Can I layer this type of dress

[Iwashappyinthehaze]

I don’t like wearing suit jackets and need to have my arms covered. Can dresses like this be worn with shirt/blouse underneath?

Shirt or blouse could be tricky and not sit very well but a skin tight top with long sleeves would work…

Try searching under dress sleeves. I bought some locally last year. They have been put under similar dresses.

You could be right @AiryFairy101

i have some merino wool tops that are very fine/thin so nearly sheer and perfect in the winter but trying to find something I won’t be too hot in during summer.

Thanks @Marblessolveeverything I’ll try that thanks.

i might have to go with a jacket but I find it difficult to get any I am comfortable in. I have very broad shoulders.

I can’t see a reason why a well fitted ivory silk shirt (or similar) wouldn’t fit under that type of dress. But it does give 1950s school tunic vibes - so isn’t a look I’d personally embrace.

But, two things:

If you want an outfit with sleeves why not wear a skirt or trousers with a shirt? Rather than settling for the least satisfactory option.

I’m broad shouldered too, and wear jackets all the time. You just have to search for those that work well for your stature. Which actually shouldn’t be too difficult at the moment as oversize blazers are very much in fashion.

How about a dress with a cardigan, the Chanel esque ones around at the moment look smart?

Carrying weight around my middle and difficult to get trousers and skirts that fit well. and look ok with shirt tucked in. And are comfortable

i have tried lots of jackets over the years and they are so unflattering on me, not a style I like.

i have just realised the shirts I was looking at are polyester and silk shirts are expensive which is a no go at the moment.

think I will stick to finding comfortable shift or shirt dresses with sleeves.

I will have a look at cardigans too thanks

@Iwashappyinthehaze could you not say what you need the outfit for, what size you are and what your budget is - so we could help you look?

I am wondering how a shift dress improves matters if you’re not happy with your middle?

Shift dress is comfortable, no waist band.

Ok. So could you find one with sleeves? Or would the shoulders be problematic?

One humdred stars kimono, I have several and they're so versatile.

https://onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/kimonos-one-hundred-stars

New work clothes, needs to be smart dark. Most people are suited but I’ve never worried about that. Sleeves on suit style shift dresses tend to look awkward on me - like jackets. Unflattering.

My preference is for something not “office wear” - generally wear Cos dresses in black and get away with it with smart shoes.

was thinking I could get a couple on vinted for price on one cos dress.

@MountCaramel i have been admiring the One hundred stars storks kimono for a while. One day…. Alas not for work though.

I think that dress would look really good with a white shirt underneath

What about a thin popcorn cardigan on top, or a long sleeved lace bodysuit underneath?

But the OP works in a serious environment where everyone else is in a suit …

<Imagines standing up in court in a lace bodysuit>

yes I would wear it with a shirt. Try thinner materials though, thicker cotton might look bulky.

You can buy just sleeves - Amazon definitely have them. Originally for modesty. Now sure of the quality.

looks smart:

Could you get a structured cardigan which is a bit like a jacket but more forgiving so eg https://www.hobbs.com/product/sairey-cotton-wool-knitted-jacket/0124-9359-9083L00-MIDNIGHT-NAVY.html#cgid=clothing-knitwear&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0124-9359-9083L00-MIDNIGHT-NAVY&pos=15

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Womens-Seamless-Sleeves-Compression-Bottoms/dp/B07LFTGTJK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=13GOJR0EM4VIP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SrbKVz3cZv-Ls_SnS16agzayQT5vzmviPQO7-5f659Hlneic_GSWD7Wau28fBofK2h5lJ8iMeRHVOzqN5QH3hogf8PXESTpsvGlgGAQ0H8XkH0f8zUjt0EdRkVw62M5lpmfcv_sUAyIddn_D-LW9lFE3Z50enVPDeRGftSnNObMq2nU7M7-o3DchvASzjA9QEIusdk7f1YhsQh9XOq5jzm9okYgjfp5zde4e_05bjsktA68ReJbmXzO44j9-r51FUs1Pr-UQAi05vFqnXFfLKVeXrrz_Nunh4L53V-aNRjM.9iKIxZAKrT6IbRQGhSDPwSAlYLujVS1fWxbP25DHYMg&dib_tag=se&keywords=modesty+sleeves+arm+covers+lace&qid=1716820161&sprefix=modesty+sleeves+arm+covers+lace%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1