Dresses with sleeves and ample length are in a perpetual shortage, and good fit is another challenge. That said, not all hope is lost. My clients have been purchasing dresses this year and here are some of the favourites. 

1. Tadashi Shoji Sleeveless Mesh Stripe Jersey Dress: If I needed a sleeveless black dress right now, this would be it. So, so, so romantic. I LOVE the flare and sheer panels. Perfectly alluring and covered at the same time. The fabric is thick and gorgeous. Wear a lacey black bra for acceptable bra strap coverage, or stick to a strapless bra. My client looked so much better than the model in this dress, and took my breath away. 
2. Tadashi Shoji Mesh Stripe Fit & Flare Dress: This is the sleeved version of the above dress. Thanks, Tadashi. 
3. Adrianna Papell V-Neck Shutter Pleat Sheath Dress: Gorgeous! Hides lumpage and bumpage, and isn’t too short. Fitted, yet not too body con. Comes in four colours and black.
4. Adrianna Papell Print Asymmetrical Chiffon Dress: I much preferred this frock sans the belt, so size down and have a ball at the buffet table. Very forgiving, pretty neckline, and fab asymmetrical cut. 
5. Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Sleeveless Fit & Flare Dress: Hello Grecian Goddess. It looks best on those who can fill out the bust line. The front hangs a little low, but a lace insert does the trick. It moves gracefully and keeps you cool on a scorching day. 
6. Donna Morgan Print Jersey Shift Dress: Pull on and go with a pair of metallic flats or sandals. Easy. 
7. Eliza J Pleated Print Dress: A romantic tea length dress. Remember that you can swap out the bowed belt if that’s not your cup of tea. 
8. Maggy London Print Blouson Jersey Dress: Fab blouson dresses are hard to find because the fit is tricky. This one, although short, is quite flattering. 
9. Isaac Mizrahi Stripe Fit & Flare Dress: A classic Summer striped frock. Love the diagonal lines on the skirt. 
10. Suzi Chin Print Faux Wrap Dress: An abstract floral wrap that is begging for a curvy lass with a full bust to fill it out. Nice length too. 
11. Tahari Pleated Print Twill Dress: I love this dress. It’s pretty, practical, retro, and flared. I’d swap out the belt and wear it with pointy toe flats. 
12. Suzi Chin Print Sheath Dress: I’m not particularly fond of this type of grown-on sleeve, because I find a more cut away sleeveless bodice more flattering. But many of my clients do like a grown-on sleeve and this dress has a good fit. A happy Summer floral.
13. Maggy London ‘Galaxy’ Print Sheath Dress: Here is the same cut in a galaxy print. 
14. Eliza J Side Three Quarter Sleeve Drape Jersey Dress: Imagine a black bomber jacket over this dress. Sensational. 
15. Eliza J Print Shift Dress: A sack dress that’s breezy and showcases your gams. I’d be all over it if it were a few inches longer.

Think denim jackets, motos, cropped blazers, bombers, vests and trench coats as layers over dresses if you’re after extra coverage. Cardigans are not your only option.