Plus size solutions: adding sleeves

When we asked for your thoughts on plus size fashion in the UK last week, one thing that came up quite a lot was the fact items are often just scaled up from the smaller sizes, with no thought to how this will work on a fuller figure. Sleeveless dresses were a big concern. While some plus size women have the confidence to wear them and look amazing,  many more feel better with their arms covered, or need more coverage to hide their bra. It's much harder than it should be to find lovely dresses with sleeves, and given that it's currently freezing cold, it's completely impractical to prance about without some kind of arm coverage, no matter how gorgeous the dress is. Yes, even this one (£60 at Simply Be, up to size 32).

But let's face it, most plus size knitwear is not exactly stylish. The plethora of chunky boyfriend cardis and waterfall tunics just hide half your dress. So I have hunted down a few more creative solutions: add-on sleeves that will give you the warmth or coverage you crave without hiding you dress, something which is probably useful for more than just our plus size friends!

First up is Mary Portas and Charnos 'Armery' (from £7). Mary designed these tights for your arms as part of her 'mature woman' fashion collection for House of Fraser. They're basically a shrug made of tights, with the added bonus of shapewear-like sucking-in power, if you like that sort of thing. They only come in two sizes, but due to the stretchiness, should fit most body shapes.

Wingz take this concept one step further, coming down under your bra to ensure the sleeves don't fall down or move. They were designed with plus sizes in mind, with most styles going up to a size 28. There are Wingz for all occasions, from daywear to party, from about £15. If you don't like fitted sleeves, there are plenty of floaty kimono styles like the ones pictures, and they even make bridal Wingz!

M&S are the latest to get in on the act with their 'Flatter Me' (ugh) cupless armwear (£22.50) a similar concept to Wingz. It's been a big seller - they stock up to size 22 but the website is almost out - but there is also a bodysuit for a few quid more in the same style that's available in all sizes. I love a bodysuit under a dress anyway - it hides undies lines and gives a nice smooth finish.

Finally, for those who want even more coverage, or don't like the idea of a restrictive garment under their bra, there's always the good old shrug. Yours Clothing has a good cheap basic (£16) in loads of colours up to a size 32, and it isn't too frumpy or shapeless. My tip is to size up and fasten it with a vintage brooch to cleverly hide a neckline that reveals too much!