A Review Of Summer Tops

We've been living in utter chaos (as opposed to our regular everyday chaos) since the weekend because we're painting our living and dining rooms. While my husband and I generally enjoy projects like this, we haven't attempted one in several years, not since we had just one child (now we have three). Our conclusion? The old adage, "the more the merrier" does NOT apply here.

Why is it that kids can muster so much enthusiasm for changing a room by adding color and so little interest for changing a room by picking up toys or making a bed? It's one of the great mysteries of life, I guess.

Want to know what ISN'T a mystery? How to make your arms look good this summer, regardless of what shape you're in. It all boils down to picking the right top.

P.S. If you're enjoying your subscription to THE CLOTHING CHRONICLES and think some of your friends my like it too, please feel free to forward it to them, fully intact. Thanks!

Still need to get your spring/summer wardrobe in order? Be sure to take a look at the Spring 2004 Review to learn the best buys of the season,

There are several things for which I will always remember my 7th grade teacher, Mrs. H.:

Frankly, it was enough to make me skip my lunch. And just go straight to the dessert.:-)

"When we're grown ups," my friends and I would say on days when the bouncing flesh would distract us from our lessons, "We're NEVER going to let our arms look like THAT!"

While toned arms are easy to maintain with regular trips to the gym, frequent participation in sports, or daily lifting of small children, they can quickly turn to flap in the absence of those things.

Fortunately, as my mother was fond of saying, "Costuming hides a multitude of sins."

Whether you have great arms, so-so arms, or arms that you prefer to keep under wraps, there are warm weather tops that will suit your needs. Show off what's great, hide what's not, and look chic as the temperatures rise.

Because unlike Mrs. H., well-dressed women know that wearing clothes to keep cool is one thing; wearing clothes to keep cool, look good, and not offend others is something else entirely.

Spaghetti Strap

Spaghetti straps look best on women with small or toned arms, and small or medium-sized breasts. If gravity (or having babies) has left your bustline sagging, wear a strapless underwire bra with this type of top.

Bluefly

Tank Top

When worn alone, tanks look best on women with toned arms, small shoulders, and small or medium sized busts. Large arms, shoulders, or busts look bigger in a tank top. If you fall into the latter category and like the look of a tank, consider wearing it as a base under a shirt, sweater, or jacket.

La Redoute

Sleeveless Top

Like the tank, sleeveless tops look best on thin and/or toned arms and with small to medium sized breasts. They should fit closely to the body, but not be so tight as to strain across the chest.

Rampage

Cap Sleeves

Cap sleeves offer a semi-sleeve where the top extends just past the end of the roundness of the shoulder. Like the other tops we've looked at thus far, the cap sleeve top looks best on bodies with small or toned arms and small or medium sized breasts.

Rampage

Short Sleeve T-Shirt

The classic short sleeve t-shirt is very forgiving and looks good on just about everybody - provided it fits closely to the body, doesn't flare, or isn't oversized. It should skim the body without straining or binding. The armhole should be high and the shoulder should be natural.

La Redoute

Polo Shirts

Another classic that looks good and is back in style, the polo can be worn well by many body types -- EXCEPT those with short necks (the collar tends to dominate the neck area). Make sure it fits correctly and does not strain or bag.

Fields

Camp Shirts

The classic camp shirt offers a dressier summer-time look than the classic tee and with the vertical buttons and modest arm coverage, looks good on a variety of body shapes. Pair them with skirts, pants, or shorts, tuck them in, pull them out, or wear them open as a jacket. Just don't wear them baggy or sloppy.

Fields

Half and Three-Quarter Length Sleeves

Want to look chic AND hide heavy arms? Opt for a shirt with a half or three-quarter length sleeve. Not only is this length more stylish than a short sleeve, it can be worn all year long. Sleeves should be worn snug but not tight for a long, graceful look. Loose versions will overpower the arm and make it look short and heavy.

Bluefly

Tops With Diaphanous Sleeves and Wrist Details

Want to stay cool yet direct attention away from your arms and put it elsewhere? This style of top will do the trick, and can be worn any time of year. Look for something with a pretty bodice, sheer, diaphanous sleeves, and beautiful wrist details. Keep attention on your hands with a beautiful manicure or a bling-bling ring, watch, or bracelet.

Bluefly

If your goal this summer is to stay cool yet cover appropriately, try some of the tops listed here. You don't have to have a perfect body to look like you're in good shape. All you need are clothes that fit well, cover what you don't want seen, and draw attention to your assets.

After all, you want to be regarded as someone with superior style and good taste - and not be remembered for showing body parts better left unseen. Thanks for the lesson, Mrs. H. It's stayed with me longer than algebra.