Banish the Bingos… 7 easy ways to have bare arms this summer without baring all!
Even though we all love it when summer rolls around (even when summer isn’t quite as hot and sunny in this country as we might like…) many of us dread the prospect of getting the tops of our arms out in the summer months. We would all like to banish our bingo wings! According to an article in the Daily Mail there are 6 types of fat found on upper arms..ranging from your classic bingo wings to jabba flabba to arm charms. In my experience women’s upper arms are rarely as bad as women believe them to be and if you are wearing a nice outfit which flatters your body shape your arms will barely be noticed. However, to banish bingo wings and make you feel confident about going out without covering the entire arm in one or more layers this summer then read on to find out what options might work for you….
Cold Shoulder Tops
cold shoulder top
Everywhere this summer and are incredibly flattering for all ages….Show off the tops of your shoulder which always carry less weight than the arms and skim the tops of the arms with the sleeves. Overall effect is very flattering as the slimmer part of your body is exposed leaving the wider part hidden. On sale at all high street retailers. I particularly like the ones at New Look which come in a variety of colours and are only £9. Definitely not worth spending too much on this style as it is very much a 2016 trend which whilst flattering isn’t going to be a classic trend.
Bardot Tops
bardot top
Another key trend of 2016 but more of a classic look that is having a renaissance this summer. Very flattering as it shows off the slimmer shoulders and clavical area but hides parts of the upper arms and also helps balance out your hips and thighs if you are pear shaped by making the shoulders look wider. Make sure the band that goes over your arms doesn’t keep working its way up your arms as you are wearing it. The more you spend on this item the better it will fit and look.
3/4 Length Sleeves
3/4 length sleeve
Hides the majority of your arm but shows off the forearm and wrist which is always the slimmest bit of the arm – therefore giving the illusion of slimmer arms (even if they aren’t further up the arm). This length sleeve also has the benefit of making your legs look longer as the hem of the sleeve is further up the body.. it’s true – that’s how the eye works! Also allows the wearing of bracelets/bangles etc which adds interest to your arm and overall outfit.
Bell or Kimono Sleeves
short kimono sleeve
kimono sleeve
Loose and floaty so helps keep you cool but also disguises the tops of the arms. Also allows the wearing of bracelets or bangles as these type of sleeves tend not to be full length.
Chiffon Material
chiffon top
Chiffon is a very light/sheer fabric so keeps you cool in the summer but will slightly obsure the exact shape of the arm therefore making this a flattering choice if you are not happy with the shape of your arms. A good evening choice as there is a hint of skin but not too much.
Lace Sleeves
lace sleeves
Works in a similar way to chiffon sleeves as a touch of skin is visible but the exact shape is largely disguised. As long as is not heavyweight lace fabric will be a cool option for the hotter days.
Use a coverup
One final option… wear whatever short sleeved top you like and to keep the arms disguised use a wrap, pashmina or shawl around the back and the arms.. keeps the shoulders exposed but the tops of the arms hidden… Given the weather at the moment you are probably going to need an extra layer so this works a treat.
Follow up
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