How to Rock Sleeveless Styles in your 50’s and Beyond with Confidence

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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First of all women of any age should feel empowered to dress in a way that makes them feel confident and stylish. Their is no such thing as age appropriate. Age-related style rules dictated by “fashion experts” are silly. I know lots of women over 70 that look fabulous in sleeveless looks. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. I spent way too many years baking in the sun and not exercising enough. My arms are paying for it. I have crepey arms with age spots and plenty of sun damage. Let’s talk about how to rock sleeveless styles in your 50’s and beyond with confidence style, and grace .

Many of us have strong opinions about lack of sleeves. Ditch your jeans and heavy long sleeves. Keep your fabrics light and airy in hot weather. If you live in a tropical climate like Florida or here in Paso cotton and linen rule. Wear a hat, tie back your hair, and keep your clothes loose fitting.

How to Rock Sleeveless Styles in your 50’s and Beyond with Confidence

Avoid Tight Fitting Options

Avoid sleeveless tops and t-shirts that are tight fitting. They will draw more attention to your arms. This linen tank top from Eileen Fisher doesn’t look that bad even on me. Wider straps provide more coverage and detract from the imperfections.

Shop the Sleeveless Look

Gray haired woman in sleeveless khaki dress-cindy hattersley
Frank and Eileen Daphne Dress belted with brown accessories
woman with gray hair in black sleeveless dress-cindy hattersley

Embrace a High Neckline

When wearing sleeveless pieces, a higher neckline draws the eye up and takes the focus off the arms. This Frank and Eileen Daphne dress is very flattering. The higher neckline diverts the attention from the arms. Note in the pic above I am sucking in, and have my arms flexed (don’t believe everything you see on social media!). The last picture has a fitted bodice and a fuller skirt. The higher neckline helps, but this is not one of my better looks. Note below how much better the dress looks with a shawl on me.

Shop the High Neckline Looks

White Sleeveless Dress with Purple Shawl, hat and kilim mules
Eileen Fisher T'shirt dress with Mer Sea Wrap

The necklace above is from Paula Carvalho and the bracelet is from Parham and Company Studio.

black sleeveless dress with white linen wrap-cindy hattersley

Shop the Wrap Looks

Top It With a Featherweight Wrap or Scarf

This is my favorite trick. In the pic above I am wearing a linen scarf from Novica. It covers the arms but allows air flow just as the other two looks do as well. A featherweight linen scarf lightly covers the arms without adding more bulk.

cindy hattersley in Eileen Fisher poncho
horn necklace with eileen fisher on cindy hattersley

I am wearing linen pants with a longer linen tank and one of Eileen Fisher’s great linen ponchos. I am also wearing the same dress with her dark poncho. She has several n her lineup and they are great for covering the arms without being hot.

A Lightweight Poncho Covers a Multitude of Sins

Shop the Poncho Looks

khaki midi dress with open weave sweater, brown hat and sandals

An Open weave Sweater can be your Best Friend

A lightweight open weave sweater can cover the arms without adding a lot of weight.

Shop the Open Weave Sweater Look

For more open weave sweater looks you might enjoy my post How to Rock the Open Weave Sweater Look.

My friend Susan Une Femme has a great post on How to go Sleeveless after 60 here, and my friend and collaborator Jennifer has another really good one Can you Wear Sleeveless Tops Over 50 here for more information.

In the end just be the best version of yourself, and do what makes you feel confident. Be suspicious of anyone that says this is on trend or trendy. We have been there and done that. Wear what makes you feel strong and confident.

If you are new here you might enjoy my post How to Dress Stylishly and Comfortably for Travel after 50 here.

Thank you for reading How to Rock Sleeveless Styles in your 50’s and Beyond with Confidence. You ladies rock!

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50 Comments

  1. Excellently written article, doubts all bloggers offered the same content because you, the internet is a greater place Please keep it up!

  2. Cindy, such great advice and so many beautiful looks. The internet, magazines “offer” so much advice of what we should and should not do, we have to remind ourselves that we are our own people and can do and wear whatever we want.
    Linen is a must in the South, as is cotton. Dress are my favorite things to wear, they look stylish and are comfortable.
    Have a wonderful weekend Cindy!

    p.s. love the picture of your pup floating in the pool on Instagram! Such a cutie.

