I'm a fashion expert – I've found seven summer dresses that hide bingo wings… and they're not frumpy
Our round-up also reveals the colour of the season, and it has already been sported by both Kendall Jenner and Princess Kate
LONGING FOR SLEEVES I'm a fashion expert – I've found seven summer dresses that hide bingo wings… and they're not frumpy
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
BINGO wings beware – the high street has gone sleeveless mad.
And if, like me, you don't love your upper arms, that's seriously bad news.
7
Bright red puff sleeve midi dress, £36, Next
Credit: Next
7
Cream satin floral twist front maxi dress, £56, River Island
Credit: River Island
I know I'm not alone, either. When I ranted about this in the office, there was a chorus of agreement.
Not because we're all body-conscious, but because — shock horror — some of us want to wear real clothes to places other than a beach.
On TikTok, clips showing exercises to eliminate bingo wings have hundreds of thousands of likes. And I'm not surprised.
At the age of 35, it's quite common for women my age — and older — to feel self-conscious about their arms.
Over-50s fitness influencer Nikki Brow amasses more than 560k views on TikTok for her 'Menopause ladies' videos to banish bingo wings. And #armworkout videos have more than 4.5 billion views on the social media platform.
But trying to find anything to cover our upper arms this summer is a relentless task.
As someone who spends an unhealthy amount of time trawling the rails of the high street (it's my job, after all), I recently found myself storming through Zara in London's Oxford Street, wondering if the designers had collectively lost the plot — or just stopped believing in sleeves.
Everywhere I turned it was strappy slip dresses, halterneck beachwear pretending to be occasionwear, and sequinned numbers clearly aimed at women who treat the club loos as a selfie booth.
And sleeves? Nowhere to be found.
There was one long-sleeved dress and, plot twist, it had no back.
Shoppers run to bag on-trend spring dress with 'boho vibes' in Sainsbury's
Brilliant. So now I've got to shell out again for a stick-on-bra and rolls of duct tape to keep everything in its rightful place. But it's not just Zara, either.
Unless your upper arms resemble Michelle Obama's, your options are: repeat-wear something from last year, or whip out the sewing kit.
And spare me the body-positivity speeches. 'Just go sleeveless,' they say, or 'Embrace your arms — no one cares'.
Well, I care when I catch sight of my reflection in a shop window and see the glaring sight of a wide arm.
I want sleeves. Not cap sleeves (a con), not flutter sleeves (cute but pointless), but sleeves that actually cover the upper arm.
But never fear, I've done the legwork (or the arm work) and found the best sleeved summer dresses that tick all the right boxes.
Because fashion should make you feel good and for some of us, that means keeping our arms under wraps.
EMPIRE LINE
Red, Next, £36
Empire line, with a seam and fitted under the bust, is flattering on everyone, from fuller busts to fuller middles.
This number from Next in bold red and accented sleeves is perfect for summer.
EVERY OCCASION WEAR
Multi, River Island, £56
No one wants to splash out on a statement dress that will only see you through one wedding, or an annual trip to the races.
You want a dress that's value for money and that you can wear all season.
River Island's long-sleeved midaxi does just that.
A knotted waist and slightly padded shoulders enhance an hourglass figure, while the busy print is disguising without being too loud.
BOLD PRINT
Floral, H&M, £27.99
7
Floral patterned midi dress, £27.99, H&M
Credit: Supplied
Ditsy florals have a habit of ageing us, whereas bolder colours and prints inject life into our outfits, like this button-down H&M dress.
This is summer in a frock. With its pretty-yet-punchy pattern and elegant length, it's the non-frumpy floral dress we've been waiting for. Wear it on a Sunday stroll, or for a day at the races.
BARGAIN BOHO
Floral, Tu at Sainsbury's, £35
7
Floral boho maxi dress, by Tu at Sainsbury's, £35
Credit: Supplied
Boho has made a triumphant return to fashion this year, but while most of us over 25 can't bear the thought of wearing disc belts and a mini dress, this embodies the trend without looking like 1970s fancy dress.
Slight ruffled detailing gives depth, while breaking up the floral print. And a V-neckline is flattering for fuller busts.
