Flashback to BIG BIG Sleeves

Styles come and go, there’s no doubt about that; from big hair, to prairie dresses, to big sleeves, and sequins. As popular as some styles were at the time, when it comes to looking back it can oftentimes make us cringe and laugh. Today we’re taking a look at big sleeves. They were a popular trend across a couple decades. Here are some of our favorite big sleeve looks pulled from deep within the country music archives.

Loretta Lynn has been sportin’ this look through several decades and she’s managed to look fabulous the entire time. Even now, Loretta looks absolutely wonderful in a gown fit for a country music queen (which she clearly is).

Next up, we have Jeanne Pruett. She predominantly wore long dresses with long billowing sleeves throughout the 70’s and evidently loved canary yellow. It is a fantastic look on her.

Dolly is a repeat offender but we SO admire her commitment. Dolly never does something halfway and big sleeves are no exception. Our favorite is the trio in the botom right–clad all in white, that performed live: Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, DIVAS! Dolly did, and still does, kill the fashion scene!

The Judds are also repeat offenders. Both images below are from ACM award shows where the super popular duo snagged some major accolades. These ladies were dressed in the hottest fashions for the 1980’s! Way to go Wynonna and Naomi!

I LOVE this outfit. It’s like if Big Bird and Doris Day collaborated on Project Runway together. It is fantastic! Her perfectly curled golden blonde hair with this feathered yellow dress is everything I would want to see in a country music performance from the early 1970’s. Glamorous and enchanting; I can just hear her crooning, “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden.” A round of applause for Lynne Anderson and her feathered sleeves!

Last, but definitely not least, is Miss Reba McEntire! Her rise came a little later but big sleeves were still a BIG thing. It’s so fun to look back at these photos and compare them to the 21st century Reba we know now. She has managed to stay so stylish through the years (have you seen her new shoe collection? See it here). She was definitely styling in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I especially love the purple look on the far right, though the shoulder pads are a little more of the attention-grabber (you could sail a ship with those)! Glam and fab. We love you Reba!