What to wear with this tailored dress???

[JobCarHouseNoBaby]

Am starting new job in 2 weeks, cue shopping spree in the Next and Debenhams sales today :)

I have always stuck to the trousers, jacket and shirt/top combo, but fancied a fresh start and have bought a suit dress similar to this one, just not linen.

I'm 5'8 and a size 18 and am pretty conscious of my upper arms. Other than the matching suit jacket, what would you suggest I wear to cover up my arms? Long or fitted cardigan (too frumpy?) or maybe some sort of long sleeved top or maybe smart shirt?

Honest opinions gratefully received!

bump

I would put a blouse underneath. I have two dresses a bit like that (one black, one red) which I wear with a blouse underneath and a jacket. If it's too hot for the jacket, fine - I still have the blouse. I was worried it might look a bit schoolgirlish, but it doesn't.

I've got a few dresses like that and, to be honest, they never fit properly or hang quite right if you put a blouse under them. I tend to go for a little shrug or cropped jacket, depending on how formal I need to look.

a fitted cropped cardi with 3/4 sleeves this type of thing

Yes to blouse underneath, that's what I'd do especially as it gets warmer. You have to get a very thin material or a v fitted body blouse (with puffier sleeves)

Otherwise I wear a little cropped cardigan with a dress like this too.

Thanks all! I'll go for the cardigan option, just need to find one now. That one from Debenhams looks nice.