How To: Dress Long Arms

This is the first of a new installment of the How To series based on questions I receive from readers and friends.

Miss Elizabeth Hammons asked me to give tips on dressing a body with long limbs. Here goes!

For long arms, ranges of 3/4 length sleeves are going to be your best friend. 

Wide horizontal stripes are known for widening body parts, but they play
well with the proportions of long arms, most especially if yours are thin.

Many dress shirt sleeves these days are made at the 3/4 length. Or you can roll the cuff once or twice for a relaxed look.

Often, longer 3/4 sleeves that hit on the
lower part of the forearm 'cut off' arms, so it's something
to be careful trying to sport. However, if you have long arms, you can pull it off well.

Patterned sleeves are another great route because they de-emphasize length and add horizontal interest.

This picture well emphasizes how the 3/4 sleeve can shorten a long arm and make it more proportional to the body. These women have similar arm lengths and the shorter sleeves really emphasize long arms (Beth, I think it looks great), but if you're self conscious about it, this sleeve can make you feel a lot better!

If you have a styling question you would like to see addressed in the How To series, e-mail me!

Cheers,

Molls