Whether you call them puff sleeves [1], balloon sleeves, bishop sleeves, or leg of mutton sleeves — yeah, that's actually a thing — a voluminous statement sleeve is the most enduring fashion trend of 2020. Girlish and gentle puff sleeves make us feel safe, sweet, and playful, which is probably why we reach for them all year round. But where did they come from, and how do you style them? More on that ahead.

Puff sleeves are a general name for the many variations of voluminous sleeve shapes that have become a fashion favourite since 2018. First coming into style in the Renaissance era, puff sleeves have seen peaks in popularity in the Edwardian age, again in the 1930s, and now in the 2020s. Many of us associate puff sleeves with a childlike gentility and bygone femininity, and oftentimes throughout history, they respond to changing attitudes around gender roles — like women's roles in wars, work, and politics.

Puff sleeves might be cute and girly, but they don't always have to be so innocent. Keep reading for 25 fresh ways to wear puff sleeves whether you're into edgy leather looks, denim on denim, cool Y2K style, or sweet pastels and frills.

Try a pastel monochromatic look with crisp white trainers

Pair a sheer puff-sleeved trench coat with matching, '90s-inspired sunglasses

Add a touch of athleisure to your puff-sleeve blouse with bike shorts and Teva sandals

Puff sleeves get an artful update with smart Bermuda shorts

Make puff sleeves office appropriate with a bright co-ordinated suit

Pair puff sleeves with a bright colour and statement print for a dynamic look

Channel a Rococo aesthetic with a lace-trimmed, puff-sleeve blouse and jacquard shorts

Layer a sheer puff-sleeve dress over a bike set in a matching colour

Accentuate a baby bump with a colourful puff-sleeve dress and oversize sunglasses

Balance a Victorian-inspired puff-sleeve dress with '60 go-go boots

A crisp white puff-sleeve shirt works great with a solid-coloured midi skirt

Try a monochromatic look with peachy beige puff sleeves and matching accessories

Leather puff sleeves are an edgier take on the trend

For a date-night look, match a puff-sleeve wrap dress with silk-satin accessories

Pair a puff-sleeve maxi dress with white trainers and a fabulous fan

Pairing a puff-sleeve minidress with trousers offers a more modest and practical look

When wearing a candy-coloured, puff-sleeve dress, reach for light-coloured accessories

Complement animal-print puff sleeves with shades of brown accessories

Pair a two-toned, puff-sleeve dress with two-tone shoes for an eclectic look

Keep it comfy with a puff-sleeve maxi dress, flats, and an unstructured bag

Monochrome styling is an easy way to highlight an intricate puff-sleeve dress

A floral puff-sleeve top pairs well with a simple denim skirt

Make a two-tone, puff-sleeve dress look fashion forward with oversize, square-shaped shades

Denim on denim looks even cooler with puff sleeves and a square-toe shoe

Contrast a white lace, puff-sleeve dress with chunky black combat boots