Now that we’re officially in autumn, I am cranking up “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version),” drinking gallons of hot chocolate, admiring the fall foliage and wearing all my sweaters. Though I have more than enough to get me through the season, I am never able to resist adding at least one to my wardrobe every year. As I’ve been perusing this season’s offerings, I kept noticing one particular silhouette cropping up. From the Dior and Chloé Spring/Summer ‘27 runways to retailers like Sézane, COS and Old Navy, balloon sleeves seem to be having a moment.
Up and Away: This Silhouette Is Carrying Us Off the Ground This Fall
You’ll be floating
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Published Oct 9, 2026
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Shutterstock/Sézane/COS
How to Style Balloon Sleeves
Balloon sleeves, like barrel pants, are all about the volume. Great if you’re a model, but slightly overwhelming to the average person. PureWow’s fashion and beauty director-at-large, Deena Campbell, offers the following three tips on how to wear this silhouette without being swallowed alive:
- Balloon sleeves already bring plenty of drama, so I like to keep the rest of the look fairly streamlined. Pair them with a fitted or tucked-in silhouette to balance out the volume and keep your shape from getting lost. For added flair, try adding a large belt to emphasize the waist.
- Keep in mind, balloon sleeves can bunch awkwardly under jackets and coats, so reach for a roomy blazer, cape or coat with enough space through the arms.
- A shoulder bag can crush an exaggerated sleeve, so a top-handle bag or clutch is often a better pairing.
Shop the Trend
1. Sézane Léonard Wool Jumper
Sézane
I’m a total sucker for Sézane knitwear, and this 100 percent merino wool jumper looks like the cozy blanket I want to be wrapped up in when the weather gets really chilly. The tight pearl rib knit will help keep out cold gusts of wind, and the mock neck adds a little warmth without overwhelming those among us (myself included) with shorter necks that inevitably look absolutely stout in a standard turtleneck. In addition to this soft cream shade, it’s also available in light taupe, midnight blue, dark green and blue-grey.
2. PrettyGarden Oversized Sweater
PrettyGarden
PureWow readers’ favorite Amazon brand makes a cozy under-$50 find that comes in 17 colors, including autumnal hues like burgundy and burnt orange. The oversized, relaxed fit can be easily thrown on over jeans or leggings, with a drapey-ness that feels put together while also not taking itself too seriously.
3. COS Argyle Wool Sweater
COS
When the conversation about fall and winter fashion arrives, my mind immediately goes to tartan and cable knits, but I nearly always forget argyle. I’m loving this classic, academia-esque cut from COS with voluminous sleeves that feel balloon-y without threatening to carry the wearer away like the house in Up. I’m partial to the brown and blue checks but could be convinced for the gray and red color combo.
4. Zara Knit Maxi Dress
Zara
One of the cold-weather staples I’ve yet to figure out is the sweater dress, but this Zara design feels like a good starting point. The shorter sleeves make it a great option for transitional weather, and I love that it’s styled with a belt to give an otherwise shapeless silhouette some definition.
5. J.Crew Tiny Cotton Rollneck Sweater
J.Crew
Emma Chamberlain revamped the iconic American brand’s signature sweater in a cropped iteration with big sleeves. The quarter-zip comes in 10 colors, from neutrals to vibrant shades like Vintage Red and Faded Lilac. It’s made from 100 percent cotton, is machine washable and pairs well with jeans or skirts. What’s not to love about a sweater that can do it all?
6. Old Navy SoSoft Mock-Neck Shaker Sweater
Old Navy
Old Navy’s under-$50 mock neck is my favorite kind of oversized. Not so much fabric that you’re swimming, but just enough to do a relaxed half- or French-tuck. The balloon sleeves are also manageable, and you can roll them up for a laid-back effect without them bunching up. While brown is still the neutral du jour, the brave among us can go for the wasabi green and Barbie pink hues.
