Lady dress: Spring 2011 Tops: Arming Your Over 50 Arms

Coping with my aging arms is easy during the winter months. I tend to be cold (constantly!) and so wrap up like a cocoon in at least three layers: a blouse or T with long sleeves, a light sweater and a heavier cardigan or blazer on top. But now that it's May, I know I'm going to be reaching for sleeveless tops and dresses regularly and, frankly, I'm dreading it. I'm not going to avoid exposing my upper arms (like magazine fashion editors often recommend for older women!), but I would like to minimize their exposure when possible. What's an over 50 woman with less than perfect arms to do? One option might be a fluttery top like the Pure Silk Georgette Tunic ($118) from Hessnatur above. Below are my five strategies for arming my over 50 arms...

Strategy #1: FIND A TOP WITH SHORT OR 3/4 SLEEVES...
For instance, I love this Cowl Neck Jersey Top (was $44, now $33. It's from the Pure Collection and is available. The cowl neck is so feminine.

A boatneck is also a great style for women over 50. This Striped Boat Neck Sweater ($98), also from Pure Collection, comes in two shades.

Simple V-neck T-shirts with either short or 3/4 sleeves are an easy solutions. You'll find both
Jones New York Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee - Blue (8 colors) and Jones New York 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Tee (5 colors) at the Jones New York website, like the one below.

Here are two more tops with sleeves from Shopbop...

Velvet Bruna Henley Top ($60)

Ella Moss Infinity Tee ($87)

Strategy #2: FIND A TOP WITH LONGER, SLIGHTLY TRANSPARENT SLEEVES...
Sheer is super trendy this season. It offers good arm concealment without adding fabric weight. Lace, mesh or eyelet are also light, feminine materials for summer arms. I love the fluttering Pure Silk Georgette Tunic ($148) below from Hessnatur. It's perfect for cooler summer evenings.

Or here's a Organic Cotton Mesh Sweater ($89).

Finally, take a peek at this pretty eyelet Jones New York 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, Ships 6/3 (White) ($79)

Strategy #3: FIND A SUMMER SCARF OR SHAWL TO DRAPE OVER YOUR SHOULDERS AND UPPER ARMS...
You'll find shawls, like the ones shown below, all over the web.

Pashmina Shawl ($158.40) at the Pure Collection

Tilo Water Drops Scarf ($125) at Shopbop

GOSSAMER WEIGHT CASHMERE SHAWL-ONE-INK ($98) at Max Studio.

Bay Studio� Black & White Chiffon Scarf ($14.00) at Beall's

Strategy #4: FIND A LIGHT-WEIGHT CARDIGAN...
When I go out with a sleeveless top on, I always bring a sweater to combat the air conditioning, which is always too cold for me. My favorite cardigans are ones that have a loose weave, letting your top underneath peek through. I also like ones with soft ruffles. Both, I think look fabulous with the longer sleeveless dresses. Below are a few examples...

Anne Klein Open Front Ruffle Cardigan ($99)

Anne Klein Open Front Cardigan Cardigan (White) ($109)

Anne Klein Pointelle Cardigan Cardigan (Ivory) ($49.99)

Moa Moa� Pocketed Flyaway Cardigan Sweater ($40, now $27.99)

Strategy #5: FIND A SHRUG...
A year ago, I saw Helen Mirren wearing a short white sweater, tied around her rib cage, over a dark sheath. I suspect the sheath was sleeveless. Okay, I know: She's gorgeous. But the short sweater really worked. It gave the outfit structure and hide her upper arms. Here's a few possibilities...