    1. Hi Eliz

      Exactly!! Linen is a must here as well. I am learning to appreciate dresses more. I am so long waisted that many don’t work for me. That crazy Scout will not stay off that float! We have to keep it on top of the bbq where he can’t get it.

  3. Some great suggestions Cindy! I have that blue gray EF poncho from last year and it goes well over a white tank top and skirt, white pants with long white tunic as you show it also. I do think it’s worth the effort to do some upper body weight work. You can at least look toned, but it doesn’t help much with the crepey skin. That I’m afraid is a fact of getting older, though I agree a retinol cream can help. Thanks for good ideas!

    1. Hi Deanne

      I love that poncho it is so versatile. Need to do some upper body work!

  4. I, too, realize that sleeveless is probably not my best look. While I’m toned there is plenty of droopy and crepey skin. I agree that a higher or collared neckline helps distract…plus plenty of fake tan. Thanks for the link to the Etsy wrap which I purchased in black. I’m cruising in August and planning on taking only a black and bone sleeveless shift with plenty of scarves, vintage necklaces and some belts .

      1. I use Jergen’s Natural Glow in fair to medium. It also comes in deeper tones. It’s inexpensive and gives a very natural tan, never orangey. I have used it for years but really just on my arms, shoulders and chest. I legs get enough color from walking in shorts.

        1. Hi Susan

          Thank you! I think Mary Ann is a fan as well. I will try it!!

  5. I just can’t do the sleeveless anymore since I have these “bat wings “. Elbow length works for me!

    1. Elbow length is my fave! Why don’t they make more tees etc at that length!

  6. Love the lightweight wrap idea. I wear sleeveless only in the summer with some sun.
    And only because in the last year, I have started a weights routine with my arms, (thank you Candace Cima!) and that is really making a difference!

  7. These looks all look great on you! Each passing year, I struggle more with wearing the sleeveless styles I love – my arms aren’t toned as much as I would like (why does this get SO much harder with age?), but it the creepy skin that really bothers me! Also, while I have a lot of options I love in my closet, almost all the styles now have armholes that are cut too big for me – I do not want to show my bra or the droopy skin under my arms to the world! That being said, I still love the feel and comfort of sleeveless in summer – oh, for the days when I could throw on a tank top and shorts and look great. Also, I find cap sleeves to be a great option, but very few designers seem to embrace them.

    1. work with a seamstress and see if she can alter the shoulder seam and raise or decrease the arm hole size. i have done this and has made a world of difference

    2. Hi Barbara

      I do too! I feel like it happened so quickly! Interesting that cap sleeves work for you. I look like a linebacker in them!! I have large shoulders so they aren’t very flattering on me!

  8. Happy Summer Solstice week !

    I started a low impact weightlifting regimen when I retired and have not stopped for 13 years. I go to the gym 3 days a week and do cardio ( walking and bike riding) on the other days. My arms are not gorgeous but I feel stronger and leaner because of the weights.and have no problem going sleeveless. ( I’m 75 years old)
    Sure there are “days “ and even “ weeks” but like eating healthy you just get back on the wagon.
    A big hint is the ask for a trainer at the gym to help with a program.. I found mine at the local university ( kinesiology program) or U Tube !

    1. Hi Peggy

      Same to you!! Go girl! It is never too late to start anything!

    1. Hi Kathryn

      Sleeveless is not my best look. I love a 3/4 sleeve but I know many others struggle with the same problem, so I took one for the team!

  11. Cindy~ Another fabulously helpful post here , thank you! I’ve struggled with my upper arms for the past several years. I’m not really overweight, but my arms lack tone and I’m uncomfortable in sleeveless anything. Your post has given me renewed courage — and some new styling ideas. Love the EF poncho and I am heading over to get one! As an aside, I just started using a “crepe corrector” body lotion on my arms, and recently discovered a retinol body lotion by Gold Bond, which was recommended by Angie on “Hot & Flashy.” Both products have already helped somewhat, in less than a week.

    1. Hi Cindy

      Thank you for sharing. I am a big fan of Angie. I would love to hear more about the crepe corrector!

