|

Can You Wear Sleeveless Tops Over 50? Yes, and Here’s How

Going sleeveless can become a bit of a thing as we get older. It certainly has for me. In my thirties, I never gave my upper arms a second thought. I wore sleeveless tops because I was hot, and that was the end of the discussion.

These days, I notice my arms more. Years of enjoying the sun without enough protection have caught up with my skin, and normal aging has added its own little contribution. My recent weight loss was wonderful for my feet and knees, but my upper arms weren’t nearly as enthusiastic.

Exercise can help with strength and tone the muscles, but it can’t tighten loose or crepey skin. I could certainly be more consistent with weights, but I also know the extra skin under my arms isn’t disappearing. I shared some great creams for crepey skin here.

Some women wear sleeveless tops without giving their arms a thought, while the rest of us stand in front of the mirror, turning sideways and lifting an arm to inspect the situation. We’re not required to hide under long sleeves all summer, but we’re also allowed to want a little more coverage.

The good news is that sleeveless doesn’t have to mean completely exposed. The cut of the armhole, the width of the shoulder, and the shape of the neckline can make a surprising difference. It’s really a matter of finding sleeveless tops that help us feel cool, comfortable, and like ourselves. And if bra straps like to peek out the side and show, these little clips are genius!

Woman over 50 wearing a sleeveless white top with high armholes and wide shoulder straps.
SLEEVLESS TANK TOP / WHITE PANTS size 0.5 / TAOS SANDALS / EYEGLASS FRAMES

1. Look for High, Shallow Armholes

If you want to wear sleeveless without feeling exposed, the first place to look is the armhole itself.

If you’re on the shorter side, head straight to the petite department. Petite tops naturally feature a shallower armhole. This means the fabric sits higher under your arm, covering that exact spot where we tend to have a little extra skin.

Regardless of your height, the goal is a high armhole that sits close to the body. If you can see your bra in a side view, or if the fabric gaps or puckers, skip it. A high armhole ensures your bra stays fully covered and keeps the focus off the underarms.

jennifer connolly of a well styled life wearing high neck sleeveless sweater and chambray skirt
CHAMBRAY SKIRT 8P STRIPED SWEATER petite L / WEDGE SANDALS

2. Use Higher Necklines to Shift the Focus

It might sound a bit counterintuitive, but higher necklines are incredibly helpful when you’re sleeveless.

We instinctively reach for lower necklines to open things up, but a higher neckline, like a classic boatneck, a mock neck, or a crew neck, does something clever. It creates a clean horizontal line across your collarbone. Visually, this draws the eye upward toward your face and shoulders, completely taking the focus off your upper arms.

Over 50 woman wearing wide strap sleeveless tee with patterned pants in Nordstrom Dressin Room.
PATTERN PANTS petite M / WHITE TANK TOP S / WHITE CARDIGAN M

3. Choose a Wider Strap

The width of your straps matters. Thin spaghetti straps or narrow racerbacks tend to make our shoulders and upper arms look wider by comparison.

Instead, look for a strap that is at least two to three inches wide. It anchors the top visually, balances your proportions, and easily covers your bra straps. Avoid deeply cutaway armholes or halter necklines, which expose the exact chest-to-armpit area where most of our skin changes happen.

If you decide sleeveless still isn’t your comfort zone, you have plenty of other options. I recently shared the best sleeve lengths to help you find your perfect coverage.

STYLING SLEEVELESS TANK WTH BUBBLE SKIRT AND COMFORT SANDALS
BOLD SILVER EARRINGS / TANK TOP / BUCKET BAG / SIMILAR SKIRT / SANDALS / SUNGLASSES /
SIMILAR LEATHER ROSE BELT

4. Upgrade Your Fabrics

When we wear less fabric, the fabric we do wear has to work harder. Skip the thin, clingy synthetic knits that stick to your midsection and pull across the bust.

Instead, look for natural fibers with some weight. A quality linen, a crisp cotton poplin, or a fluid silk crepe will naturally drape away from your body rather than sticking to it, creating a clean, comfortable silhouette.

older woman showing bare arms with navy sleeveless tank that has high neckline.
NAVY TANK size 1 WHITE PANTS size 1 / NECKLACE

5. Try a Modern Layer

If you want a safety net, you’ve probably noticed that shrugs and cropped sweaters are everywhere. Brands love them, and I show them to you because they do cover your arms. But they aren’t always the most modern option, and they can easily cut your silhouette in half if you aren’t careful.

