How to dress for Summer when you hate your arms??

[pumpkintits]

And pretty much every other body part?

I'm a size 16, hour glass shape, GG bust and a stomach that unfortunately makes me look pregnant!

I'm going to Turkey for 2 weeks end of June and it's going to be hot!

I'm struggling to find dresses with sleeves at least elbow length that are light, flattering and not too short. I love midi length, not great with anything short as I have awful legs. Not keen on anything overly patterned and tend to go for jewel colours as I'm a pale redhead so that's what suits me best.

Any suggestions for what to wear? Ideally not too expensive as I'm attempting to lose weight and get back into my size 14 dress but I would like some nice stuff for my holiday and for the sunny days at home.

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/black-linen-blend-tie-front-shirt/p/863776201

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/cream-split-hem-short-sleeve-oversized-t-shirt/p/870185613

Have a look at John Lewis and filter to elbow length - they've got loads

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/blue-vanilla-white-broderie-bardot-smock-dress/p/869658210

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/khaki-ribbed-cotton-belted-midi-shirt-dress/p/858349034

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/womens-race-dresses/petite-black-spot-poplin-short-puff-sleeve-tie-back-mini-dress/p/856564809

www.boohoo.com/floral-wrap-belted-maxi-dress/FZZ26216.html?color=105

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/bright-blue-cotton-puff-sleeve-tiered-midi-dress/p/858840146

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/lilac-poplin-puff-sleeve-midi-dress/p/681925055

Linen shirt open over a sleeveless dress?

It’s going to be boiling, just get your arms out, they will look better when tanned anyway. Get yourself some heavy ish dumbbells and start toning now, it will give you confidence

Aspiga have some lovely maxi dresses with 3/4 sleeves

Thanks so much for the suggestions, some great ideas! Wish we had more shops so I could try them on as 9 times out of 10 it looks lovely on the hanger/model but appalling on me.

I will pick up some heavier weights, the ones I have at the moment are too light. My arms are disproportionly big compared to the rest of me, excessive amounts of elbow overhang. I can be wearing the most beautiful sleaveless dress and turn to the side and my arms ruin it. Even when I was at my slimmest they were huge 😔

I don’t expose much skin due to skin cancer issues op. I’m now well practiced at finding maxi or midi dresses with sleeves. They are available in an awful lot of places, you just have to look. I probably buy a new one each year as I only wear these dresses in the summer. Have had success in M&S, H&M, la redoute, asos, new look, John Lewis, other stories, next, everywhere really. There really are loads of brands that sell dresses with sleeves

Zara can be good for long cotton sleeved dresses. Just a pity the shopping experience is so awful there.

H&M have quite a lot of nice midi summer dresses and quite a few do have at least elbow length sleeves and are cotton.

And agree quite a few in Zara ( all too long for me unfortunately!)

I know the Fat face one is a 10, but I am a 14 and have an 8. It has a really flattering cut on the shoulders.

Matalan one is a good colour for me and I am a redhead. It's not navy. It's much softer.

Next Clearance have the Fat face on in different colours. You can get it delivered to store for free. I really would try it in a smaller size. I love mine.

I haven't tried the others but they look promising.

I never, ever have shown my arms in summer and I have lived in Spain through heatwaves. It's very doable and quite sensible if you're a redhead.

I'm the same size and shape as you OP, but bigger boobs! Most sites have the option to filter for 3/4 length sleeves and V necks which is all I buy, because they flatter much better on my shape. I also only wear tops where I can wear a scaffolding type bra with thick straps 😂

Does it just need to be a dress? I rarely wear a summery dress, as feel I need to wear spanks for the stomach and they get far too hot! I often wear 3/4 length linen trousers or capris with a 3/4 arm length blouse. It really depends on your budget, but I often pick up things at M&S, asda or even argos (sainsburys).

Monsoon and Superdry have some amazing light long sleeved maxis in cotton - I usually wear these when I go to India.

I buy long or 3/4 linen or cotton 'popover' style shirts. Uniqlo usually have nice ones. The button up type seem to be too tight round the middle unless I go up about 3 sizes and then drown me everywhere else.
I don't do dresses

I know you are only a size 16 (lucky you!) but why not have a wee look at Fashion World & Yours? I have same problems with my arms & the 2 shops have lovely dresses with longer sleeves. Good luck with your search. Have a lovely holiday.

I've just been out and bought a lovely linen shirt, got 2 sizes up so I could tie it together and also have the option of wearing it open. I also bought a really nice black jumpsuit from Peacocks, I've never worn a jumpsuit before but it was so comfy and I thought it actually looked really nice.
I struggle with colours as I feel that only a few certain shades suit me so while I can find lots of dresses, a lot of them are in colours that would look appalling on me!

I do actually like Yours, I normally get my shoes from there as I have extra wide feet. I was in there yesterday but didn't see anything in the shop that stands out, might have a look online!