13 Gorgeous Dresses That Blessedly Have Sleeves
And we won’t die of heatstroke in a single one.
Image from Marcella
by The Candidly Team
Before you scream at us, we don’t hate our arms. Truly.
Our arms are fine. All arms are fine. And we definitely do not abide by any dumb rules that tell us we have to hide them away just because we dared turn 40.
But half of us here at The Candidly are just not “sleeveless people.” And when the temp cranks up, we don’t love that all the cute, warm-weather dresses seem to be made for people who’ve been waiting and wishing and toning and lifting all winter long to strip off their sleeves and let their rippled, Sydney Bristow arms take center stage.
We just aren’t those people. And perhaps, you’re not either. Which is why we’ve sourced 13 dresses that are wildly pretty and flattering and appropriate for over 78-degree days, but every SINGLE one has sleeeeeeves. Huzza!
1. The Foolproof Everyday Dress
We’re perplexed as to why more dress brands haven’t realized the magic of the 3/4 sleeve. It’s the most flattering length on thicker arms, and it’s especially good when paired with a scoop neck. The top of this dress has a way of framing our upper body to complement curves on our arms, chests, and bellies. It has the added plus of being buttery soft and having a loose, A-line skirt, so it looks just as good on fuller hips and bottoms. It‘s honestly the most wearable everyday dress on this list. And it sizes up to XXXL.
Price: $110
2. The Summery Style That’s Perfection On A Belly Pooch
Tuckernuck Chambray Callahan Shirt Dress
This is an ideal dress for apple shapes who want complete upper body coverage but don't mind showing their legs. The shorter length is honestly one of the smartest ways to balance not wanting to look old and sad and like we just threw on a sack but also not wanting to squeeze ourselves into some tight, strappy thing that’s made for a 19-year-old model. And because the dress is so light, we can wear it on the most sweltering of days without even rolling up our sleeves. The dream! Sizes up to XXXL.
Price: $128
3. The Lovely Lazy Weekend Dress
Boden Sky Smocked Linen Midi Dress
We love nothing more than a lazy weekend dress that makes us look styled with zero effort. The smocking is incredibly flattering, giving us our best silhouette on even our most bloated and meh of days. Pair it with a tangled top knot and any tan crossbody bag, and poof, you’re brunch/ picnic/ party ready.
Price: $198
4. The Work Dress That Feels Like Leggings
Quince Tencel Jersey Midi Wrap Dress
Nothing looks better on curves than a wrap dress. The extra swoosh of fabric and tie-waist is great for a little more tum coverage, and the flowy skirt is great on hips. But, once again, the addition of a 3/4 sleeve (not to mention the supreme softness) might make this one our most favorite wrap dress. Comes in 5 colors. All are very, very good. It’s also available in extended sizes HERE.
Price: $60
5. The Spring Party Dress
By Anthropologie The Katerina Button-Front Dress
The dress is flattering and comfortable to wear daily but fancy enough to wear to occasions. Wedding guest dress anyone?
Price: $178
6. The Only Mini Dress We Aren’t Afraid Of
Pomander Place Navy Stripe Vesty Mini Dress
Come hot weather, do we not all just wish we could throw on an enormous t-shirt and call it a day? But then, we still want to look sane and chic, and sure, why not a bit French? This dress is comfy as a tee but not so enormous that we don’t feel cute in it. It’s casual enough to wear to the beach but smart enough to wear to the shops. And the size range is amazing.
7. The Little Linen Dress We Grab Every Warm Day Of The Year
J. Crew Capitaine Shirtdress In Linen
We learned long ago that a loose, linen dress simply tied in the middle gives any shape person (apples included) our best (albeit laziest) hourglass. The cut makes us feel covered up, but the length shows enough leg to not make it a total muumuu. We’d go so far as to say it’s dipping a toe into dressing sexy but in an effortless and sophisticated sort of way. Comes in some excellent neutral hues as well as in tall and petite. Sizes up to 3X.
Price: $128
8. The Long-Sleeve Dress Of Our Dreams
Farm Rio Forest Soul Off-White Maxi Dress
Be warned - this dress will get you stopped on the street. It’s just plain, ask-where-you-got-it pretty. The sleeve is very billowy, but the shape nips the waist and has clean lines that elongate, so you look taller even though it reaches your ankles.
Price: $315
9. The Magically Flattering Red Dress
Faithfull The Brand Teatro Midi Dress Crimson
The dipping neckline won us over off the bat but then there’s the smocking, which we think you’ll agree is the most comfortable way to nip your waist. The red feels exciting for dressing up but still seems like something we can wear during the day with a chic, slip-on sandal - also works as a great vacation uniform.
Price: $399
10. The Easiest Weekend Dress
Boden Libby Jersey Midi Shirt Dress
The perfect length sleeve on a perfect spring dress. It comes from our favorite British brand. And it’s jersey, so it’s so soft and light. Cherry on top is that it sizes up to 22.
Price: $130
11. The Romantic cottagecore Dress
Blencot Floral Print Puff Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
This dress is for those among us who read Little Women wanting to do life like Jo but wear clothes like Amy.
Price: $40
12. The Skimming Maxi Dress
SUCH an easy, slimming shape on a dress that looks amazing on everyone. Everyone.
Price: $248
13. The Short Dress That Gives Us A Gorj Silhouette
Quince 100% European Linen Smocked Mini Dress
Ok, we lied. We do have room in our hearts for one more mini dress. This one is great for when you want to show a little skin but still feel somewhat modest. And maybe you’re thinking again with the puff sleeve and smocking, but what can we say? Our figures have never been more flattered.
Price: $60
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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