If you do wear a shrug or cropped cardigan, look for a lightweight, fluid knit that drapes rather than clings tightly to your arms.

Otherwise, try a different kind of third piece. An unlined, lightweight linen blazer or a crisp, oversized cotton shirt left completely unbuttoned over your sleeveless top gives you the coolness of the tank with the polished structure of a jacket. It looks entirely intentional, rather than like a hasty cover-up.

TOMMY BAHAMA DRESS / SANDALS / BAG / PEARL PENDANT / WRAP BOUGHT IN SINGAPORE

More Sleeveless Tops

Frequently Asked Questions about Sleeveless Tops

Can you wear sleeveless tops over 50? Absolutely. There is no age limit on staying cool and comfortable. The key to wearing sleeveless tops confidently at any age is finding a proper, high armhole fit and choosing quality fabrics like linen or cotton that drape beautifully.

What is the most flattering sleeveless top for older women? A top with wider shoulder straps (two to three inches wide) and a higher neckline, like a boatneck or crew neck, is incredibly flattering. The higher neckline draws the eye upward toward your face, while the wider straps balance your proportions and easily cover your bra.

How do you wear sleeveless tops if you are self-conscious about your arms? Look for shallow armholes that sit close to the body to keep the underarm area covered. If you prefer a layer, skip the tight cardigans and opt for an open, oversized linen shirt or a lightweight, unlined blazer to create a polished, breezy look.

HIGH NECK TANK TOP / LINEN PANTS / SANDALS / BOLD SILVER HOOPS

Let’s Chat

Getting dressed in the summer shouldn’t feel like an exam we’re trying to pass. It’s hot, and we deserve to be comfortable.

How do you feel about going sleeveless these days? Do you have a favorite style that makes you feel confident? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

82 Comments

  1. Christine Arquilla says:

    Hi, Jennifer. Thanks for the info about necklines and armhole placement for sleeveless tops. After reading your post. I put on one of the sleeveless tops I was thinking about donating because it’s never looked good on me and pinned the shoulder straps so the bottom of the armhole came up higher. Wow! what a difference! The top will be staying in my closet once I finish altering the shoulder straps. Also, you look absolutely fabulous in that white tank top and white trouser outfit. Have a good day!

    1. Yay! A simple alteration that makes all the difference.

  2. Im starting to notice things like linen button up shirts with loose short sleeves that look like they wont hang close to the skin and be hot but will still cover some of the upper arm. Im going to try that. If i like a sleeveless outfit I’m just going to wear it. There are soo many bodies out there that dont look like models that I’m sure no one is paying that much attention to mine either and if they do that’s their issue. I do the best I can to look healthy and thats good enough.

    1. I love your attitude

  3. I turn 69 next week and have lost a lot of weight on a GLP-1. My arms are horrible and my hair has gotten so thin. But I tell myself those are minor things to think about when I remember that I am now off of insulin, blood pressure meds and breathing meds. I can walk easier and don’t get out of breath! So I don’t wear sleeveless in public. A simple linen shirt solves that!

    1. Those are amazing health benefits! Bravo Madge. A simple sleeve does solve the arm issue.

  4. Elizabeth says:

    Great post! I learned some things!! High neckline and wider straps help with visuals. Thanks, this is helpful.

  5. Christine says:

    Triple-digit temperatures where I live demand comfort clothes, which include sleeveless tops, a first for me at age 73. I do resistance training 3 times a week because it helps stabilize my blood sugar and prevents sarcopenia, or the muscle loss that comes with aging. It also gives me better-looking arms, though I must say that staying cool is so necessary that I’ve foregone vanity and no longer care if anyone is offended by my aging appearance; that’s their issue. Aging will happen, and comfort comes first now. I have a couple of high-neck tank tops from Lands’ End that look great and are comfortable because the fabric isn’t too dense, which keeps me feeling cooler. I like them better than the ones I have from LLBean, and I’m going to order a couple from Chico’s. Thanks for the link and the styling ideas.
    BTW, I have always liked the minimalist style in both clothing and makeup one sees on the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and I like how great you look in dark tops paired with white skirts, pants, and shorts. Your styles that lean more neutral and minimalist have given me great inspiration. I’m also not a jewelry person, but I’m finding some great, low-key items at Mint and Lilly.

