Sleeveless summer dresses can be a source of contention for many women, feeling somewhat self-conscious about exposing what they think of as a troubled area of their body. In fact, sleeveless clothing can be flattering for any body type.

And, as a rule, when the temperatures become extreme, no one wants to be left wearing their winter or spring long sleeves, nor do you have to. If you feel less than confident about your arms, whether age is a factor or want to get them in better shape, there are a few tips and tricks to eliminate that awkwardness.

The boutique summer dresses sale will have a bevy of options and stylists on hand to help you create a wardrobe meant to make you feel confident and comfortable for the entire summer season. When you choose to make a few slight changes to your overall style, it can bring a brand-new side to your vibe and personality.

Consider a few helpful hints when looking at summer dresses for this season, including sleeveless shifts and sundresses.

How To Make A Sleeveless Dress Flattering For Everyone

Many women feel awkward about wearing sleeveless tops and dresses, with most self-conscious about exposing their arms.

For some, this feels like a trouble area that they would rather hide from the public regardless of if doing so brings them discomfort, particularly in the extreme heat of summer.

In some cases, women over a certain age are directed that this is inappropriate attire for their group. For others, body image issues need to be worked through. In either situation, a strong, confident woman comfortable in her skin can wear anything she chooses.

There are also a few tips and tricks for women still working toward that strength to wear these clothes and feel good in their skin. Let’s look at a few ideas.

A Sleeveless Dress Has Many Variations Allowing a Gradual Transition

Instead of the classic sleeveless dress with arms entirely exposed, you don’t have to step all the way outside the box until you’re more comfortable but rather choose a broader scoop or off-the-shoulder dress where only the shoulders are drawing the attention.

The material is still lightweight and cool. You still look breezy and brilliant for the season, but there’s a layer providing that self-assurance making the overall outfit a confidence boost.

A Light Cover-up Is Acceptable as Long as It Says Summer

You don’t want to pull a cardigan from your winter wardrobe to put over top a lovely sleeveless summer dress. It would be inappropriate and draw attention for the wrong reasons. When adding a piece over a lightweight dress, it should flow with the season.

That can mean a scarf or shawl, a shrug, or a light button-down, ensuring you’re comfortable, relaxed, and ready for the hot summer weather. Any of these options denote casual or can be made into business casual for the office setting.

A Fashion Faux-Pas Notes to Be a Strapless Dress

While a strapless dress can be a stunner, it’s also responsible for exposing just about everything from the armpits up, including the skin around this area, the shoulders, the arms, and cleavage. They can make arms appear bulky and push skin out, creating an unflattering appearance.

These dresses, tube tops with a skirt, or anything that fits under the armpits might be something to consider as an around-the-house lounging in the heat of the summer instead of wearing it for an outing or an occasion.

When you want to expose the shoulders, the neckline, or the collar, off-the-shoulder or wide-scoops are ideal. Here are some summer dress ideas for you to try this summer.

Put the Focus on Your Waist

Instead of focusing on how to hide your arms, try to draw the eye to another area of the body, like the waist. If you feel self-conscious about a particular area, dress up a different part. By doing this, you’ll be able to focus your attention on the accessory instead of exposed arms.

This can be a metal chain belt adding some sparkle to a solid sleeveless shift giving a sort of 70s vibe or cinching the waist with an elastic belt to bring some definition to the area. You present a cool, comfortable, albeit chic appearance in either situation.

Allow a Comfortable Fit

Ensuring the dress’s armholes are comfortable and not too tight is essential. When this area is not adequately fit, it can push skin out, making the area appear bulky, drawing more attention to it, and causing you to feel more self-conscious. When dresses are of an ill fit, movement and breathing are restricted.

Look for Thicker Straps and a Boxier Albeit Flowy Shape

Sleeveless dresses don’t need to have thin spaghetti straps. You can find many options with thicker straps that can sometimes make women feel more confident. These can diminish the size of arms, which some women believe to be their most troubled area drawing the attention to the dress instead.

A boxy dress, though flowy, has somewhat the same effect. It squares the upper body and provides a broader silhouette but minimizes the appearance of the arms. Find out how to choose a dress length for your body.

Final Thought

Summertime can be sweltering, with everyone needing to find the most comfortable clothing in the lightest material to keep fresh and relaxed. If you feel good in your skin, wear the dresses you love from the boutiques you enjoy.

While you’re paying attention to who might be critiquing you, everyone else is busy just trying to stay cool. Most people don’t have the time or inclination to judge those around them.

And truth be told, when you look and feel good in what you’re wearing, that confidence and self-assurance are what people see and respond to. Go here for a style guide for those young-at-heart.

When we see an attractive senior rocking a sleeveless summer dress with an edgy hat and some wedges with no cares, everyone wants to be her.