SHIRT DRESS
Green, George at Asda, £38
7
Green shirt dress with linen, George at Asda, £38
Credit: Asda
Create a defined silhouette with a classic shirt dress. This one has a slightly puffed sleeve that gives it an expensive feel.
In a deep, verdant green, it also creates a bold look with zero effort and can be dressed up with metallic accessories for holidays and weddings, or dressed down with your favourite Birkenstocks for everyday wear.
TIMELESS CLASSIC
Polka dot, Primark, £14
7
Primark polka dot dress, £14
Credit: Primark
From royalty to the high street, you can't go wrong with a bit of polka dot.
It's one of those trusty staples you can keep in your wardrobe for years. With a three-quarter sleeve and shin-length skirt, this Primark dress is perfect for summer.
HELLO YELLOW
Broderie, New Look, £69.99
7
Yellow broderie anglaise midi dress, New Look, £69.99
Credit: Supplied
Butter yellow is the colour of the season, with everyone from Kendall Jenner to the Princess of Wales sporting the hue.
Another style synonymous with summer is broderie anglaise. And New Look's hybrid of the two trends, with a slit down the back, is the one for you.
With three-quarter sleeves and delicate cut-outs, it's a designer-looking dress for less.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
31 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Trans women say influencer Lilly Tino's 'rage-baiting' posts are putting them at risk
Trans activist Lilly Contino has been condemned by trans women for putting the already marginalized community at risk of even greater 'harm and malice' by reinforcing negative stereotypes in 'ragebait' clips on TikTok. The most recent controversy stemmed from a viral post that included mirror selfies of the 31-year-old as she 'rated' the women's bathrooms at Disney World in Florida - and has spiraled into a call for Lilly to be 'banned' from TikTok and the amusement park. A petition started by a 'concerned parent' has received over 500,000 signatures at the time of writing, as its creator urged the platform to 'carefully evaluate Lilly Tino's presence' on it. Georgia native Lilly - who was born male - rose to fame in 2022 when she came out on professional networking platform LinkedIn, adding: 'Hey, my name is Lilly and I use she/her'. Since then, she has used her social media platforms - with over half a million followers in total - to document her trans journey, but critics within her own community say the influencer is doing more harm than good. Earlier this month, Lilly found herself at the center of a social media storm after she shared a series of selfies taken inside women's bathrooms at Disney World - forcing trans women to publicly declare 'we do not condone' her behavior. The photographs were uploaded to TikTok and showed the reflection of Lilly - wearing different crop tops and Disney Ears headbands - in different mirrors inside the toilets. In a few snaps, other guests at the amusement park are also visible in the background - with several people calling Lilly out for violating the women's privacy. The TikTok has received over 15 million views and 70,000 comments - most of which are critical - at the time of writing as trans women say it's only the latest example of Lilly's brand of content that prioritizes user engagement over the community's safety. Her detractors argue that Lilly's TikTok presents a warped portrayal of trans women with the sole purpose of gaining views and social media clout - without considering how they might adversely impact their well-being in what is already a hostile environment. Secretly recording waitstaff that 'misgender' at American restaurants, 'sneaking' into women's bathrooms, and using corndogs and cake pops to explain sex modification - while surrounded by children at amusement parks - play into transphobic cliches, it is felt. 'I promise you that trans women do not walk around begging to be misgendered or enter women's spaces with the intent of causing a public disturbance - let alone document it and put it online,' Jade Dugger clarified in a strong reaction video to Lilly's Disney clip. 'Because going into several different women's restrooms and rating them online, taking photos in those restrooms, and posting those photos knowing that there are other women in the background is very predatory behavior that we do not condone.' In response to Lilly's admission she 'peed standing up' at the bathroom at Disney World, influencer Amelia Majesty said 'these videos are rapidly decreasing trans acceptance'. She also blasted the American content creator for suggesting trans women don't need to 'disclose' they've had 'their downstairs done' before getting intimate with a partner, adding: 'What is there to disclose? There's no deception.' Shaking her head in disagreement, Amelia replied: 'Trans women need to disclose they're trans before that happens, this is unacceptable and wrong - and it puts the entire community in danger.' She said Lilly's 'advice' - which was widely discredited in the comments - fuels the 'negative stereotype' that trans women are 'trying to trap men, and that's absolutely not true'. According to another creator Dominque Morgan, is that Lilly is the 'product of TikTok' - and uses sensationalism to drive engagement by cosplaying as children's cartoon characters or exaggeratedly describing how being 'misgendered' created an 'unsafe' or 'threatening' environment. Trans influencer Seana Momsen dismissed Lilly by saying 'I don't think' of her, adding: 'I think she just rage-baits for the views, for the money and she's quite dramatic with her pieces.' Reacting to videos of Lilly expressing profound hurt at being misgendered - including leaving restaurants despite receiving an apology - Seana added that 'we're not at the place where everyone is going to default' to gender-neutral pronouns. Lilly has since addressed the backlash in a separate video - that has been viewed over eight million times - as she doubled-down on her decision to post the bathroom ratings in a statement that, many felt, missed the point. Lilly said bathroom selfies were a common fixture of celebrity's social media profiles as she added: 'And it's not just celebrities. Any woman you ever meet has likely taken a photo in a public bathroom. 'So, what is different about me that I'm not allowed to take bathroom selfies?' She argued that people judge trans women differently 'depending on how well they pass' or whether they 'look trans'. 'I know that I don't pass, trust me I know,' she continued. 'But passing privilege is a real thing. 'There are some trans women out there who will never be able to pass. Do they deserve to be treated differently? No! They should be able to take bathroom selfies too.' She dismissed the privacy concerns in relation to the women that appeared in the background of the now-contentious clips - after some social media users cited the Florida statute 810.145 that prohibits 'digital voyeurism' in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy like bathrooms. Lilly asserted that 'law only applied to buildings owned or leased' by the state, before adding: 'And even if it wasn't allowed, who cares! Let us tinkle in peace.' Reacting to the statement, TikTok users pointed out celebrity bathroom selfies don't typically 'have people in the background' as they said 'not everything is transphobia'. Lilly's visit to the Happiest Place on Earth has taken on a distinctively unhappy twist in view of the backlash - but the bathroom selfies aren't the only thing people have complained about. She was called out by internet users after she refused to eat her meal at Tiffins Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park after the waiter accidentally misgendered her. She was eating Tiffins Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park and the waiter was explaining the first course when he used the male pronoun. Despite the employee instantly apologizing, Lilly explained in her video about the incident that she 'no longer felt safe' at the restaurant. She ultimately decided she didn't want to eat there anymore because she knew she wouldn't 'enjoy' the food with her 'guard up.' The content creator ended up not having to pay for the food or her drink, but the interaction left some viewers disgruntled. In the now-viral video, Lilly was seen sitting at the table as the waiter brought out her first course, the $18 Tiffins Signature Bread Service. But as the waiter was explaining where all the different breads came from, he called Lilly, who was wearing a blue, cropped tank top, white jean shorts, and pink Minnie ears with a bow, 'sir.' 'It's coconut bread from Thailand?' Lilly asked, to which the waiter replied, 'Yes sir.' 'It's ma'am,' Lilly quickly corrected him. 'Ma'am, I'm sorry. My bad sir,' the flustered waiter said. Afterwards, Lilly reflected on the moment to the camera, explaining: 'That totally sucked the joy out of this bread tower.' Controversial: Lilly's interaction with the waiter has since gone viral, gaining million of views on both of her platforms 'It makes me want to immediately leave because I no longer feel safe here. Now my guard has to be up. 'I'm not gonna enjoy this bread as much because my guard is up. We should be able to go places and not have to worry.' The video then cut to Lilly flagging down a waiter, and telling them: 'I don't think I want this bread tower, actually, I'd rather have the check if that's okay. 'I think their training says they're supposed to say "friend" and not used gendered language, it's a pretty big thing that Disney has done,' Lilly told the camera in another clip. 'Nothing was wrong with the bread, I just don't want it anymore. Just because they apologized doesn't mean [I] don't feel sad or offended. 