    1. I totally agree with you Christine. It’s more than time for us to dress for ourselves. Bravo!

  6. I have lost a great deal of weight so I do have flabby “angel” wings. LOL. To add to that I have many broken blood vessels in those wings…not attractive BUT I am 79 and live the Deep South which has high heat and humidity so this year I decided to not care what anyone thinks, I am wearing sleeveless to be comfortable. I admit at first I was a bit self conscious but after a little while I didn’t even think about it anymore. I will dress well in my sleeveless clothes and hold my head high and be grateful to be alive and able to move and go! If someone doesn’t like that my less than attractive arms show, that is their problem not mine. I might even flap my wings….LOL.

    1. Way to go Alice!!I love your attitude.

  7. I like all these tops and they look so cute on you but I know I just won’t wear them. I think three quarter sleeves look the best on me and that’s what I feel comfortable in. I just wear lighter weight tops in the summer or lightweight spf shirts. Luckily our summers here in the NW only have about two weeks of extreme heat.

    1. It’s wonderful that you know yourself that well. There’s confidence in being ourselves.

  8. Excellent article today; full of good ideas and recommendations. What I would like to add is to use a self tanner on your arms, I feel it disguises crepey skin.

    1. It certainly does help Wendy

  9. Hi Jennifer… You can certainly tell you know how to dress with your color and body shape. Your comments and explanations for the suggestions are so helpful! Thank you! I am turning 65, have shrunk to 62” and in the 180 ‘s. I have been dressing for the heat and high humidity with nice dress/casual Talbots petite relaxed Chino short 6”. Although I’m fluffy, I feel comfortable. I appreciate the comments about the short sleeve length on the heavier arms, and the crewneck bringing attention elsewhere. I do like the L.L. Bean women’s soft stretch Supima blend crewneck short sleeve tee, as they are longer shirts, look good with a short torso yet cover the bigger midsection. Birkenstocks and Vionic sandals are a lifesaver after several surgeries on my feet for plantar fasciitis, neuroma and ankle reconstruction….. Hence the recovery weight gain that won’t go away. Talbots T-shirts seemed too form fitting and too short in the petite section. I think the hardest shopping is for bras if you want to get away from underwires. Soma has a great supportive yoga bra, even for the larger girls, with step in/pullover and two thin straps (watch the pull at the neck and pressure on the shoulder muscles if worn daily) or the same paneling support with Hook and I and wider straps. Your advice on how to dress for different shapes has certainly helped me get past not wanting to go into public. Thank you!

    1. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us Sherry! That Soma bra sounds amazing. Foot surgery is awful and it sounds like you have been through the wringer with them. I hope you’re well on the road to recovery.

    2. Christine says:

      Wishing you the best with your challenges; losing weight at this age is more difficult, but not impossible, something I can attest to myself. It takes time, a long-term outlook, and patience. People are generally short on patience when it comes to losing weight and healing, something I have learned, too. It sounds like you’ve found ways to look great while staying comfortable, and I appreciate your ideas. I ordered 3 pairs of the Talbot’s chino shorts you wear because I love the 9″ ones I have, but have been looking for a shorter inseam. The price is down to $25 right now, so I lucked out! Thank you, thank you for sharing. Stay cool, be well.

  10. I never wear strictly “sleeveless” tops. Never. But I substitute a cap sleeve or a shallow sleeve that hangs over the shoulder. That tricks my mind into thinking I am not wearing sleeveless. It works for me! At age 77, the saggy skin is still there, but I feel less self conscious about it. I’ll try one of these crepey skin creams.

  11. I refuse to get heatstroke so I do wear sleeveless tops on hot days. It’s just cooler–when it’s blazing hot, I figure nobody is looking at my arms. But thanks for your tips! I do wish more brands would think about creating tops that have a high armhole fit and a looser fit over the midsection. I feel like a few years ago there were more options?

    1. I agree there was. You can also get armholes snugged up from the shoulder seam. Before my sewing machine broke, I’d often do that.

