Whenever I used to go clothes shopping with my mother, she would never choose dresses or shirts that didn’t have sleeves.
I just couldn’t understand why.
“I just don’t like my arms”, she would say.
Now that I’m all grown up and in my (cough cough) forties (very early forties), I can soooooo understand where she was going with that. For some strange reason, as soon as women hit a certain age, fat seems to accumulate on our upper arms, giving some of us that like the odd cream bun and biscuit ‘Tuckshop lady arms’. And people, they ain’t pretty!
On top of that, most of us are also blessed with those little spots on our upper arms which are called Keratosis Pilaris. Yep, I have them, too. And I pick them (shock horror) so not only do I have tuckshop lady arms, I’ve also got pimples that I have picked. Gross.
Anyway. For us ladies, who don’t want to show the cream bun and pimple-picking damage we have caused, here are 20 gorgeous summer dresses!
Try Outfits with Half Sleeves
Half sleeves are perfect as they cover up the bingo wings, but aren’t too hot like full sleeves are. Perfect for Spring and Summer – outfits with half sleeves can be worn most of the year, but they are a bitch to wear with a cardigan as the sleeves can ride up underneath.
Our picks for best outfits with half sleeves:
Intriguing Maxi Dress in Black by City Chic
The Frill Sense Playsuit in Sunset by City Chic
Draped Sleeves are Flattering on the Arms
Another very flattering style to hide the upper arms are to find outfits with loose draped sleeves. Soft and sweet, they are shorter than the half sleeves, but just gently caress the upper arms. Very girly and cool to wear.
Our Picks:
Dreaming Jumpsuit in Sapphire by City Chic
Wrap Vixen Dress in Red by City Chic
Metallic Rain Dress in Navy by City Chic
Keep Your Shoulders Exposed and the Arms Covered
Shoulders are sexy AF, so get them out this Summer. You can still hide your arms with little tiny detached sleeves or of the shoulder styles.
Our Picks:
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Dress in White by Showpo
Hitting Stones Two Piece Set in Powder Blue by Showpo
Venice Love Jumpsuit in Black by City Chic
Guest Edit Dress in Wine by Showpo
Fuller Styled ‘Puffy’ Sleeves Hide Tuckshop Lady Arms
Tailored fuller styled sleeves may sound like they would make your upper arms look larger, but actually opposite is the case. They are fitted down further towards the elbow which gives the arm a lean look! Look for the fitted band at the end of the sleeve.
Born Fighter Dress in Mustard by Showpo
Greatness Two Piece Set in Cream Floral by Showpo
Short Sleeves and High Neck
Yes I know the thought of wearing short sleeves may leave you in a cold sweat, but bear with me here. When you put together short sleeves, but keep the neckline high – it gives a sleek silhouette that is extremely flattering on your arms. Here are some great examples:
Think You Better Dance Dress in Pink Floral by Showpo
Lace Devotion Dress in Black by Showpo
Flutter Allure Dress in Black by City Chic
Choose a V-Neckline to Draw Eyes to the Girls, not the Arms!
A v-neckline makes the fun bags look fantastic. And when people are looking at them, they aren’t looking at the bat wings! Make sure the outfit does have sleeves of some description though – even tiny little cap sleeves make a huge difference.
Secret Cure Dress in Red Print by Showpo
See Through Sleeves Give you Coverage, But Still Style
Finally, having lacy or transparent sleeves gives you the security that your arms are covered.
I Could Use a Love Song Playsuit in Rose Gold Glitter by Showpo
Let’s Get Loud Maxi Playsuit in White Lace by Showpo
Want to See What You Go Dress in Black Mesh Lurex by Showpo
These are our top 20 picks for summer dresses for ladies who want to hide our upper arms! What do you think?
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