle boots. 3. Violet tote. 4. Gold cuff bracelet.

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