  12. Jennifer, you look fabulous always! Would you consider sharing how you recently loss weight?

    1. Thank you. It was a couple of things. I began only shopping around the outside of the grocery store (avoiding all the junk in the center aisles). Serving myself much smaller portions, stopped buying bread and crackers, and cut out almost all wine, except for special occaisions. I’ve also been walking more and kept up my pilates.

  13. 🙌🏻 100% behind this and thank you Jennifer!! It’s time to dress for US and to stop worrying what other people think. I wear a glucose monitor that’s visible with sleeveless and even that doesn’t stop me. The only thing that does require a layer is Arctic AC! Great advice about the sleeve/shoulder shape. I’m best in the high sleeve hole/set in sleeve Jennifer describes (I’m
    petite with a large bust.) I just try to scroll on by those drop shoulders! Of course everyone do what’s comfortable to you, but let’s try to get past other people being our deciders.

    1. Totally agree Shari! We get to decide.

  14. Tonitethemoon says:

    I’ve decided to shrug off the shrugs and little light cardigans when outside on hot days. I think I’m self aware enough to not run around flapping my arms , but if anyone gets a glimpse of my bat wings under arms, who cares? I used to love seeing older ladies in summer dressed pretty and showing a little bare leg and their crepey, veiny arms. A cute outfit and a little lipstick is all you ever really need from our 20s to 100!😘👩🏻‍🦳💪🦵👚👖👗🥿🩴👟💄

  15. Pamela winter says:

    Hi Jennifer
    Thank you for all your great tips for us ladies that are 25 in our thoughts but have a mature body..you always look great..could you have a blog about what type of eyeglass styles or tips to wear..I’m 66 and go from contacts to glasses.. Also. there are so many websites and books on losing weight for women in their 40s. But do you have any simple food ideas for dieting..my husband is tall and thin but I have to cook for him too..I hate frozen dinners but like to cook..its wonderful that there are women like with great suggestions. Thanks again and God bless you

    1. Hi Pam
      I have a post here On choosing frames. I struggle with contacts because my ocular rosacea makes them uncomfortable.

  16. Hi Jennifer,
    I have a summer wedding coming up to attend as a guest. I am having trouble working out what is appropriate these days for someone in their early 60’s . People don’t seem to dress up as much unless you are in the wedding party but do wear dresses in our region.

    I was wondering if you had considered doing a blog on this topic?

    Cheers
    Debbie

    1. That’s always a challenge. I would dress the way you feel comfortable and to be in tune with the venue. Feel free to shoot me an email and I can give you a few concrete ideas.

  17. I had already ordered that dress in black for vacation but truly appreciated the cream, I placed that order yesterday. Certain medication has caused more wrinkles but exercise has helped.

    1. I’m noticing the cream helping! It’s only been a few days but is it’s helping the appearance of my skin

      1. Jane rowsey says:

        Which cream are you referring to? Thx for any reply.

  18. Until a year ago, I would not bear my upper arms. But then I moved to Arizona and have left my ego (self awareness with upper arms) go. However, sleeveless is hard because my bra often shows. I’m large busted, and the larger the size, the bigger the arm holes (and I already wear petite). My go to has become cap sleeves, even though the can make my arms look heavier. The Arizona heat requires some practicality.

  19. Karen Kasberg says:

    This is a topic I totally relate to! I’m 57 and have recently lost a bit of weight and have noticed the same sagging and crepey skin problem areas you mentioned. While I am self conscious about it, most days I don’t let the demons in my head win, and if I want to wear something sleeveless I will. I’m learning to love my body, even at this stage of the game. I think it is something we all should strive for!

  20. At my age, I don’t really care what my arms look like. I, however do shy away from sleeveless just because I don’t think sleeveless items look that great on me. I think a short or 3/4 length sleeve looks better. I can’t stand having “regimen’s” for putting creams on; anywhere! It’s just too much work! I don’t even enjoy putting moisturizer on my body. I do it, but not consistently. I guess I’m low maintenance or maybe just lazy! Lol!
    You certainly don’t need to worry about your arms! That dress looks great! Let ’em hang out and be cool!

  21. Thanks for addressing this subject now that we are in the heat of the summer. That is a great tip about shopping for sleeveless tops in the petite department to avoid the armhole gap! I may check out some of the skin products you recommended.

