If you're getting married, or about to be in a wedding, you may have noticed that fashion is currently dictating that wedding dresses and brides maid dresses be strapless. The trouble is, not everyone likes the style. Some people hate their arms. Some have religious or cultural dress codes, and some may just be afraid of the dress slipping down. If you're picking out dresses, and your getting objections to sleeveless or strapless gowns, here are some tips for finding some options with sleeves.
Look at the Mother of the Bride Section
Don't be afraid of this section even if you have young bride's maids. If you must have sleeves, this is where all the sleeved dresses are hiding. Jackets and suits are common, but not ubiquitous. With a little searching you may turn something up.
Get Jackets or Wraps
Buy strapless dresses, then get matching wraps or jackets to go over them. Don't forget that wraps can be pinned in place to keep them neat.
Look at Indian Anarkali Suits.
This is an Indian fashion for a 3 piece outfit with a western cut dress worn with a large scarf over pants. Sleeveless fashion is hitting India too, but in the more conservative parts, sleeves are still required, so most sellers will offer them as an option on all sleeveless styles.
Make your own, or have them made.
Always an option, but more work.
Go Gothic or renaissance
The Gothic and renaissance gowns tend to have sleeves. Even if you're not a goth kid, or a renaissance fair fan it's worth checking out. Big floppy sleeves can be altered to simple sleeves fairly easily. Ask a seamstress for a second opinion before you buy.
