how to cover arms with sleeveless tops/dresses

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, this is an amazing dress and everything is 40% off on the site right now:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1005908&vid=1&pid=949935002

(1) too short; (2) low cut; (3) made of rayon, so will age terribly.

Do people seriously think this is professional dress?

I bought this dress, it was hideous. This style usually works and can be very flattering, but it had so much extra fabric that it looked like I wrapped a tablecloth around my body.

[Anonymous]

I wear sleeveless dresses without anything over them. I don't think this is unprofessional.

[Anonymous]

Would love more links to blazers and such. It's hard for me to picture what's suggested.

[Anonymous]

I like the cardigan look. At my office, it's worn by women in their 30s, so I don't think it's old lady-ish or secretary-ish.

[Anonymous]

I was looking for light weight jackets this weekend and found some really cute ones at The Limited (http://www.thelimited.com/search?q=blazer) BUT they are 100% polyester and I was hot just trying it on in the store...any other options for lightweight jackets?

[Anonymous]

I got this in black - I'm 5'11" so I need tall sizes
http://www.loft.com/matte-stretch-twill-open-blazer/330441?colorExplode=true&skuId=15501066&catid=catl000018&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=8680

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like the cardigan look. At my office, it's worn by women in their 30s, so I don't think it's old lady-ish or secretary-ish.

+1

I also look frumpy in blazers -- I'm on the shorter side, very much an hour glass figure. It's really hard to find blazers that tuck into the waist well, are generous enough in the chest, and the appropriate length (often they're a bit long, so they ride up). And even then, extra fabric around my chest just doesn't work well on me. A thin cardigan helps maintain the nice line that a sleeveless dress provides, while also giving a bit of warmth.

The Halogen cardigans at Nordstrom are pretty good. Price is reasonable, cut and fabric are flattering, they don't pill, and I can usually get a couple of years out of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like the cardigan look. At my office, it's worn by women in their 30s, so I don't think it's old lady-ish or secretary-ish.

+1

I also look frumpy in blazers -- I'm on the shorter side, very much an hour glass figure. It's really hard to find blazers that tuck into the waist well, are generous enough in the chest, and the appropriate length (often they're a bit long, so they ride up). And even then, extra fabric around my chest just doesn't work well on me. A thin cardigan helps maintain the nice line that a sleeveless dress provides, while also giving a bit of warmth.

The Halogen cardigans at Nordstrom are pretty good. Price is reasonable, cut and fabric are flattering, they don't pill, and I can usually get a couple of years out of them.

+1

Am happy to see all the pro-cardigan for the office posts as am also big fan. Jackets are tough for many women's figures and often not that comfortable. Agree with Nordstrom suggestion for cardigans.

[Anonymous]

If sleeveless is unprofessional why are so many suiting dresses and tops sleeveless???

[Anonymous]

What about a button-down under a shift dress? It does look slightly secretary/librarian but nothing wrong with that - I like to play up the style sometimes with pearls and a high bun.

Also, I'm in my late 20s and wear cardigans a fair amount - they're not frumpy as long as they're fitted. I like 3/4 sleeve ones.

[Anonymous]

I wear Banana Republic Anna cardigans over dresses to work. Not too expensive, and the cotton/silk 3/4 sleeve version is good for summer. I've also heard good things about J Crew Jackie cardigans, but they're pricier and don't go on sale as often.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wear Banana Republic Anna cardigans over dresses to work. Not too expensive, and the cotton/silk 3/4 sleeve version is good for summer. I've also heard good things about J Crew Jackie cardigans, but they're pricier and don't go on sale as often.

I would not recommend these. They're really thin and hole easily. Not at all worth the price, even on sale.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If sleeveless is unprofessional why are so many suiting dresses and tops sleeveless???

I don't think it's unprofessional at all except in the most formal settings. Completely acceptable for business casual.

I just bought this jacket and it's perfect for officewear without being too frumpy/serious. It's not wool, but the fabric still feels nice, not cheap.

http://www.lastcall.com/Isaac-Mizrahi-Open-Front-Rolled-Sleeve-Jacket-isaac-mizrahi/prod20750032___/p.prod?icid=&searchType=SEARCH&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FN%253D4294955440%2526_requestid%253D24378%2526Ntt%253Disaac%252Bmizrahi&eItemId=prod20750032&cmCat=search

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If sleeveless is unprofessional why are so many suiting dresses and tops sleeveless???

Sleeveless is fine with jacket or cardigan. Also sleeveless makes said jacket/cardigan easier to go on as they don't have to fit over sleeves. But in most offices sleeveless would not viewed as unprofessional outside of your office or cubicle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about a button-down under a shift dress? It does look slightly secretary/librarian but nothing wrong with that - I like to play up the style sometimes with pearls and a high bun.

Also, I'm in my late 20s and wear cardigans a fair amount - they're not frumpy as long as they're fitted. I like 3/4 sleeve ones.

I do this sometimes, too, and I agree, it works if you go with it. I usually wear patent leather mary jane heels, pull my hair back, and wear my glasses.