      1. Crepe Corrector lotion is by Gold Bond and available at most drugstores. Use consistently for a week or two and you’ll see smoother skin on arms 😀

  12. just my two cents – I’m sure the quality and cut are wonderful, plus the years of mileage that would come from such a purchase. However, for me, I use it as inspiration to hit my sewing machine. Summer is a great time to make your own knock-offs, especially working with flowing styles and easy-to-handle fabrics.

  14. You look great in these sleeveless styles! I think sleeveless is generally more flattering than short sleeves because the hem of the sleeve often falls at some unflattering spot on the arm. Keep on rocking sleeveless!!

  15. I can say that I am much happier with my old (74) arms now that toning from Pilates has become more obvious, as well as the inevitable reward of the ‘ divorce diet’ I have been experiencing recently. So , I am confident with going sleeveless recently, as summer approaches here. Yes, there’s wobbles, but age has the upper hand here as well.
    Your suggestions are, as usual, excellent… practical and creative.

  16. Thanks for all the tips and outfit ideas! Everyone seems to be touting the Frank & Eileen dresses, but are they really worth it? $398 for a linen dress seems excessive. Would value your opinion 🥰

    1. just my two cents – I’m sure the quality and cut are wonderful, plus the years of mileage that would come from such a purchase. However, for me, I use it as inspiration to hit my sewing machine. Summer is a great time to make your own knock-offs, especially working with flowing styles and easy-to-handle fabrics.

    2. Hey Nita! I am investing in some of the Frank & Eileen sets and pieces, as I feel like I will have them for years. They will never go out of style – they are all pretty simple styles. The fabrics are great and they are really well made. The travel sets are so comfy and flattering too.

  17. Ciao Cindy,

    You look fabulous in all your outfits! I always look to you for inspiration!
    I can’t afford the brands that you shop but I try to find similar looks at stores
    like Ross & TJ Maxx, even Walmart! I love your style and always look forward to
    your post!

    1. Hi Elsa

      Please share some of your bargains! I try to share more price friendly options on Sunday and thank you for reminding me to do so more often. I find most of my bargains on resale sites. I rarely pay full price for items. That being said I am fortunate to be gifted many nice things as well.

  18. Dear Cindy,
    The gauzy scarf over the sleeve-less options look not only very attractive and feminine but also with a hint of whimsicalness which an essential component to fashion. It contributes to an air of joie de vie. And Cindy,
    You look like a woman who knows how to enjoy life! It is my belief one must cultivate that special talent.
    Jennifer,
    Heidelberg, Germany

  19. I guess we are all self-conscious about some parts of our bodies. I use my sister in law as my “body positivity” idol — she is 76, short, overweight, saggy, scarred, and rocks a bathing suit like no one’s business. She loves the beach and wouldn’t consider not swimming and sunning all summer long. She genuinely does not care what others think of her. Her joy deflects critics. I wish we could all be like her. In the meantime, until I evolve to be like her, I love your tips for covering my flabby arms, LOL.

  20. There’s a part of me that wishes we could all take a pledge to wear sleeveless no matter what. If everyone was open to showing their arms in any condition, maybe it could become acceptable. I’m not going to be leading the way, however! A little camouflage like you show makes one feel less self-conscious. Good job!

  21. You switched to writing the description under the photo! I love it, thank you.

    The loose linen look tends to look frumpy on me, but you always look so elegant. You also always have yourself beautifully accessorized, maybe I won’t look so frumpy if I copy you there 😁

  22. I was hoping for some places where one can find some of these summer ponchos – where were the links?

    1. Hi Judy

      The links are where it says SHOP THE PONCHO LOOK, OR SHOP THE OPEN WEAVE SWEATER LOOK ETC. I have linked the eileen fisher poncho shown and also a similar open knit sweater on etsy that is very reasonable. I purchased the loose knit sweater by Angela Mara locally and it was the last one.

  23. Love this! I can’t (won’t) wear sleeveless but I like the open weave sweaters and ponchos. And you look great with or without them!

  24. Cindy, you always look magnificent with sleeves or sleeveless. You have become my fashion guru. Love all your outfits. Please continue inspiring all of us!
    Helene Worden
    Ontario
    Canada

  25. Hello Cindy,
    Can you share source for the purple scarf – you look lovely in all the sleeveless styles shown. Love the idea of a light weight shawl to distract from flabby arms.
    Thank you.

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