Brides these days love to bare their arms as a response to how restrictive bridal fashion used to be. Modesty used to be the rule and showing off skin was frowned upon, but ever since sexy wedding gowns became acceptable, brides don’t mind showing off their arms, a little cleavage, a little leg. Still, certain trends do come back in style after several years, and it looks like the sleeved wedding dress is making a comeback this year.

Ever since Vera Wang included detachable sleeves that you can untie from the gown’s bodice, sleeved wedding gowns have been an option in bridal stores all over the world. Besides keeping you warm for winter weddings, the right sleeves can also serve as a fashion statement, as a decorative feature, or as a balancing tool to keep the rest of your wedding dress in proportion. The lace sleeves in this John Alexander wedding dress, for instance, complements the floral appliques on the hem of the ballgown skirt.

The puffed sleeves of this Christos wedding dress adds youth and charm to the overall look.

The key to looking good in a sleeved wedding dress is to consider the silhouette of the sleeves themselves and how they would enhance the shape and design of the dress itself. If you’re planning a wedding for the spring or summer, look for a wedding dress with detachable sleeves or ask your couturier if he or she can do this for you.

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