Statement Sleeves Set To Be A Big Bridal Trend This Year

Whether it’s a long, lacy train or a detachable bow, there are plenty of ways to add a touch of drama to a wedding dress. But this year, it’s going to be all about the statement sleeve – if Halfpenny’s latest collection is anything to go by. 

Halfpenny Previews New Collection, Speak

Halfpenny has long been known for its detachable sleeves, which can be added to dresses to create a unique bridal look – think voluminous taffeta, pretty silk tulle and pleated wing-like add-ons. And its 2024 collection, Speak, does not disappoint.

Set to drop in-store later this year, new pieces include the Dominique Sleeves, triple-bubble, silk organza statement sleeves, which are available with or without an overlay of floral lace. These can be added to either the new Dominique dress, a boned, square-necked bodice with a full mikado skirt, or the Victoria dress, which features a square neck.

The Speak collection also includes a new version of the popular Sun sleeves, available in taffeta, satin, mikado or lace, designed to be paired with any of Halfpenny’s strapless dresses or tops. All Halfpenny’s sleeves can be detachable, which is ideal for brides who want to mix up their look throughout the day without buying two separate dresses. 

‘The statement sleeve trend seems to not be going anywhere,’ says founder Kate Halfpenny. ‘We’ve been offering completely detachable sleeves for years and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. Brides can wear a simple dress and add a gorgeous puff-ball sleeve for an instant transformation. Rock them down the aisle then remove them to completely change your look for the evening.’

Halfpenny isn’t the only designer focusing on statement sleeves, though. Big names including Sassi Holford, Clover London and Caroline Castigliano are all going big – literally – when it comes to sleeves. 

‘Sleeves are very much on trend now,’ says Caroline. ‘Think delicate georgette sleeves that create cover (but still let you see the depth of the skin colour through the silk), tailored, fitted sleeves for a sleek and sophisticated silhouette and voluminous puff sleeves that add instant impact and fairy tale romance.’

Clover London, meanwhile, is renowned for its pretty puff sleeve dresses. Founder Ally Voss says: ‘The 80s is firmly back in fashion – and it’s bigger than ever in the world of weddings. For brides after a bigger statement, puff sleeves are the answer. They have been popular since we launched in 2021 and they don’t seem to be going anywhere.’

Lace is also a big feature in Halfpenny’s Speak collection, a nod to the brand’s early days. The Ada dress is a lace overlay with a flare silhouette, which can be worn with the new India slip, while the Ada veil is made using a delicate floral French lace with a scalloped trim.

The collection will launch later this year, halfpenny.com