Many clients walk into our studio asking for sleeves.

Not as many walk out with sleeves… But we’ll always start appointments with your preferences, even if we suspect they might change!

So let’s say you’re one of those clients keen on long sleeves. What choices do you have?

In our studio, at least 20: 17 dresses, and 3 wild card alternatives.

We pride ourselves on our diverse collection of wedding outfit options. Our clothing ranges from simple to elaborate, classic to cutting edge, low key to high drama. We work exclusively with independent designers, who all work sustainably no matter where they are in the world. We’re an inclusive business, and buy our clothing with all genders, body types, skin tones, and physical needs in mind.

We love our collection, and with our studio shut we miss showing it off.

So for today’s post, we’ll pretend you’re a client who has come in asking for long sleeves. Here are the 17 dresses and 3 wild cards we’d bring to your attention.

Fitted

Let’s start off simple.

PLAIN

For the chic elegance of a plain fitted sleeve, Sarah Seven is the designer for you.

Here, it’s all about the details. The gathered shoulder of Lucia, the fully open back in Sunsets Forever, the pearls on Siena… Gorgeous.

Sarah Seven has perfected the art of using a simple base to balance out more unusual features. These dresses are proof that a fitted sleeve doesn’t need detail to be beautiful.

LACE

“Lace” means different things to different people. Some will jump straight to barefoot boho brides, while others imagine their granny’s curtains.

Stay open-minded! Lace is more versatile than most people realise, as these examples will show you.

Classic

With Orchid, Abigail of Gardenia brings a different kind of elegance than Sarah Seven: classic floral lace.

The delicate matte white lace is the star of the show, adding texture and contrast to an otherwise simple silhouette. The cuff of the sleeve even follows the shape of the lace, adding a little scalloped detail on the wrist. If you admired the detailing of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, but with a more free-spirited feel, this could be a contender for you.

Sheer

What’s really striking about our 3 examples of sheer and illusion lace is how different the mood is for each.

Divine Atelier’s Blush is ethereal bohemian, with its scalloped neckline and soft silk muslin skirt.

Alannah by Truvelle features an illusion V-neck, a 3/4 sleeve, and a relaxed A-line crepe skirt with those essential pockets. The open back and tassel closure provide an unexpected twist. Romantic, but make it contemporary.

And Rebecca Schoneveld’s Juliet is as romantic as the name implies, with embroidery and appliques over the softly boned illusion bodice.

The lace top/plain skirt combo has been such a staple in bridal for the past few years, we doubt it will ever go out of fashion! However, these dresses prove it doesn’t need to be boring or safe. These are such different designs at heart, it’s unlikely you’ll love all 3 the same.

Modern

Lace patterns don’t have to be flowers, or leaves, or anything related to gardens! People make new laces all the time, and wedding dress designers are constantly on the lookout for new takes on this traditional material.

Like these. Not exactly what you’d expect, right?

The lace of Vagabond’s Andromeda stretches from the high neck right the way down the panelled trapeze skirt. It’s got a boho feel, but the pinwheel pattern makes it look nothing like a typical boho dress.

Divine Atelier’s Dot uses its lace totally differently, the bodice constructed to look almost like a jacket with wide cuffs and belt. It’s striking, fashion-forward, and very powerful.

But if you’re still not sold on lace…

BEADED

Maye you’ll prefer Eleanor, which features Rasha London’s signature beadwork!

As with many of Rasha London’s dresses, the beading hints at the 1920s without directly referencing it. The beads bring a little vintage glamour to an undeniably modern design.

Flared

Time to loosen up!

BAGGY

It feels like there should be a more flattering word to sum up “looser sleeve, tighter cuff”, but… we couldn’t think of one. So we’re going to let our pictures speak a thousand words each, many variations of “Aren’t we pretty? Don’t we deserve a better description than ‘baggy’??”

Aren’t they pretty? Don’t they deserve a better description than ‘baggy’??