  22. This post was good timing. Just bought two dresses for church today. They were so pretty and fit me so well, I couldn’t resist. Both are sleeveless and I had to fight with myself because of thoughts of feeling I should not wear sleeveless in church and at 78 I shouldn’t show my less-than-perfect upper arms. But the dresses are so pretty and I feel pretty in them – so what the heck, lol!

    1. Exactly! You feel pretty in them and that’s what counts

  23. I never ever wear sleeveless because of crepy skin that, with recent weight loss is all the wY down my arms onto the forearm. I do not like the look and will continue to cover up unless the creme you mentioned works. I notice other people’s crepey arms and necks. I’m not mean, I just have eyes. I believe in covering what I can’t fix and then not worrying about it. In the summer I wear 3/4 sleeve tops that aren’t clingy, which keeps me comfortable. Another reader mentioned what to do at the beach or pool. I do not go in the water and hide from summer sun. So loose sleeves are right there too.

  24. I love what Kami said.
    We are what we are and should celebrate 🎉 it fully.
    Look at the inside and the outside shines through. ❤️

  25. Judy Freedman says:

    I still wear sleeveless tops and dresses in the summer because even with flappy arms it looks better than short sleeves. No matter how much yoga I do it doesn’t firm up the arms anymore. I’ll have to check out some of the creams you mentioned.

  26. I’m wearing sleeveless right now. A little addition to the foregoing discussion about body-shaming us: my not-favorite compliment is “You look so good for your age!”

  27. With that beautiful smile, who’s looking at your arms anyway?

  28. That shirttail dress looks amazing! Perfect for summer everything! Many of us are less toned due the pandemic halting our usual workout routines. If you’re among the lucky, your genes are holding you together! But, for heaven’s sake, aging skin isn’t something to agonize over!!! – Get a cancer/illness diagnosis and you’ll know what I mean. (And, what do y’all do at the pool or beach at the sight of your cellulite?!) Forget those granny gowns and wear what looks good on you and makes you happy. Only rude and unfriendly types care about your appearance. Thank you Jennifer for another great post!

  29. I’m cooler natured so I rarely wear anything sleeveless. In my area, we’re rarely above 90′ and indoor air conditioning almost always seems chilly to me. I do have some sleeveless tops I can wear for outdoor activities or for layering. I hope you’ll let us know what you think of the Retinol cream after you’ve used it a while

    1. I will let you know

  30. I actually don’t own anything sleeveless. It doesn’t usually get to hot where I live but right now we are going to have a week in the 100’s! I think I might be looking for some sleeveless tops now. I remember reading a book where a 70 year old woman called her upper arms flags!! That kind of stuck with me.

  31. Nice casual look Jennifer. Life is too short to worry about our arms! Cheers, Deb

  32. Lynne A Johnson says:

    I appreciate the retinol product suggestion. It is so much less expensive than the product I’ve been using and the reviews are encouraging. I have no problem going sleeveless, but if my arms can improve, so much the better.
    Your outfit is cute too!

  33. I use hand weights to tone my arms and it works. I use self tanner as well. I wear short sleeves when I run errands mostly
    . We get in the 90’s in Texas, but AC Is cold in stores so iI don’t wear many sleeveless. If it is an out door event in summer I would.
    Most skin hanging is loss of collagen and muscle tone. Part of aging. We can age gracefully. Keep exercising and ear well.

  34. Looking grrrreat, Jennifer and do appreciate the links provided today. Reason being, this summer is the first year that I can say I am concerned about showing my arms due a crepey appearance caused in my case I believe from a lack of toning as well as unintentional weight loss. That said; I consider myself fortunate as am 74 years old but because of a lot of pain (this past winter) from an old back injury I just wasn’t physically active as I normally was which in turn affected my eating habits to that of smaller portions (though still were nutritious). Also shall mention; genetically I am slender so cannot afford to loose weight so am hoping that a few daily laps in the pool (weather permitting) and an exercise routine on a rowing machine will not only improve the appearance of my arms but more importantly my overall physique/endurance. Keeping my fingers crossed …. ☺.
    -Brenda-

  35. I have made peace with my flabby upper arms! I live in the humid hot South so I wear linen and gauze as much as possible. I do the self tanner on my inner arm but will investigate the retinol. If someone wants to do a photo, I keep a button down linen or cotton shirt close.

