The Femme Edit

The Short Vs Long Sleeve Midi Dress – Which To Choose For Your Event

Midi dresses are an enduring favourite fashion staple in Australia, and Femme Connection offers a diverse array of styles suitable for various occasions. When considering sleeve length for midi dresses, the options are plentiful, each catering to different preferences, weather conditions, and occasions. 

In this guide, we explore the benefits of midi dresses and delve into the distinctive sleeve types available, helping you make informed choices based on the event, your personal style and body shape.

Whether opting for short cap sleeves, playful bell or butterfly sleeves, dramatic puff or bishop's sleeves, or practical ¾ or long sleeves, there's a perfect midi dress for every style and occasion. Join us as we navigate through the realm of midi dresses, exploring sleeve variations and offering valuable tips for making the right selection.

The Short Vs Long Sleeve Midi Dress – Which To Choose For Your Event

Benefits of the midi dress

The midi dress length, falling between the knee and mid-calf, strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. It serves as an ideal choice for those occasions when you want more coverage than a short dress provides, yet prefer not to be encumbered by wearing a long dress that hits your ankles. Midi dresses offer a practical and stylish solution, allowing ease of movement and promoting ample airflow to the legs.

Regardless of height, midi dresses can be flattering, with tailored options enhancing the look on tall frames and cinched waist lines providing shape for those with a more petite stature. Midi dresses can be easily dressed up or down, depending on where you are heading to. For formal occasions, the right midi dress can slot into the ‘cocktail attire’ category, and for laid back events, floral midi dresses, boho paisley midi dresses and monochrome midi dresses are all suitable.

Benefits of the midi dress

The midi dress length, falling between the knee and mid-calf, strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. It serves as an ideal choice for those occasions when you want more coverage than a short dress provides, yet prefer not to be encumbered by wearing a long dress that hits your ankles. Midi dresses offer a practical and stylish solution, allowing ease of movement and promoting ample airflow to the legs.

Regardless of height, midi dresses can be flattering, with tailored options enhancing the look on tall frames and cinched waist lines providing shape for those with a more petite stature. Midi dresses can be easily dressed up or down, depending on where you are heading to. For formal occasions, the right midi dress can slot into the ‘cocktail attire’ category, and for laid back events, floral midi dresses, boho paisley midi dresses and monochrome midi dresses are all suitable.

Midi dresses - Which sleeve length is best?

Midi dresses come with a variety of sleeve styles and lengths. The one you choose will depend on several factors, including the event, the weather, the look of the sleeve on you, and how you feel in the dress.

Let’s look at the different types of sleeves we commonly see on midi dresses, and why you might choose a particular sleeve type.

Cap sleeves

Cap sleeves are sleeves that extend only a short length over the shoulder, and don’t reach the armpit. Cap sleeves appear on both formal and casual midi dress styles. 

When to wear a cap sleeve: 

Cap sleeves are perfect during warmer weather, as most of the arm is exposed. Some people avoid a cap sleeve as it can accentuate the width of the upper part of the arm, or make you look like your shoulders are bigger than they are, but for those with more narrow shoulders or wider hips, a cap sleeve can balance out the look of your dress.

Bell sleeves

Also called peasant sleeves, a bell sleeve starts out narrow and flares out towards the end of the sleeve, creating the appearance of a bell. Bell sleeves end anywhere between the elbow and the wrist, and typically appear on flowy midi dresses, though this isn’t a strict rule. In some cases, you can find asymmetrical bell sleeves, with a long inner hem and short outer hem.

When to wear a bell sleeve:

Bell sleeves have the advantage of covering the upper shoulder (at a minimum), yet are open at the base of the sleeve. This means there’s plenty of air flow and you can move your arms freely. Bell sleeves add a floaty and feminine edge to your look, so look out for bell sleeve midi dresses if ‘feminine’ is what you’re going for. 

Butterfly and flutter sleeves

A similar shape to the bell sleeve is the butterfly sleeve, which has the same bell-like appearance, but ends around the upper bicep. 

Flutter sleeves are very similar to butterfly sleeves, with the key difference being that they are typically a bit shorter and wider, and drape loosely.

When to wear butterfly or flutter sleeves:

As butterfly and flutter sleeves cover the shoulders and expose most of the arm, you can be sure that you won’t feel restricted when wearing these types of sleeves. They are also a good option for warm weather, as they allow for ample air flow.

Puff sleeves

A puff sleeve is a short sleeve gathered at both the shoulder and the cuff, creating a puffy appearance. You’ll find puff sleeve midi dresses with varying amounts of fullness – some puffs appear subtle whilst others are very full and make a real statement. 

The puff sleeve originated in the renaissance period in Europe, where they appeared on the clothing of royals and gave off an appearance of extravagance and power. The puff sleeve we’re most familiar with is the ‘Juliet’ sleeve, named after Shakespeare’s famous character. It has a puff that starts at the shoulder and narrows at the elbow, with the rest of the sleeve fitted to the wrist.

Puff sleeves became popular at various periods during the 19th and 20th centuries, and are now a fashion staple – featuring in a range of dresses, regardless of trends.

