The Right to Bare Arms
While it has been a long cool wet spring here in the northeast, the heat is finally upon us, and you know what *that* means! SKIN!!! Short sleeves, no sleeves, no leggings or tights. It’s just too hot for layers once the heat and humidity sets in.
A lot of plus-size women (myself included) and even just women over the age of…no longer having slim, toned arms (whatever age that might be)…are self-conscious about baring their arms. Legs seem easier somehow. They’re way down there by the floor, they’re not at eye-level. But arms, especially heavy ones, seem to dominate our bodies, especially when they’re milky white from a winter under wraps.
Sometimes a light layer of skin bronzer helps. Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet and Leave the House with Your Arms Exposed. You’ll get used to it.
To be honest, I almost always have at least a light cardigan or blouse on. I just prefer a layered look…and especially in the office, sleeveless doesn’t quite feel appropriate. So by day I’m usually covered up. But it’s nice after work to be able to shed that extra layer and bare my arms. Yup, they’re fat. Oh well. You’ll get over it. Ha ha.
What I’m Wearing:
M.P.
You look fabulous and I would like to collaborate with you regarding your blog. I tried to email you but it did not seem to want to go through. I commented on some pics on Instagram and I would like to touch base.
bettyerainwaterphotography
Hi, I sent you a message through Instagram, but…who knows the mysteries of the internet! Why don’t you email me directly at fashion_schlub@yahoo.com what you were thinking, and we can talk!
M.P.
That would be great. I have a couple of suggestions.
Iris Smale
Your arms are great – I love them. I, on the other hand, have OLD arms. Mine are awful and definitely age me (not hard to do) if I show them. I do show them at home – but absolutely not when I go out. Cap sleeves are out as are most of the “short sleeves” as they’re way too short. If I can find sleeves that go to my elbow I’m a happy camper. It makes clothes shopping really difficult when you’re old, don’t want to look older, but don’t want to look too young either. I’m rambling. Love your arms!
bettyerainwaterphotography
Oh, Iris, can I adopt you?? You always have the kindest things to say.
Isn’t it funny how we all think OUR thing is the worst thing…oh YOUR arms are fine, but MINE are way too fat/old/pale/whatever. We judge ourselves so harshly.
Baring my arms in public is pretty new to me but I finally just said WHO CARES?! I will no longer pass something by because it has no sleeves. My biggest problem with sleeveless items at my size is the arm holes are way too big and you can see my side and bra when I move my arm. Hence the extra later. This dress was nice cuz it was nicely covered up on top – nothing was showing that shouldn’t…so I went for it. And the heavens did not come crashing down on me, so…
Hope you have a nice weekend.