Add Sleeves to a Sleeveless Look

Add Sleeves to a Sleeveless Look

How do you make a tank more modest, without ruining the whole outfit? Studio 5 fashion contributor ShaLyse Walker shares 4 ways you can add sleeves to a sleeveless look, and still be on trend.


Add a Cardigan

Yes, yes, it seems like a very obvious and widely-used solution. However, there are still smart new ways you can play up the cardigan look. First, don’t be afraid to play with the color or pattern of your cardigan. Instead of using it just as a tool for covering your shoulders, enhance your entire outfit by throwing in an unexpected twist, like a mustard yellow cardigan with a deep purple tank, or a fun patterned cardigan with a simple underpinning. Even if you didn’t have to cover your shoulder, you’d want to with the right cardigan. Another great way to rock the cardigan is to add a belt. It cinches your waist and pulls the entire thing together!

Silky purple tank, $19.99, Target

Grey Patterned Cardigan $22.99, Target

Throw a Tee Underneath

Now, this can seem like a little risky, but just stick to a couple of easy guidelines, and you can feel cute and confident with a new look. In most cases, it’s best to put something over a sleeveless look; however, in some cases, an under-tee can still look modern and cute. Avoid any of the typical “Utah” cap sleeve tees under your tanks or dresses (nothing screams “I had to make this look modest” like a cap sleeved tee). Instead, look for a ¾ sleeved tee in a silky or stretchy fabric to layer underneath. In fact, ¾ sleeved tees under dresses and tanks are all the rage in Paris!

¾ length black Spanx tee, $98.00, Nordstrom

Grey dress, $135.00, The Children’s Hour

Rock a Blazer

You can never go wrong with a blazer. Because of their structure, they’re completely figure-flattering, and they look so classy and put-together. Why not try one in a fun color like red, yellow, or kelly green? Wear earth tones underneath, and you’ll look smart and chic. Look for an unlined, linen, or ponte knit fabric for summer to keep it cool.

Red blazer, $88.00, Nordstrom

Black and tan tank, $58.00, Nordstrom

Class it up with a Pashmina

Nothing looks classier on a brisk evening that a pashmina scarf tied around your shoulders. If tied strategically, no one has to know you’re wearing it to cover up. Choose a scarf in a complimentary color to your dress or tank, unfold it to its widest width, drape it around your shoulders, and secure it with a fashionable knot or sparkly brooch. Voila! Modest really might be the hottest!

Pashmina scarf, $18.00, Koo-de-Ker

Polka-dot dress, $78.00, Koo-de-Ker

Tan belt, $18.00, Koo-de-Ker

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