'Have you accidentally ever hurt someone and said, "I'm so sorry, it's an accident?" Do you expect them to be like, "Oh, it was an accident, of course, no problem whatsoever. All of that hurt is now undone." That's not how it works.' It appeared that Lilly didn't have to pay for the uneaten bread or her soda. In one final clip, a staff member at the restaurant was heard apologizing to Lilly once again, before he told her that her drink was 'also on him,' seemingly confirming the bread was free too. 'They meant well but it still hurts,' Lilly captioned the clip. In March 2022, it was announced that Disney World staff members, as well recordings throughout the parks, would no longer include 'gendered greetings' like 'boys and girls' or 'ladies and gentleman.' In December 2022, the same year that Lilly came out, she said that bullies and drug addiction stopped her from realizing her gender for 27 years. It was only when she got clean did she understand her gender identity - after relocating to San Francisco from Atlanta and went to Target to buy a dress and 'put on a wig'. She added: 'It was a bittersweet moment because I thought there's something here, it's the answer to my emptiness and loneliness, I've been living a lie. 'I kept it a secret and I would try on clothes and makeup - it was a cocoon and I was figuring it out on my own.' By December 2020 Lilly was sure of her true identity and knew her name instantly. She said: 'Like many trans people, I'd been playing videogames for years and I would always pick girls and call them Lilly.' She gained a mentor, a trans woman in 2020 called Eve who helped her to discover herself and answer any questions she had. In October 2021, she told her best friends Deborah and Jake on a trip to Atlanta - before coming out to her parents and brother. Lilly started wearing dresses and make-up and was prescribed the hormones spironolactone in May 2021, a male hormone suppressant, progesterone and later oestrogen. She added: 'Taking progesterone helps the boobs and my emotions run hotter. I cry a lot better now.' Lilly worries for trans women who don't have insurance to pay for hormones, and says many are resorting to buying hormones off the black market. She added: 'There is a global shortage of oestrogen and progesterone right now.' Lilly has since undergone FFS - with the influencer revealing her new face on TikTok. In 2023, Lilly revealed she was verbally assaulted at a restaurant in San Francisco while she was dining with her dog at the Cheesecake Factory. In the clip, the woman can be heard describing herself as a TERF - or a trans-exclusionary radical feminist - before threatening Lilly with physical violence.
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
What are Labubu Dolls? The Pop Mart toys taking over
The toys, created by Pop Mart, have become a viral hit on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In recent weeks, Pop Mart stores around the world, including in the UK, have seen hour-long queues as eager fans of the dolls hope to get their hands on the trending toys. Famed for the odd but cute look, Labubu Dolls have become a worldwide hit that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. @itvlorraine Confused by the latest viral trend of Labubu dolls? Lucie and Mark explain everything you need to know! ♬ original sound - Lorraine But, if you've not jumped on the trend yet and aren't sure what Labubu Dolls are, here's a quick explainer so you can stay on trend. What are Labubu Dolls? Labubu Dolls first originated in Hong Kong and were inspired by a picture book created by artist Kasing Lung. The book became so popular that Pop Mart decided to create a collection of the Labubu creatures in 2019, and the dolls became an instant hit. The Labubu's are part of a group of 'creatures' called "The Monsters" which includes the likes of Mokoko, Tycoco and Zimomo. Pop Mart website describes the dolls as: "kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite." The dolls are best known for their large grins and furry exterior, which change depending on the collection of Labubu. How much are Labubu Dolls? In the UK, Labubu Dolls range from £13.50 to £50; however, the rare collectors' editions can fetch hundreds of pounds on resale sites like Vinted and eBay. Recommended Reading What are Sonny Angel's? Another toy which have also gained popularity recently is Sonny Angels/ small dolls of angel boys wearing a range of headgear. On TikTok, Sonny Angel's has gained more than 95 million views since it was first posted in April of 2023.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
The shorts you need this summer that are comfortable, length appropriate & flattering, including a pair from Zara