  36. Gerri A Russell says:

    Like one of the previous comments, this article struck a chord with me, too. I’m 75 y/o, 5’3″ and weigh 123 (I work to keep healthy and active) and I will wear sleeveless dresses and tops as long as I want to. Like the previous post, I’m saddened and disgusted by the societal pressure on girls and women to look a certain way and hide yourself when you don’t. Wear what makes you feel like the best you!

  37. This whole topic really struck a chord with me. Whether it is saggy upper arms, wrinkles on the face or thickening around the middle, it is such a shame that from the time we are young girls we have been trained to focus on and be critical of all the parts of our bodies that we believe, or have been told, do not conform to an arbitrary and unrealistic standard of beauty. Even already beautiful models are airbrushed and photoshopped into a hyper-idealized version of beauty that rarely even occurs in nature! And yet, companies are making a lot of money on self care products and clothing designed to help us aspire to this unattainable beauty ideal. There have been some efforts to move away from the thin is in/youth=beauty paradigm, but progress has been slow. Women can be beautiful at any age or size, and not only in spite of but because of their “imperfections.” Every pound gained or lost, wrinkle or scar added or inevitable change in our body shape is a product of a life fully lived–bearing and raising children, caring for or worrying about others, time spent outdoors in nature, enjoying meals with family and friends, working productively at our jobs or facing and defeating illness. We should be celebrating our bodies for seeing us through life’s challenges, and not disparaging our perceived flaws and imperfections every time we look in the mirror. I fully embrace the idea that we should all dress in a way that makes us feel confident and good about ourselves. However, when we don’t feel good about our appearance, we need to question whether that is because what we are wearing is not reflecting our true, authentic selves, or if we are instead measuring ourselves against a media and consumer driven image of beauty that by design is guaranteed to make us feel we are falling short. The fact that we, as women, are even debating whether or not we can wear sleeveless tops after a certain age demonstrates how deeply ingrained these ideas are for most of us–myself included. (I am certain that very few men are having similar conversations!) I hope we can all aspire to dress in clothes that are beautiful, comfortable and enhance the way we are living our lives in a way that makes us happy to be who we are.

    1. I totally agree, Kami. And very well said – thank you.

    2. Doris May Casavant Casavant says:

      And I so agree Well said , you’ve covered it all. What a shame we feel self conscious about our looks as we age, one thing I did email Jennifer about was not wearing nylons anymore for evening dress with short dresses, I think older women
      just look more ‘finished’ with a nice hose rather than bare legs in a pair of heels and white legs….. dressing up is fun, and young women do look nice with bare legs and heels, but I feel it’s not a look for older women. Any one else feel the same?

      1. Hi Doris, I respectfully disagree with you, as I think flesh colored hose on older women is a very dated look. If you don’t like the way your legs look you can wear longer skirts or pants. Opaque dark stockings/tights do not carry the same stigma! That said, I agree with Jennifer that we all should wear what we find flattering and makes us feel attractive.

    3. Kami, you are absolutely correct. This is just what I needed to hear today! Thanks for the reminder

    4. I can’t imagine any man having these sort of thoughts about their body

    5. Thank you, Kami. I think most people are their own worst critic. I know I am. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and good about yourself. No one is taking notes!

  38. Anne Manthe says:

    Since our bodies are all so different, we’re bound to have different “issues” regarding which parts we’re willing to bare. Upper arms have never been a problem for me. At 72, I have no wings or flaps, and if the skin on my upper arms is not as smooth as it used to be, well so be it. I live in a hot, humid climate and nothing is as cooling to me as a sleeveless top. The white veiny legs need to stay covered, but arms are the least of my worries wardrobe-wise.

    But don’t get me started on the “half-tuck.” With my no longer flat belly, tucking in the front of a shirt is the absolutely least flattering look for me. It’s like putting my worst feature on display. Different bodies, different problems.

  39. Darla Hughes says:

    Hi – I’m 58 and don’t think twice about it. It gets HOT here and sleeveless is a must in my opinion. I do use self-tanner every 3 days and moisturize and exercise, but that’s about it. Most of my friends around my age go sleeveless also, even my mother does. I think people are critical of their own bodies and see things that others do not. It is important to remind ourselves of that when we get focused on one little area.

