How To Cover Your Arms While Keeping Stylish and Cool
Summer. Warm days, balmy nights and cool, lightweight fashion.
But we don’t all feel that way as we creep up to the warmer months.
For some of you, it’s that time of year which means baring parts of your body you would prefer to never see the light of day!
While many think legs, thighs or stomach are a key concern, it’s actually arms with many women hugely self-conscious to wear sleeveless or short sleeves.
I don’t care for the terms “bingo or “tuckshop lady” arms and am constantly telling women that unless your upper arm is still waving when you have stopped – let’s not worry about them.
So before you reach for your arm spanx (yes, they do exist) I want to show you how to cover your arms using an array of seasonal cover-ups that still keep you looking stylish and doesn’t have you melting from the heat.
These cover ups are also great for the cooler evenings or as a throw over for your spring racing or holiday party look.
Now knits and lightweight jackets can be hard to find, especially when you are time poor.
So you guessed it – today’s blog will help fast track your search. We’ve taken an array of photos showcasing cover-up options covering different stores and price points.
As always, this blog comes with some body shape tips:
- If you are broad in the shoulders and have a large bust, please remember to avoid bulking the top half. Structured Jackets and tops are best for your shape.
- If you are flatter in the chest and perhaps narrower through the shoulders, bulk or add some embellished details to your shoulders, detail on your upper half will not hurt you – it will balance you out.
- Braving a sleeveless? A cluster of bangles on your wrist can do wonders to draw the attention south of your arms or try an amazing statement necklace to draw attention to your face.
Now when it comes to materials, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics are best for transitioning into the warmer months. Very on-trend at the moment is lace, which is both stylish and breathable, and I would also recommend cotton, georgette, jersey, linen and silk – all cool fabrics.
So, who dislikes showing off their upper arms?
Or is there anyone that loves the sleeveless dress/top or who has found a cover-up that works for them?
Arm me with your comments and questions below! 🙂
Janelle says
I shouldn’t say I hate my upper arms but I do :(. But they are there and I have to deal with them. I always feel better with a bit of tan on my upper body – I just use that gradual tan moisturiser but it’s enough to do the job. I also wear good that have looser sleeves so that my sleeves aren’t strangling my arms. Tops that are in between tank tops and tees in a flowy fabric always work best for me. Cardigans and my lightweight denim jacket are staples too
Cindy Newstead says
I know Janelle, I hope that some of these ideas will inspire a little! 🙂
Jackie green says
I choose the Alannah Hill one for my friend it’s a beautiful jacket. She also dislikes her arms. So many women struggle with their arms. Great ideas.
Cindy Newstead says
That’s great Jackie! Alannah Hill have great cardigans 🙂
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks Jackie, I love the Alannah Hill cardis also! 🙂
Kate says
I’ve avoided baring my upper arms for years and suffered on the hot days, but recently found a miracle cure – I spent two hours with Cindy who convinced me there is nothing wrong with them or any other part of me, and I’ve been happily wearing all sorts of sleeveless tops and dresses ever since!
Cindy Newstead says
YAY!!!!!!!! I am so pleased Kate!!! xox
Shirley says
Hi Cindy, I put on a white tshirt that had a spray of pink/purple flowers on the front with my blue casual jeans and little flat shoes. I looked in the mirror and saw my arms after a long winter
Cindy Newstead says
I understand Shirley, that’s what this blog is about, yet unless your upper arms are scary :)……….let it go!!!! We are who we are and anyone who judges us……that’s their problem!!!! xo