A reader asks: I love Summer but I am really under confident about the way my upper arms look so I like to keep them covered. The problem I have is that most Summer styles are sleeveless and when I wear things over I’m either too warm or feel dumpy. How can I keep my arms covered and remain cool as well as stylish?

A lot of women are uncomfortable with their upper arms. This part of the body seems to gather extra padding quite easily and even women who are slim can suffer from looser flesh here. As much as I wish we could all, myself included, have arms that resembled Michelle Obama’s I think that while we are waiting for that to happen it is always a good idea to learn ways to camouflage an area of our bodies we are less than comfortable with. So, if that sounds like you and you really want to feel relaxed about your arms then take a look at ways to keep your arms covered in Summer while keeping cool.

*Click on the image to find item source*

* If you are concerned about drawing attention to your upper arms, the first thing you should do is avoid wearing anything that ends across that part of the arm, that has pattern that will draw the eye there or even any type of gathering of the fabric that again will draw the eye there. Once you have done that then try one of these styles to keep the attention elsewhere *

1. Wear Sleeves - It sounds obvious I know, but in summer it can be hard to find dresses that have sleeves. You are looking for something in a lightweight fabric like cotton or linen so that you don’t overheat and when you find it consider buying two if it’s in a simple style that will be wearable in the future.

2.  Add Sleeves - No I don’t mean sew sleeves on to your clothing.  What I do mean is that when you find something you love, be it a dress or top, if it is sleeveless then add a lightweight cardigan or a shrug. With shrugs be careful, if you are short-waisted choose them in a colour that is the same as your dress or if you are long-waisted or tall then they can work better in a contrasting colour thus shortening you.

3. Wear a jacket - I know that sounds like you’ll be very hot but summer jackets made from lightweight fabrics and paired with a very light camisole or top under it are actually a really great way to keep cool, keep your arms covered and look chic at the same time

4. Wear a Tunic or Shirt - Tunics are great because they come in all shorts of styles and fabrics meaning you can wearing them during the day or even for slightly more formal evening events. Shirts are another way to keep cool and chic. Try also choosing tops and blouses with bat wings or kimono style sleeves. These are great for camouflaging the arm while being effortlessly stylish.