As promised in my last Valentine’s Day Date Dress with Sleeves post, I’ve come up with a couple of ideas for dresses with sleeves. To clarify, I don’t believe that any woman should be relegated to sleeved dresses. In fact, I think plus size women wearing anything [or doing anything] deemed by society as a “no no,” should be championed as an act of feminism! And radical act of self-love.
Personally, I struggle with body image. But who doesn’t? If you’re a woman in the 1% who actually meet the conventional beauty standards, you’re likely still struggling with some form of external or internal criticism regarding your body. And if you are 100% comfortable with your body, I congratulate you, but I also know it took a hell of a lot of work for you to get there. Some of us [me] just aren’t 100% there with you yet, but we’ll get there!
Until then, I will continue to look in mirrors and tell myself I look good, even if some days I’m just not feeling it. I will tell myself I AM GOOD ENOUGH just as I am. I will remind myself to be grateful that my body does so much for me. And despite years of hatred, abuse, fad-dieting, and the judging gaze of society, I will remember that my body deserves admiration and love. It requires constant work. But, that’s ok. Where ever you are in this journey we call life, is just fine. Meet yourself where you are. Or as Pema Chodron says: “Welcome the present moment as if you had invited it. Why? Because it is all we ever have.” And right now, sleeves are where I’m at. 😉
Shop the look: Faux Fur Stole // Earrings // Eye Shadow Palette // Plus Size Dress // Clutch // Heels
Shop the look: Plus Size Sequin Wrap-Front Dress // Earrings // Bracelets // Clutch // Heels
I just need to stop a minute and tell you what a tremendous job you are doing. You have a fantastic eye and amazing taste which you generously share with all of us. More importantly, your candor and your heart are so wonderful. I’m going through a very stressful time and have found it immeasurably soothing to scroll through your outfit combinations, admiring the balance and color and thinking of things in my own “stash” that I could use to mimic them. What a welcome relief from an overwhelming reality it is to sit and play paperdolls for a while! Never doubt that what you are doing has value. You may think you just run a fashion blog, but you’ve most certainly brought joy, comfort, and empowerment to many.
Pam,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely message! I am so glad to hear that you get something from the work that I do. I have been struggling with some issues myself, including having had to leave my “real” job due to an injury. I have been questioning the value of how I spend my time so I really thank you for reminding me that I am having a positive (even if very small) impact in the world. Thank you, thank you!
I too love and appreciate the confidence you inspire. The outfits you showcase and your writings provide so much joy and fun and definitely add the WOW factor! When I receive compliments on how I look it is almost always because I’ve copied one of your outfits and made it my own! I do have one question; I have a “discomfort” in showing my arms. During these hot Summer months how do you add a little “cover” without looking like you are “all covered up”? Your suggestions would be appreciated. Still working on the confidence to go sleeveless, just not quite there yet. They do look a tad better with a little bit of tan going on. 🙂 Thanks.
Hi Gail,
Thanks for your kind comment! I understand the arm-showing “discomfort.” I have about 20+ short/elbow sleeved cropped cardigans and shrugs that are my bffs! I literally stock-pile them and buy whenever I can. I also look for cute sleeved summer tops- more difficult than it would seem. I am thinking about doing a post with recommendations.
I am trying so hard to find a dress for a wedding of my nephew. I really would like a very nice dress; however, I have been having a very difficult time finding dresses. I have health issues so I am not able to go out an try on many clothes. But I have done my measurements quite well. With some recent weight loss. My body has changed a lot. My body is a banana/rectangle type. I am 52. Bra fittings have been a huge change with tissue changing. So please help with a dress. Love boat neck, i need sleeve coverage, large sleeves are too much for me, seems to make my hips larger, peplums look nice on me, scoop necks are nice. If i would have to pick one feature that would be my favorite it would be neck/shoulders. Please help me find a type of dress.