  40. At 70, I now have the extra sagging skin in my upper arms. My weight is where it should be and I exercise each day. So, I accept that this is how I look! I wear sleeveless tops when it is hot outdoors. I don’t think anyone else really cares how my arms look. I don’t want the expense of buying creams for my arms. I feel fortunate that I can be active and decided not to worry about the annoying and not especially attractive changes our aging bodies are going through. Let’s show our daughters how to accept our bodies and concentrate on our minds and hearts.

    1. Yes!! I love this Dee

  41. I seem to have some weird inner alarm that prevents me from any sleeveless, plunging or mini anything. Fortunately, I have found several cool clothing options that allow me to tolerate the heat somewhat. I am accepting where I’m at today and don’t dwell on all those “wishful” thoughts.
    You look so cool and confident in your little cotton dress and sandals. I love the simplicity of this outfit! Very modern and youthful!
    It’s summer, just find what works for you and have fun!

    1. Happy Wednesday Jan

  42. I at 77 I wear sleeveless and do not care , because we are sweltering in heat this week, I feel for my age I look ok. I exercise most days, use a self tanning lotion every 3rd day and also allow myself a few minutes a week in the sun just to get a slight tan …. I feel all of the above help but I am proud to wear what I can at my age! It is part of aging and Jennifer you look great , I love your blog but I agree weight loss plays a huge part in wrinkles. That is why I always keep a few extra pounds on my body!! Lol. Keep cool and thanks for doing what you do so well…..

    1. Sue, I loved your comment which showed courage and resilience, both unmistakeable signs of a True Stylish Lady! And we all age if we live. Age means life and life may show. I also agree with you on the fact that a healthy amount of subcutaneous fat keeps the wrinkles at bay. It looks far better than a raisin- like papery skin. Especially in the face. Have a lovely day!

    2. Thanks for being here, Sue. I love your attitude.

  43. Doing planks and pushups for years, using hand weights – it helps with the shape of my upper arms, but not the creepy skin. Still I keep at it to stay strong and active, but my expectations for fixing the tinkling skin are low after all these years. I wear tank tops in the hottest weather, having a light tan does help make that area less noticeable.

    1. I’m surprised it took me this long to try self tanner on my arms:)

  44. cant worry about it yet….living in south florida, july and august, i am noticing my upper arms more these days, but this humidity, youre going to melt and or pass out in long sleeves….how the landscapers stand it, is beyond me…also the serious bicyclist…..my pcp put it in a relative way, when he said people up north stay inside December and January, and we stay inside july and august…

  45. Thanks for post. Have to say it is on my mind these hotter months. The challenge is finding tops and dresses that are cool and still cover arms. Most outfits don’t, and tend to cut off at most noticeable part of hanging skin. Not practical to wear shawls, jackets and sweaters for casual dressing all the time. I work out or do yoga every day and it doesnt help.I haven’t resolved this issue. I think women’s clothing designers need to be more aware about designing clothes for hot weather for casual lifestyle. Not everyone stays in air conditioning all day.

    1. It’s always puzzled me why most women’s dresses are sleeveless! What’s up with that?

  46. Nope ! Won’t do it … but I do have off-the-shoulder with a ruffle tops that I hope deflects the eye away from the bat wings to an attractive neckline

  47. Paulette Levy says:

    You look adorable as always! Cool looking dress! I do occasionally wear sleeveless during our warmest and most humid months. I tend to add a shawl or ruana if going out to dinner. The underside of my upper arms are crepey but the topside is really not bad. I see my dermatologist in August and will ask for one of these products . She has a little kiosk alongside her medical practice carrying lots of sun block products, creams etc and I’m certain she has some of these products you
    mention. I do use hand weights but I’m not sure if that has helped?

    1. I’m using light hand weights but think I need to use heavier ones

  48. I don’t shy away from sleeveless tops or dresses. At work I wear them with a jean jacket or shrugs because the AC is COLD! I won’t wear them outside running because of the sun. This is another natural part of aging. The dress is cute on you.

    1. It really is, you’re right. Aging has its joys and challenges. I’m just trying to roll with them and smile.

  49. Tania Denise Stephens says:

    I have extremely dry skin, so I had crepey looking skin way before I started aging. You’ll have to let me know about that cream and how it works for you. You look great in your outfit, and your arms don’t look loose or saggy at all! BTW, Tania sent me…wait, I AM Tania. Lol!!!

    1. You are hilarious! I love you girlxxx