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How to Flatter Arms With the Right Top

By Nina Makofsky on Oct 11, 2009

Shed that baggy sweatshirt and your husband's lumpy old sweater. Even if you don't rock cut upper arms like Madonna or Michelle Obama, you can still find a top that is flattering. Focus on the three Cs: cut, color and cloth...continues below

Step 1

Ignore your baser instincts. Whether women have large arms, skinny arms, weak arms or muscle-bound arms, many of them aim to camouflage and cover them. A more tailored, closer-fitting top is going to do wonders for your overall look, including your arms. Even women with large upper arms can wear a sleeveless top. Aim for thick shoulder straps and a good-quality, stretchy fabric.
Step 2

Examine the cut of short-sleeve tops. Your goal is to find a sleeve that hits your arm at one of its narrower parts. Cap sleeves are typically a no-no, but puff sleeves, tulip sleeves and handkerchief-style sleeves that flow and shift around the arm rather than grip the arm are good options.
Step 3

Try some new types of fabric. Look for materials that have movement and do not pull against the shoulders. Gauze and light cotton weaves can make the arms appear more delicate. Aim for a fabric and cut that does not pull in the shoulder area.
Step 4

Draw attention to the other elements of your ensemble. Use accessories and good tailoring to pull the eye away from the arms. A skirt with a beautiful print, patterned stockings, rocking shoes and necklines that allow for some decolletage are beautiful distractions.
Step 5

Wear thinner layers as cover-ups. Nothing adds to the football player look more than giant overcoats and bulky knits. Accessorize an outfit with a lightweight, breezy cover-up instead, such as a shrug, pashmina shawl or cape.