It feels like it’s been a bumper summer for weddings and special occasion dressing. Several friends, as well as clients, have asked my advice on outfits. The majority wanted to go with a dress but time and time again we found what might have been the perfect dress if only it had sleeves! Designers listen up!
It’s a common complaint, especially in the summertime and many women feel uncomfortable about showing their arms citing sagging skin, fat arms, thin arms, uneven texture and of course bingo wings. So, we have to be sleeve savvy and think of ways of wearing sleeveless but concealing those less than perfectly toned arms.
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| Lace Dress by Studio Eight |
Sheer, lace or crocheted sleeves which give a hint of skin.
A shrug or cropped jacket.
Pashmina or shawl.
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| Cropped Jacket by Laura Ashley |
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| Pashmina from Cashmere Rebel |
And what about sleeves in general?
The length, style and shape of a sleeve impacts on your body shape and proportions.
Where there’s a line the eye will rest so bear in mind that:
Short sleeves draw attention to the bust
3/4 sleeves draw attention to the waist
7/8 and long sleeves draw attention to the hips (and away from the bust and waist)
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| 3/4 sleeve dress from Studio Eight |
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| Long sleeve T from the Pure Collection |
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| Short sleeve T from the Pure Collection |
If you’ve got thin arms:
Cover with longer sleeves.
Avoid clingy fabrics and full, bulky sleeves which just make thin arms look thinner.
Beware of armholes that are too big and hang too low.
Try a slight puff sleeve or sleeve details such as ties and bows which will add volume.
Get rid of big voluminous sleeves which look as if you can’t fill them.
Horizontal details will make the arm look fuller.
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| Horizontal stripes from La Redoute |
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| Tie sleeves from La Redoute |
Jewellery tip! Wear a fine bracelet, a chunky bracelet will make your arm look thinner.
If you’ve got heavy arms:
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| Bell sleeve dress from Very |
Choose at least 3/4 length and avoid short sleeves especially those with cuffs.
Try a long bell sleeve (unless you have wide hips/large thighs).
Avoid bulky sleeves and texture.
Try a long bell sleeve (unless you have wide hips/large thighs).
Avoid bulky sleeves and texture.
Avoid horizontal stripes and instead look out for vertical stripes to give a slimmer look.
Jewellery tip! Go for a chunky, heavier bracelet which will make your arm appear slimmer.
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| Vertical stripes from La Redoute |
A cap sleeve and horizontal stripes will draw attention away from wide hips and emphasise the shoulders and upper body. Avoid this style if you have dominant shoulders or big bust.
Top from La Redoute
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Pushing your sleeves up to 3/4 length can make your legs appear longer!
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| La Redoute |
All photographs courtesy of www.prshots.com
