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First lady Michelle Obama, admired for her well-defined arms, looks at ease in her sleeveless dresses. Most women aren’t so lucky.

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Pippa Middleton wore a short-sleeve cream gown to her sister’s wedding, but no one seemed to notice that portion of the dress.

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Amy Poehler, wearing a strapless dress, donned a leather jacket at the NBC Upfronts. Many women resort to the dreaded pashmina.

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Jennifer Lopez slips into an optical illusion dress. It looks sleeveless but in fact boasts flesh-toned long sleeves for coverage.

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Mindy Kaling poses in a rare capsleeve dress. Most designers avoid short sleeves on dresses because they are hard to alter and fit.

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Elizabeth Banks went with a mini cape over her gown at the 2012 Met Costume Gala. Upper-arm coverage never looked so . . . unique.