Why Designers Don't Make More Dresses With Sleeves

In a nutshell, designers think sleeves look dowdy.  It's also hard to construct a sleeve that's flattering and has a good range of motion (as we know, the world is much more casual and comfort is now king!). 

However, as someone who has never really liked her upper arms and as a stylist that has fit and shopped for hundreds of women, I can tell you that you still have plenty of stylish options.

• Fall is the best time to shop for styles with sleeves.  If you see something, don't hesitate to buy it.
• 3/4 length sleeves are the most flattering since they draw the eye away from the hip and don't stop or draw attention to the bust line (like short sleeves can)
• A blazer (on the shorter side, but doesn't have to be cropped) is your best option for layering - try to avoid the cropped cardigan, which can look "too little girl" and usually matches the color in your dress (that's a no-no as that falls into the category of too "matchy, matchy")
• Even though I don't like my upper arms, even just a cap sleeve is better than nothing because it visually "breaks" up how much skin is being shown and I'm less likely to have armpit skin hanging out (thanks Jennifer Lawrence for being so honest about this!)
• I like a short, structured sleeve as it has the same effect as a strong shoulder on a blazer - it makes your waist look smaller
• A cardigan is another option, but I prefer a blazer because it adds a bit more structure and looks a little more put together than a cardigan

To Cuff or Not To Cuff

I often said that you have to know the rules before you can break them and to cuff or not is one of those rules.  Once you understand how and what it's doing to the body, (and your overall look), you can then begin to experiment and develop your sense of style.

For Women:
Cuffs, like many other things, are purely an accessory so there's no need to feel like you should or need to cuff your jeans or pants.  Cuffs are a visual break in the line of the leg, which can shorten you, so I usually advise my clients against it.  Truthfully, nothing frosts my cookies more than to walk through the petite department and see them selling petite pants with cuffs!  Noooooo! 

Women also have to be careful with cuffed boyfriend jeans and then adding an ankle strap shoe.  It's not a no-no, but there are a lot of horizontal lines going on and this can be hard to pull off if you're already vertically challenged. 

Have you ever noticed celebrities very rarely choose ankle strap shoes?  Yes, ankle straps are sexy, but visual, (and especially in photos), they cut into the line of the leg. 

For Men:
The same idea applies for men as cuffs break up the line of the leg, making you look shorter, however if you do have pleated pants, the cuff is needed to help give the pants some weight, which keep the pleats nicely folded and balance the whole look. 

Preferably, I'm hoping we've graduated to a much more flattering style of flat front trousers, which don't need any cuffs, (yes, this style works even if you aren't tall and slim like Ryan Gosling) because pleats add unnecessary volume and bulk to the body. 

In sum, flat front trousers cut down on any extra bulk (game), are much more modern (set), and we don't need a cuff so there's no shortening on the body (match). 

Why It's So Hard To Get Rid Of Things

I heard a coach once say that even though we want and are ready to get rid of things (old beliefs, clunky square-toed shoes, blazers from the 80s with oversized shoulder pads), we usually don't do it because the void leaves us feeling exposed.

Even though we know we're not wearing the clunky, square-toed shoes or blazers from the 80s with oversized shoulder pads, it feels better to having things hanging in our closet. 

However, it's hard to welcome in new items (or even see what we have!) without creating some space. And, I do find it's easier to get rid of things when we know they are going to a good cause. 

Here are some of my favorite places to donate:

Fashion Project
Right now this site is only for women, but you can request an envelope (shipping is free), fill it with whatever items you're not wearing and they will post them for sale on their site. The best part is up to 55% of the sale from your donated items go to the charity of your choice! Good karma all around!

For men, there are many organizations, like Bridge to Success, that are looking for work-appropriate donations to help those in need. Some stores will also take your old clothes when you order new ones. Here in Chicago, the custom clothier, Alton Lane, will take men's old dress shirts when you make an appointment to order some new shirts or a custom suit.

What's your favorite place or way to donate? I'd love to hear your suggestions! Please connect and post them on The Style Academy Facebook page!