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Quick! Rare short-sleeved occasion dresses to snap up now
You won’t want to miss out on these
Last weekend, I helped a Good Housekeeping reader find a wedding dress for my Ask Melanie style advice page. She was after a chic, pared-back dress – elegant but unfussy, short sleeves (but nothing pouffy), a flattering cut and, crucially, something she could wear again. With spring occasionwear landing in stores, I assumed it would be easy.
Well, dear reader, I was wrong.
The first brilliant dress I found? Already sold out in most sizes. The deeper I searched, the clearer it became – savvy shoppers are snapping up short-sleeved occasion dresses now, and it’s only March. Clearly, they know something I didn’t. Or rather, something that GH reader Alison had already discovered: the hunt for the perfect short-sleeved dress is harder than it should be.
My biggest takeaway? Finding one is a genuine challenge. Why is 80% of occasionwear designed for people who either a) have perfect arms or b) have never known the sheer arctic chill of an air-conditioned venue?
In the spirit of getting ahead of the rush and to encourage you to act sooner rather than later, I’ve pulled together an edit of the most flattering, versatile and downright fabulous short-sleeved dresses to buy now from brands such as Next, Hobbs, Me+Em and Boden. Whether you have a wedding, a garden party or simply a strong desire to look effortlessly chic in a short-sleeved occasionwear dress, these are the ones to snap up before they vanish.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Pretty, light, breathable and with flattering short sleeves, the Winnie dress will deliver comfort, style and ease for as many spring and summer parties, weddings and events as your social calendar will allow.
This elegant short-sleeved dress is a mood-boosting occasionwear dream. Not only does its pretty print raise a smile, its extra qualities – its machine washable and made from a sustainable viscose jersey – will raise a smile, too.
We highly recommend Me+Em’s elevated and effortless Contrast Stitch Midi, just released in a new cream colourway and also available in a bright poppy red, famously worn by Mrs Starmer at Downing Street. Thanks to its graphic contrast stitching, this dress works for day and evening, work or play (or 10 Downing Street) and is crafted from a crease-resistant machine-washable crepe for an easy-care finish.
Short sleeves, tick! Flattering ruched waist, tick! Swishy hem, tick! This dress is a fit and flatter masterpiece, ideal for someone on a budget who wants all the hallmarks of a luxury dress. Pair the burgundy shade with pink accessories to give it a summer party spin, and later in the year, wear with brown suede. This is a dress that will give good style, year-round.
In classic black with a bloom of red roses, pretty short sleeves, a flattering waist and relaxed swishy skirt, the Layla is perfect for the invitation that just arrived. This dress will work equally well for day and evening events – and bonus, it’s made using renewable viscose and is machine washable.
Hobbs has thought everything through about its new Willa dress – right down to the elegant short sleeves and matching shoes and jacket. If you have an upcoming wedding, race day, christening or garden party on your calendar, consider Willa as your dress-code solution.
The Capri dress from Ghost is a multipurpose wardrobe winner. The cut is super flattering, accentuating all the good bits and hiding the rest. Made from renewable viscose, this machine washable dress can be styled up for formal events or worn as an everyday piece at the office or dinners out. It also comes in white and forest green.
Look effortlessly elegant at your next event in this empire-line dress from Seasalt Cornwall. It’s designed in a regular fit, with a flattering waisted silhouette that falls to a midaxi length. This piece features a feminine V-neckline, short sleeves and a concealed zip closure for a neat finish – and it’s machine washable. Dress it up with white sandals and a pretty white summer handbag.
My new favourite bag is by.. Radley. Yes, really
This transitional swing jacket works on everyone
The M&S barrel jean just got an irresistible tweak
Affordable fashion buys for now and next season.
