Fashion
Bare arms guide
Anyone who has ever visited a church in Vatican City or elsewhere in Rome knows the dress code and may have been sent away like I was for not complying. Women must have covered shoulders and wear pants or a skirt that also covers the knees. Deep necklines, bare bellies, and backs are out of the question. This rule applies not only in Rome but in every church. So if you have a wedding or are visiting a church as a tourist, it is wise to observe these rules. Just so you know.
The reasons for all these rules are of different natures. To begin with, it is simply a matter of decency. With quite a few outfits, you wouldn't dare or be allowed to appear at work, so you shouldn't wear them in the house of God.
”Deep necklines, bare bellies, and backs are out of the question. This rule applies not only in Rome but in every church.”
I notice that we see more and more bare arms on stylish ladies who know how it should be. Take Máxima or Michelle Obama, for example. They often wear sleeveless dresses at official occasions, but they can pull it off very well. And yet I have the impression that everyone nowadays is quite nonchalant about these standards of decency.
So here’s a quick rundown of where you can or cannot appear with bare arms:
Allowed:
At the beach on vacation; where you won't run into acquaintances.
In the park or in the garden at your parents' house. If you're free, feel free to wear a tank top or dress with spaghetti straps. If you have a festive occasion like a party or a wedding, it can be fine again. Just look at the red carpet, where we only see dresses with bare arms, and everyone wearing such a dress has really made an effort to be able to wear it. The arms are really super toned and beautifully tanned. And try to find a nice festive dress with sleeves, well, that’s almost impossible.
Not allowed:
At work? NO! Don't do it. Even if your arms are beautifully toned and your armpits freshly shaved, it remains a bit of a vague gray area. And just like a too-deep neckline and a too-short skirt, bare arms are something for outside the office. Bare arms do not belong to the subdued atmosphere that surrounds work, and it is a sign of politeness, modesty, and respect to live by that.
