FOSD, or the fear of sleeveless dresses, is real. I don’t have this particular hang up, but I can name at least 10 friends who do, so I can certainly relate. I could go on about how ridiculous this particular fear is, and how self-hating, destructive and retrograde it is, but like most phobias, they aren’t based on anything real, which makes them especially difficult to lasso to the ground.
Rather than photobombing the backs of my own upper arms, I’ve been putting my investigative skills to work in the service of finding the often un-findable—a super chic wardrobe of dresses with sleeves– and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how fashion designers have gotten the message.
Why now? Maybe a reaction to all the frank talk of sexual abuse in the workplace or the good news that we girls are going to run for public office in record numbers or that recent stunning display of Royal Wedding appropriate fashion, either way, I am thrilled to offer service to the cause, especially now when the weather begins to change.
Samantha Sung Claire Plaid Half-Shirtdress, $695
The ultimate shirt-waist. Samantha Sung how we love you for making the loveliest, most feminine shirtwaist dresses in the most beautiful fabrics–this one is a seasonal plaid.
Mango Floral Print Dress, $129.99
This gorgeous, vibrant print coupled with the loose fit makes this dress wearable pretty much anywhere.
Ganni Dainty Floral Georgette Dress, $205
One of the season’s hottest new brands comes through yet again with an affordable dress that you can wear with sneakers for day or a white mule for a night out.
Elizabeth and James Evy Maxi Dress, $395
A dreamy caftan from the queen of caftans themselves, the Olsen twins.
Black Halo Princeton Dress, $375
LBD for grown-up girls. Perfect day to night, pack to travel, go to meeting everything little black dress. Tres chic!
Silvia Tcherassi Kylie Cotton Midi Dress, $990
If we won the lottery tomorrow, this timeless silhouette and the two patterns would be one of the first things in our carts.
Perfect with all of this season’s trendiest new boots whether it’s cowboy, slouchy, or lace-up. A closet MVP.