I need advice on sleeveless dresses. I’m 58 and in good shape but my arms are a bit “lumpy”. I love wearing sleeveless but not sure it’s appropriate. Maybe I’m just too self conscience. I’m a size 8 but my arms aren’t up to par. What’s your advice
I need advice on sleeveless dresses. I’m 58 and in good shape but my arms are a bit “lumpy”. I love wearing sleeveless but not sure it’s appropriate. Maybe I’m just too self conscience. I’m a size 8 but my arms aren’t up to par. What’s your advice
0 Answers
MarylFloyd wrote on :
I know our bodies are all different but I do a weights class 2 to 3 times a week and fill in with Zumba and Yoga. I work out total 4 times a week and it’s a way to break up my day as I work at home. It’s gets me out and relieves the quilt. It’s worked for me and I’m older than you. I can even do halter tops but I had to keep at it and it took at least 6 months to be able to confidently go sleeveless. You’ve got time before summer hits. Good luck.
Margoi54 wrote on :
great! i’m going to start doing more weights along with my other workouts and i need to find a good yoga class with a knowledgable instructor!! thanks for the good advice
Jessica Drummond, MPT, CHC wrote on :
Hi Margoi54,
I love the idea of you wearing sleeveless dresses! If you are not comfortable in them yet, however, know that there are things you can do to create rockstar “Michelle Obama” arms without punishment to your body! I would love to help you with that. But, in the meantime, I think the most important thing for you to do, is to get in touch with all of the amazing things you love about your arms! What do they do for you that makes you feel amazing? (Hugs, cooking, painting, showing off your favorite bracelets?) Wouldn’t life be so much less fun without your arms! Check out my recent blog post for Still the Sea for more… http://stillthesea.com/learn/holding-up-the-mirror/
With love for your arms, and tools for making them look amazing!
All the Best,
Jessica Drummond, MPT CHC
jessicadrummond.com
Margoi54 wrote on :
loved the blog! thanks for the positive inspirations
Cheryl Wilson wrote on :
At 67, sleeveless just doesn’t look good anymore. Because I love in a very hot climate, I love sleeveless and I still wear tops without sleeves; however, I always wear a sheer blouse over them. I love Coldwater Creek and Draper and Damons for these types of tops. For more formal attire, e.g. going to church or out in the evening, there are great sheer kimono tops that easily go over a sleeveless dress. I always watch what 67 year old Helen Mirren wears. She is the epitome of elegance and wears sheer tops over her arms, even with her gorgeous evening gowns. Her arms are always covered but she shines!
Marcia Hatten wrote on :
I no longer wear sleeveless tops without something over them. I am 67 & weights & exercise no longer help. I like a sheer linen elbow length sleeved cardigan. Eileen Fisher & J.Jill make some nice ones. They add little weight & are not hot in the summer . Also you could try Pashminas over your top.
Gail Anderson wrote on :
I think you answered your own question. Be comfortable … if you feel a bit self uncomfortable showing your upper arms and you do wear sleeveless chances are you will not have a good day.
Sherry Golden wrote on :
I wouldn’t wear any item of clothing I didn’t think was flattering. Don’t we all choose styles, at any age, that fit us well and show off our best features? At 67, working out regularly, I’m in good shape. Sleeveless tops just aren’t that flattering any more. It would not be my first choice for when I want to look my best.
terry hesse wrote on :
I love sleeves that end either right above or right below the elbow. They are appropriate for spring and summer and I feel more confident in them than I do in a short sleeve.
PKW wrote on :
Honestly, I really like all the other answers and think they have great advice. But I want to add just one more⦠find that special friend that will tell you if you are being “too” self-conscious. It’s like finding that perfect sales associate at Nordstrums that makes sure you are not dressing too old or too young. We tend to be a bit too self critical. I say this because there is a woman in our church orchestra who wears sleeveless black dresses to our church services that looks great that is 2 years old. Her arms look fine but not like a 20 something’s.
PKW wrote on :
I meant 62 years old!
Simplychic wrote on :
A few things come to mind: Yoga has helped tone my upper arms because of all of the planks, updogs and downdog position. Also you may want to try getting massages since they are so affordable with Groupon and Living Social. Regular massage may help break up the lumps, along with the muscle elongating stretches of yoga. Try a self-tanning cellulite cream and highlighter powder on your shoulders and maybe a little more down the front of your upper arm. If you want to spend more money, you may want to look at some laser treatments such as Accent for skin tightening effects. Any type of arm workout is good, but it’s important to stretch to smooth the muscle out afterwards. Hope this helps – go for it and don’t be self-conscious – give yourself some love!
Hawklady wrote on :
Confidence is the most important accessory. Well, that and a smile, of course. I don’t know what you mean about lumpy exactly but there are options to the sleeveless top or dress. Depending on your particular issue a nice flutter sleeve is cool, stylish and can camouflage your arms. There are sheer bell or Kimona sleeves that are also lovely. Exercise with light weights can help build definition. But, in the meantime, these options should help you feel confident.
Margoi54 wrote on :
Hi. What I meant was cellulite arms!
Hawklady wrote on :
Since it isn’t possible to spot reduce and you are already fit, I have to agree with Simplychic about the cellulite cream and the self tanner. Combined with toning exercise you may see improvement. Embrace who you are and live life to the fullest.
Marsha Harris wrote on :
Start working out with small weights, it’s not too late. If you’re self-conscious I wouldn’t wear sleeveless. The main thing is to be comfortable and self-assured no matter where you are. I totally understand your dilemma though.