Lena Medoyeff is the queen of relaxed, understated designs. While Violette’s sheer organza bodice is technically the same shape as several in the fitted category, it stands out for being looser and softer, a lower key alternative for the bride who likes interesting details without too many frills.

Divine Atelier excels in dreamy detail, shown off perfectly by Agatha. There are so many attractive elements to catch your eye, you may not even have noticed that the sleeves flaring out from above the wide, patterned cuff. We love how both these designers have taken 19th century Victoriana and turned it into bold modern designs.

And if you like these, both designers have gone even further…

Lena Medoyeff’s Fernanda is still relaxed and understated, but the looseness of the sleeves segues perfectly into the deep V neckline, while the cuffs are fitted to the elbow. It’s an ideal balance of comfort and softness with formality and structure.

Divine Atelier’s Perla, meanwhile, takes everything you loved about Agatha and dials it up to 11. Slit skirt, detailed bodice, wide, patterned cuffs and - yes - bigger sleeves! Its off-the-shoulder scalloped trim sets it apart though, giving it a very different look.

Speaking of different looks…

Tara Lauren’s Easton is an overskirt with optional detachable sleeves, pictured here with the Sultana beaded slip underneath. You get all the romance of these puffy sleeves when walking down the aisle… then the option to take them off on the dance floor! The 3-D floral appliqués add softness and romance to an otherwise textbook bohemian look! We picture this look for a romantic elopement in Bali, don’t you agree? Extra brownies if you can make your own kanzashi-style earrings to go with this outfit!

BELL

Do bell sleeves make you think of medieval ladies and fairy queens?

Not anymore. After all, not everyone wants to channel Maid Marian on their wedding day!

Vagabond’s Scarlett is all about clean, crisp lines. The sleeves are no exception - nothing floaty or fairylike here!

By contrast, Lena Medoyeff’s Wren has sleeves that are gathered at the elbow to give them a softer, more organic shape, while the off-the-shoulder neckline adds to the sophisticated look.

But if you’ve looked at both of those and said “Nope, too low key” - Vagabond’s Lotus is the dress for you! Each bell is a full circle of fabric with high drama, the sheer, bold lace keeping it fresh and modern. Less Maid Marian, more Stevie Nicks circa 1976.

Wild Cards

Want to see more options? Something a little… unusual?

You got it.

SEPARATES

Dresses aren’t the only wedding garments we stock.

The Luminous Blouse by Rolling in Roses. Picture by Zach & Grace taken at Most Curious Wedding Fair 2020. Styling by Luke Reene.

We have separates by several designers, including York-based Rolling in Roses. If you liked the looser, flared sleeves above, you should check out the Luminous sequinned blouse, paired here with the Beloved trousers for a truly cool, almost urban, wedding look.

CAPES

If you aren’t loving the long sleeves but still want to keep your arms warm and covered, how about a cape?

We do sell individual capes from several designers, but Lena Medoyeff actually built Simone’s cape into the dress itself! It’s perfect if you’re worried a cape might add too much to your outfit - this look is sleek and effortless.

JACKETS

Forget the stiff satin boleros you’ve seen on countless strapless wedding dresses. You know we don’t stock them here! Instead, what about a wedding… bomber jacket?

Oh yes.

The best thing about working exclusively with independent designers is their ability to offer the unexpected.

Our designers don’t care about trends, or fashion; they care about style, flair and personality. Like us, they feel that you should get married in clothes you feel comfortable in. Clothes you love, that reflect who you are.

So now we have an organza and embroidered tulle bomber jacket to offer our clients for their wedding days, and we couldn’t be more delighted.

We hope this post has helped you see the variety long sleeves can offer you, and that you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into our collection! We’re sorry we can’t offer appointments just now, but to see what these outfits look like on real brides follow us on Instagram @heart_aflutter.

17 Stunning Wedding Dresses with Long Sleeves You'll Love