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Next, Oliver Bonas, French Connection

The £78 dress that made me love my arms again

15 dresses all under £80

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Although I know there’s absolutely nothing wrong with my upper arms, like many women I prefer to keep them covered, even in summer. What is it with us Brits and our upper arms? Despite my best intentions, I always grab a cardigan last minute when heading out the door. But enough! Time to find a remedy, and when you think about it, the answer is unbelievably easy: simply choose a dress with a statement short sleeve.

I found one at Oliver Bonas, which in one short week changed my summer style. In a blue and white tile print, it has a cinched waist and squared-off short sleeves, and at £78, solves my arm paranoia in one fell swoop, giving me the confidence boost I needed.

I also found a chic polka-dot tea dress with pretty flutter-sleeves from F&F, a versatile Free People T-shirt dress and many other affordable styles shared here – all chosen to also give you the confidence to ditch your cardigan for good.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to give your summer capsule wardrobe a feel-good upgrade.

1

Blue & White Tile Print Poplin Dress

Blue & White Tile Print Poplin Dress
Now 62% Off
Credit: Oliver Bonas
2

Polka Dot Midi Dress in Black

Polka Dot Midi Dress in Black
Credit: F&F
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3

Chrissa Midi Dress

Chrissa Midi Dress
Credit: Free People
4

Green Gingham Wrap Tie Dress

Green Gingham Wrap Tie Dress
Credit: New Look
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5

Terracotta Tie Waist Midi Dress

Terracotta Tie Waist Midi Dress
Credit: Next
6

Striped Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

Striped Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Credit: Oliver Bonas
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7

Denim Astra Midi Dress

Denim Astra Midi Dress
Now 30% Off
Credit: Nobody's Child
8

Nora Short Sleeve Cotton Dress

Nora Short Sleeve Cotton Dress
Now 50% Off
Credit: Monsoon
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9

H&M Tie-belt shirt dress

Tie-belt shirt dress
Credit: H&M
10

100% Cotton Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

100% Cotton Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Credit: Next
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11

Beverley Floral Gingham Frill Cuff Dress

Beverley Floral Gingham Frill Cuff Dress
Credit: Omnes
12

V-neck Narrow Pinktuck Mini Dress

V-neck Narrow Pinktuck Mini Dress
Credit: ASOS
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13

Aimee Floral Print Jersey Dress

Aimee Floral Print Jersey Dress
Now 60% Off
Credit: Monsoon
14

Cambria Cotton Belted Midi Dress

Cambria Cotton Belted Midi Dress
Credit: French Connection
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15

White Stuff June Floral Pure Linen Dress

White Stuff June Floral Pure Linen Dress
Credit: White Stuff
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