Oscar Fashion Trend: Sleeves

Just had a quick click-through of tonight's Oscar red carpet fashion and it looks like the sleeve trend hasn't reached its peak yet. I read an article somewhere once (can't seem to find it now...) that said that designers often turn to sleeves in a recession because they're typically the hardest things to make on a dress, making it more difficult for cheap labor to knock-off the design. Or perhaps I just notice sleeves more readily than most people having grown up Mormon and taught that sleeves are an important way to be modest. Ah, the struggle of finding prom dresses with sleeves (though it was awesome because my dresses were totally unique).

Anyway, some favorite sleeved outfits of the night, worn by Michelle Williams, Cate Blanchett, Amy Adams, and Florence Welch:

(Yes, Cate's "sleeves" are questionably categorized, but her shoulders are covered and what else would you call what's going on there? Besides, it's an awesomely unique dress and it deserves our love.)

Sleeves are more typical for older women, but I loved these looks as well (Celine Dion, Helen Mirren, Annette Bening):

But before we get too excited, let's remember that sleeves do not necessarily make your dress chic. I'm sorry, Jacki Weaver, but this heavy-looking dress does nothing for your figure. And Melissa Leo, I didn't even like your dress when it was a tablecloth.