There’s no polite way to say this, but if you think summer dresses with sleeves are as redundant as coats and boots come the warmer months, well, you’re wrong. Indeed, for many of us, a sleeved dress isn’t just acceptable during the warmer months, it’s essential if you're looking for the best dresses for summer on the market right now.
Put simply, the appeal of summer dresses with sleeves is in the ease. If, for instance, your upper arms are not your favourite feature, then the idea of suddenly being obliged to go strapless in a beach dress can be daunting, and the subsequent layering required to make them actually work for you (under knitwear, over T-shirts) only serves to nullify their breeze-on-your-skin charms.
And for those of us for whom a bra is not optional, summer dresses with sleeves are a welcome moment of sartorial sanity. Just think, no more negotiating with spaghetti straps on a bodycon dress; such sweet relief for those endowed with anything above a C cup.
‘But won’t I get too hot?’ you might ask, to which, I would impulsively reply: ‘You think?! This is the UK!’. A more helpful response, however, would be to tell you to seek out voluminous sleeves. Ones that are cuffed at the wrist but flare extravagantly on the arm impart just the right amount of drama and ease. Or simply seek out shorter styles – ¾ length summer dresses with sleeves are universally flattering, particularly on some of the best maxi dresses.
But don’t think summer dresses with sleeves spell the end of sexy: nobody said you couldn’t go short at the hem. And what could be sexier than a slinky shirt dress unbuttoned to the point of being too naughty for work? Or consider the myriad of long-sleeved, backless styles out there: sweet on the front, sassy on the back – now that’s an irresistible cocktail.
SHOP: The Best Summer Dresses With Sleeves
shop.mango.com
A linen look is sure to turn heads this summertime. Featuring button down detailing and capped sleeves (if you're looking to cover your shoulders, that is) you'll feel confident and keep cool during scorching summer temperatures.
www.freepeople.com
A Free People dress will have your back for any upcoming summer plans. This one will see you from beach day to evening dinner in a flash.
www.thereformation.com
This ditsy print will suit any and every occasion for spring and during the coming summer months. This Reformation dress will suit you for years to come, making it a wardrobe staple that will last.
rixolondon.com
A polka dot print dress such as this one from Rixo is a must-have for any summer rendevous, especially if you're heading on a sun soaked summer holiday where midi and maxi dresses are the only acceptable wardrobe features.
www.reiss.com
Animal print reserves space in any wardrobe, especially during the summer. This Teya dress serves it's purpose as all rounder summer staple that could easily be worn in colder climates - just layer up.
www.zara.com
Cut-out detailing is all the craze now that we are seeing warmer days. This Zara dress doubles up as a beach cover up, too.
www.stories.com
With its captivating abstract print and elegant boat neck, this & Other Stories piece is a standout for the spring/summer season, featuring chic long sleeves.
What Brands Are Best To Buy Summer Dresses With Sleeves From?
Aside from the practical charms of the sleeved summer dress, regardless of body type and comfort zones, they also look great. We continue to fall for the modest prairie style long summer dresses and these ultra-romantic, Little Women styles really come into their own come summer and brands like The Vampire's Wife and Batsheva are unstoppable right now.
But, you could even go for the Laurel Canyon hippy meets Parisian bourgeoisie vibe catapulted to popularity by Celine’s Hedi Slimane via pussy bow midi and maxi dresses, the sweeping technicolour glory of Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli’s creations (proof you don’t need to show it all off to show off), or the timeless appeal of a high street wrap dress. Might we suggest taking a look at the best Zara dresses for inspiration?