Autumn's Most Random Sleeve Trend Is Really Going to Divide Crowds

The statement sleeve has been one of the biggest trends of the last few years, as any avid Zara shopper will know. This year, many of us have been approaching ketchup with extra caution, thanks to ribbons tied around our cuffs, jumpers with fluted sleeves and tumbling ruffles. This is a trend that is as Instagrammable as avocado on sourdough and Swiss cheese plants. But the statement sleeve just went in a direction that even we didn't predict—arm warmers.

Lisa Aiken, fashion director at Net-a-Porter, confirmed that statement sleeves continue to be a huge commercial success and that the retailer hasn't found a ceiling for investing in them. That's why she's backing Calvin Klein's removable sleeves this autumn—colourful knitted arm warmers that can be worn over tailored jackets and slim jumpers. Yes, you read that correctly: knitted arm warmers.

The man behind the arm-warmer revival is Raf Simons, who paired fuchsia arm warmers with a floral, wedding-appropriate dress and a bright yellow pair looped over a classic grey tailored jacket for his first collection at Calvin Klein. And the divisive arm warmers have just had their first fashion week outing, as Kate Bosworth wore the pink pair with a floral dress to an NYFW party.

Could these be this season's version of the Attico ankle straps? We certainly think so.

Next up, shop our edit of the best pieces in the summer sales.

Opening Image: Bisous Natasha