The Right To Bare Arms: On Summer Sleeves

Let’s talk about our upper arms!
Mine are floppy and fat and although I don’t mind going sleeveless to the beach or walking the dog or being a comfortable fat lady about town, I do recognize that most of the world thinks wobbly fat is gross. So until we’re all living in that special world where there is neither Greek nor Jew nor east nor west, nor fat nor thin, I will keep my upper arms covered in professional settings.
Because when it comes to dressing for ministry, it’s not about my comfort but about my professional role.
Let’s all repeat that, okay?
WHEN DRESSING FOR MINISTRY, IT’S NOT ABOUT MY COMFORT BUT ABOUT MY PROFESSIONAL ROLE.

So, for those who would also seek to cover the upper arms (and I firmly believe that no one should lead worship bare armed, which is a different subject called Formality), let’s talk about your summer sleeve game.

Kimonos are really in right now, so look into them for cool, breezy toppers. Choose classic prints and style. You want to look chic, not like you’re about to run off to the Lilith Festival thing (I’m so old I don’t even know what it’s called, and I’m pretty sure it was held in the 90’s anyway).

The trick to wearing a kimono topper professionally is to pair it with clean, sleek lines underneath. So, not a shapeless maxi:

But a pair of fitted trousers, say:

These next few are from the super-overpriced Anthropologie, but they’re sure pretty.

My very favorite fitted summer pants are these from Ellos. I wear these with big knit sweaters in the spring with platform wingtips, and with kimonos and wedge sandals in the summer. They’re great and a staple, so I bought two pairs. I am also a big fan of the white flowy shirt, which covers arms but looks fresh and cool. This one is from Ellos. I prefer 100% cotton myself but that’s just me. I wear them with fitted trousers and sandals with a slight heel. Works perfectly fine for a summer day at the office.

I am not a fan of the fringy shawl kimono for professional wear, unless you’re a madam or saloon singer or actually Janis Joplin herself. This is from Melissa McCarthy’s line, which I wish I liked at all.

There’s no reason you can’t just wear a plain old tunic top for good arm coverage in the summer — and something with a 3/4 length sleeve is so much more attractive than a Tshirt style. This tunic is sporty, but pair it with a pair of nice white or navy ankle pants (NOT SLOPPY CAPRIS) or skirt, throw on a pair of nice sandals, do your toenails in silver, do your hair and make-up nice, add a pair of big silver earrings, you’ve got a perfectly fine meetings outfit.

For worship, if you don’t robe, think about an unstructured garment (eg long kimono in solid color) over a structured garment (eg sundress). I think that prim little light cardigans over maxi dresses can look really frumpy, so make an effort to find more creative options. And just in case I haven’t made this clear before, I am morally opposed to little pastel cardigans over floral dresses. BURN THEM ALL. You are not Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Better you should wear an actual blazer and sweat than preach the gospel done up like Holly Hobby or the Lost Ingalls Sister.

Now, with kimono options, make sure that whatever you’re wearing under it has a neckline that works with the kimono, isn’t too revealing, and doesn’t leave bare skin gaping when the kimono shifts (which it will — that’s part of what makes the garment flowing and lovely).

And don’t forget about good old jackets! Look how FAB this suit is!

I am a big fan of these jackets from Torrid. I own three of them and wear them all the time. They work SO well over clericals, too!!

Tragically, they are without pockets.

PeaceBang feels all your pain in finding professionally appropriate wardrobe options. It’s a challenging sartorial season for us all, which is why it’s very important to grow mint in your backyard or in a container so you can make refreshing cocktails or mocktails.

SMOOCH!