Should I add sleeves or straps?

[Afteryou2011]

Hi all,

I’m getting married in July and will only have a short turn around (about 3 weeks) from meeting the alterations lady and my wedding (I live abroad and can’t get back any earlier)

I bought my dress 18 months ago and at the time, I adored it. Now I’m worried I like awful in it. I feel self conscious about my weight and how I appear in the dress, especially my upper arms.

Would you add straps or sleeves to the dress below?

The dress is the shops not mine so obviously it needs to be taken in around the chest area etc.

I need honest opinions so I don’t look back and hate photos or spend the day worrying everyone thinks I look huge and ridiculous.

Thanks in advance x

[MyKingdomForBrie]

Out of the options your suggested I’d go for straps that are narrow where they meet the dress and widen over the shoulders.

I think you look beautiful and it doesn’t need anything but how you feel in it is so important so I would definitely do what you feel you need to.

[n0ne]

I wouldn't. All the wedding shows on telly say that adding straps draws attention to the arms and makes you look wider. I think there's nowt wrong with your arms at all, you look lovely

[DBoo]

Dreds is gorgeous you look beautiful i do think some straps would be good for some extra support.

[7to25]

Agree with the above and whatever you do, no cap sleeves. The most unflattering style.

[BlueUggs]

I think with great supportive underwear, it will look stunning.

[Afteryou2011]

Thank you so much- I’ve never posted before, didn’t know if I’d get many replies.

I saw a thread on here recently referring to why do brides choose awful dresses/strapless dresses are really common etc so it’s been on my mind ever since.

Definite no to cap sleeves!! But will see what the seamstress thinks about the straps you’ve described and also see how much support she can put into the bodice as well (I’ve no bra or support in the photos so it’s all a bit loose 😂)

Thank you 🙏🏻 xxx

[HumpHumpWhale]

I had a similar neckline and had a halter strap added. I still think it looked lovely and it broke up the expanse of chest - I'm tall and big boobed and the distance from shoulder to dress just felt like too much to me. I think a halter strap might be really nice on you as well

[happymummy12345]

You look stunning. Dress is gorgeous.
Personally I wouldn't because I prefer strapless dresses. However you need to feel comfortable, so if you feel straps would male you feel more comfortable in the dress then go for it.

[user1471501171]

The dress is gorgeous and looks lovely on you as it is. It will sit higher on you when it is fitted so there will be less skin on show.
I would worry that a halter neck strap would be uncomfortable with the weight of the dress. If you really felt you needed something maybe some cap sleeves in tulle with satin ribbon would work?

[Joinourclub]

I agree that a halter style could look good, make you feel less self conscious, but not spoil the nice 'line' (? Dunno correct term) at the back.

[ReginaGeorgeIsAFuglySlut]

I am not actually a fan of strapless dresses but I think this one looks beautiful on you. Add straps if it makes you feel better and it will still look lovely but I really think they are unnecessary.

[LuluJakey1]

You look lovely. I wouldn't do anything. There are times I wince at wedding dresses but this isn't one of them. You have nothing to feel self-conscious about- stunning!

[drinkingwinefeelingfine]

Absolutely not. It's gorgeous. Your arms and neck look lovely.

[DBoo]

Maybe have straps you can remove so you can have them on or off depending how you feel on the day.

[itallhappensforareason]

I think the dress looks gorgeous on you and flatters your figure beautifully. I wouldn't add straps/sleeves at all - I personally think they would draw more attention to your arms/shoulders, BUT it's whatever you feel most comfortable in that matters most. The seamstress will be able to go through some options with you and you can decide which you prefer.

[itallhappensforareason]

Also with reference to support in the bodice, I had cups sewn into my dress so I could wear it bra-less but still have a bit of support/shape. And I'm a 34H/J!

[GinIsIn]

I do think it would be better with straps, but it’s a lovely dress.

[Afteryou2011]

Thank you so much for your ideas x

[stressedoutfred]

Gorgeous dress!

[SilentBob]

I think it's beautiful and you look fabulous!

However, if you're not happy- I'd be looking for a topper or capelet (sorry for the wanky word!) instead of altering completely, as I think it may change the dynamic of the dress entirely and that would be a shame.

There are some here

[spanky2]

You look fantastic. I don't think you need any straps. Your arms don't look big at all.

[LemonysSnicket]

The only reason to add a thin strap would be so you don’t have to hook your breasts up all day - it’s very annoying.

[callmeadoctor]

I think that it is beautiful, however I would definitely add a couple of thin straps to avoid the constant hoick up of boobs, which must be so bloody uncomfortable all day.

[EgremontRusset]

Depends if you are going to dance in it! If so, then yes to straps or sleeves to avoid hoiking / flashing. If not, then it’s just a question of what looks good - I think your arms are nice - but a strap/sleeve/cape/shrug might look pretty anyway.

(I had a strapless dress for the ceremony and dinner then changed into a much more lightweight one with straps for dancing. My arms/figure are like yours)