It seems the team’s sustainability mission has struck at just the right time for my lazy bum, because I’ve been wearing this outfit for the better part of a month, and I really wanted to cover it for the blog, but the sweater is from last year, and as much as I would have loved to buy a current, balloon-sleeved sweater for the photos, I really don’t need a new balloon-sleeved sweater, which would mean, at best, shipping and return-shipping a sweater I never intended to keep and then linking up a nice handful of alternatives for you fine folks to browse anyway, so instead we’re going to call inspiration the name of the game, and give it to you straight, without all the extra packaging material and carbon emissions. *phew*

So!

Here’s a delightful, balloon-sleeved sweater I very much bought last year, styled up in a new way for this year’s tuck-all-the-things-and-pair-with-midi-boots trend. To be honest, I would still wear this sweater much in the way I did last year — with my favorite basic leggings (6k reviews don’t lie) and tall mocs for preschool drop-off. But with tattered jeans and midi boots, it’s a little more city while still being extraordinarily cozy and effortlessly cool.

Trend To Try: Balloon-Sleeved Sweaters

Outfit Details

Sweater // Last season, from Target believe it or not! But I’ve linked up loads of easy to wear options below, all of which have just enough volume in the sleeves to be on-trend without being obnoxiously in danger of knocking over your wine glass with one wrong swish.

Jeans // Sadly, this exact tattered wash from [BLANKNYC] is sold out (well, one size 26 pre-owned here!), but this is the same cut in a little different iteration (limited sizes available), and I love the tattered distressing on this one, too. (Note that all the pairs I’ve linked here are 100% cotton, and I sized up to a 26. This particular style, the Madison Crop, is also sold in loads of other washes with varying degrees of stretch, so if you’re after a jean that wears more “rigid,” just be sure to check the fabric details.)

Boots // I can’t say enough about these. They’re exceptionally comfortable, and I love the subtle western styling with a zippered detail, super-walkable heel. (There are a couple sizes left on super sale here, too.)

Bag // Sold out, but available on sale in a very cool Merlot shade here, a non-quilted Silver here and a similar versatile black leather w/ gold hardware here. Affordable option here (under $20!).

Shop More (Like, a LOT More) Cozy, Balloon-Sleeved Sweaters

Shop Everything Else Mentioned In This Post

Go figure that now I’ve done all that research, I’m kinda jonesing for another balloon-sleeved sweater anyway! Love anything playful that can be dressed up or down, and you know I’m all about saving the drama for this mama…’s sleeves. Oy. Gonna quit while I’m woefully behind, friends. xo! Em

Photos by Carolyn Stockman.

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