Plus two pairs of very comfortable denim shorts GO SHORTY The shorts you need this summer that are comfortable, length appropriate & flattering, including a pair from Zara WITH the weather still staying nice and hot for the foreseeable when it comes to fashion the aim is to be as cool as possible. Shorts are great for this, but they aren't everyone's favourite item of clothing to wear. Until now. Because this year there are lots of options on the high street for comfortable and flattering shorts. Shorts that don't make your thighs rub, or ones that give you a wedgie and worst of all are too tight around the waist. Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale gives a rundown on the best comfy shorts that are perfect for summer. M&S, £19.50 10 Shorts, £19.50, M&S Credit: These shorts from M&S have been receiving high praise indeed. With a number of five star reviews the shorts have been flying off the shelves. And you can see why, with an elasticated waistband, lightweight fabric and three different patterns to choose from - they tick all the boxes for summer. Coming in sizes 6-24, for just £19.50 these are perfect for throwing on day to day. Tu at Sainsbury's, £16 10 Shorts, £16, Tu at Sainsbury's Credit: Yes, denim shorts can be comfy if you find the right pair. This style is lightweight and high waisted, making them look super flattering. Shoppers run to Primark for new 'cool girl' summer shorts in colour of the season One Tik Tok user Kristinahullhome posted a video saying 'You FINALLY find some denim shorts that don't ride up or bunch up when you walk and are actually comfortable'. What's more is you can pick these up from the supermarket for just £16. Uniqlo, £19.90 10 Shorts, £19.90, Uniqlo Credit: Uniqlo is known for its great selection of basics and that includes shorts. For just under £20 this pair comes in two different colourways pink and blue. Has an extra stretchy waistband and don't cling to your thighs. Made from 100 per cent cotton to make them nice and breezy for summer and they range in sizes XXS to XXL. And even better they have pockets not only at the side but on the back too - functional and stylish. Primark, £14 10 Shorts, £14, Primark Credit: If you're looking for a pair of shorts that are a bit more casual then take a look at this pair from Primark. For just £14 they are 100 per cent cotton, with a raw hem detailing, pockets and of course a stretchy waistband. Making the perfect pair of shorts to sit back and relax in at home with a t-shirt thrown on to go with. George at Asda, £16 10 Shorts, £16, George at Asda Credit: Linen shorts are also a great option for both comfort and style this summer. These long length bermuda style shorts from George at Asda not only look smart but are great for those who want a longer pair. Linen is one of the lightest and airiest fabrics around, so you're sure to be kept cool in these all summer long. Next, £20 10 Shorts, £20, Next Credit: Made from 95 per cent recycled polyester, this striped pair from Next is a great sustainable option. The striped detailing coming in both burgundy and blue are bang on trend. Plus the shape of the short means they are nice and loose, meaning extra comfort. With practical pockets and a textured feel, these are not only a comfortable option, but a stylish one at that too. Very, £30 10 Shorts, £30, Very Credit: Perfect for summer these embroidered shorts from Very are proving to be a big hit and are selling fast. With a stretch waist and made from breathable cotton fabric, with the embroidered design they're a great option for your summer holiday. The curved edge detail also sets this pair of shorts apart from the rest, plus it comes with a matching waistcoat too. Very says these shorts are true to size, so no need to go up or down a size when buying. H&M, £19.99 10 Shorts, £19.99, H&M Credit: Another pair of comfy denim shorts? This time with an elasticated waistband too? Who would have thought, well thanks to H&M you can get your hands on this pair for just £19.99. Dark denim always looks more expensive so this pair of shorts gives a real luxe feel for a very affordable price. With a loose fit and a length that isn't too short, these would make great wardrobe staple denim shorts that you could bring out year after year. Zara, £29.99 10 Shorts, £29.99, Zara Credit: Yes you can find a pair of comfortable, stylish and practical shorts in Zara. This pair is not only £29.99, but the bermuda style means they are a really good length with no fear of them riding up. The belt adds an extra detail and shape to the look. These are the perfect pair that you can wear for smarter occasions such as the office whilst still staying comfortable. F&F at Tesco, £19.50 10 Shorts, £19.50, F&F at Tesco Credit: White, broderie anglaise screams summer - so why not wear it in the form of shorts. For just £19.50 this pair from Tesco is 100 per cent cotton. With pockets and an elastic waistband that goes all around the shorts, these will go with so many things in your wardrobe. The scallop edge detailing around the bottom of the shorts also means they flare out giving a nice shape.
