This fall, an eclectic mix of styles will make its presence known. However, the addition of merely one of the new fall trends will instantly update your wardrobe. Volume — crank it up on the radio, put some in your hair or eyes, add volume to your wardrobe for an instant update. Volume is just that — any stylistic touch that makes an item of clothing for the fall bigger and better. This season volume means a fuller sleeve on a blouse or an extra layer for added oomph on a bubble skirt. Volume is a subtle way to make a dreary wardrobe fresh again. By far the most popular version of this trend comes in the bell-sleeved blouses or Dolman-style sweaters. Cassie Binner, a junior in textile and apparel management, attributes the popularity of the fuller blouse to its functionality and unique way to flatter a woman’s figure. “I like tops with volume because if you wear something fuller on top it makes you look slimmer on the bottom,” Binner said.

For the casual girl, a Dolman-styled sweater pulls together perfectly with jeans and boots. For the on-the-town vixen, a bell-sleeved blouse paired with a skinny pant is the ticket to any hot spot. And for the classic girl who needs a quick touch up, a fuller, ’50s-inspired skirt adds a little splash without going overboard.

“My favorite way to wear a blouse with volume is by pairing it with a slim bottom like skinny jeans or a pencil skirt,” Binner said. “I also like to pair it with leggings.” Binner’s most important tip is to always accent the waist with a fun belt. “Belting the full volume top always pulls in your waist without taking away from the look of the top,” Binner said. As with many of the trends this season, keep it to a minimum. More than one piece of volume will be just, well, too voluminous.

“Always pair something full, with something slim,” Binner recommended. “You don’t want the outfit to overtake your figure.”