When to wear puff sleeves:

Puff sleeves will forever give off romantic vibes, so if you’re going for a romantic look, opt for a puff. Remember, the bigger the puff, the bigger the fashion statement, so for a bold look, go big. If you want something a little more subtle, go for a sleeve with a puff design, but with less fabric in the puff.

Bishop’s sleeves

A type of puff sleeve, a Bishop’s sleeve has a consistent full volume throughout its length from the shoulder to where it cinches at the wrist. The effect is a puff that hangs low at the base of the arm.

When to wear a bishop’s sleeve:

A dress with a bishop’s sleeve gives off an air of elegance and is generally reserved for wearing to more formal occasions. As the weight of the sleeve hangs around the wrist, you don’t want to be wearing a bishop’s sleeve when doing practical tasks!

Lantern sleeve

A lantern sleeve is narrow at the top of the arm, and balloons out towards the bottom of the sleeve. Whilst most lantern sleeves are full length, some end at the elbow.

When to wear a lantern sleeve:

Lantern sleeves offer a narrow appearance at the upper arm, so if you have a broad frame and want to avoid volume around the shoulder, they are a good choice. However, their elegant shape flatters almost all body types.

Balloon sleeves

Very similar to the Bishop’s sleeve, the balloon sleeve is gathered at the shoulder and cinched at the wrist. Unlike Bishop’s sleeves, balloon sleeves concentrate their maximum volume around the elbow, gradually tapering along the forearm. This creates a rounder and more balanced shape than the Bishop’s sleeve. 

When to wear a balloon sleeve:

A balloon sleeve midi dress has an elegant charm and is suitable for both formal occasions and day wear. It’s a stylish look that makes a statement at almost any event!

¾ sleeve

A ¾ length sleeve covers approximately ¾ of the length of your arm, so stops midway between the elbow and the wrist. The advantage of a ¾ sleeve midi dress in the warm Australian climate is that it covers a good amount of the arm, but still keeps a part of the arm cool. A ¾ sleeve also doesn’t get in the way when you need to do practical things, plus, you can flash a gorgeous bracelet when wearing a ¾ sleeve. 

When to wear a ¾ sleeve:

A ¾ sleeve will most commonly be worn for daywear, but some evening midi dresses boast a ¾ sleeve. ¾ sleeves are a good choice if you want your arms to be a little covered, but don’t want the feeling of a sleeve cuff around your wrist. Some ¾ sleeves are actually a long sleeve with a button or press stud that enables you to roll the sleeve up to ¾ length when it suits. 

Long sleeve

A long sleeve midi dress has a sleeve that extends all the way from the shoulder to the wrist, and could include a number of the sleeve types mentioned above. A long sleeve creates a stylish and modest look. You can choose from breathable and cool fabrics, or thick and warm fabrics when buying a long sleeve midi dress – but choose according to the season and occasion.

When to wear a long sleeve:

A long sleeve midi dress is a good option in cooler weather, or on warm days when you don’t want to expose your arms to the sun.

Worried you can’t wear wrist jewellery with a long sleeve midi dress? You needn’t. Minimalistic bracelets often go well with stylish long sleeve midi dresses.

Midi dresses - Which sleeve length is best?

Midi dresses come with a variety of sleeve styles and lengths. The one you choose will depend on several factors, including the event, the weather, the look of the sleeve on you, and how you feel in the dress.

Let’s look at the different types of sleeves we commonly see on midi dresses, and why you might choose a particular sleeve type.

Cap sleeves

Cap sleeves are sleeves that extend only a short length over the shoulder, and don’t reach the armpit. Cap sleeves appear on both formal and casual midi dress styles. 

When to wear a cap sleeve: 

Cap sleeves are perfect during warmer weather, as most of the arm is exposed. Some people avoid a cap sleeve as it can accentuate the width of the upper part of the arm, or make you look like your shoulders are bigger than they are, but for those with more narrow shoulders or wider hips, a cap sleeve can balance out the look of your dress.

Bell sleeves

Also called peasant sleeves, a bell sleeve starts out narrow and flares out towards the end of the sleeve, creating the appearance of a bell. Bell sleeves end anywhere between the elbow and the wrist, and typically appear on flowy midi dresses, though this isn’t a strict rule. In some cases, you can find asymmetrical bell sleeves, with a long inner hem and short outer hem.

When to wear a bell sleeve:

Bell sleeves have the advantage of covering the upper shoulder (at a minimum), yet are open at the base of the sleeve. This means there’s plenty of air flow and you can move your arms freely. Bell sleeves add a floaty and feminine edge to your look, so look out for bell sleeve midi dresses if ‘feminine’ is what you’re going for. 

Butterfly and flutter sleeves

A similar shape to the bell sleeve is the butterfly sleeve, which has the same bell-like appearance, but ends around the upper bicep. 

Flutter sleeves are very similar to butterfly sleeves, with the key difference being that they are typically a bit shorter and wider, and drape loosely.

When to wear butterfly or flutter sleeves:

As butterfly and flutter sleeves cover the shoulders and expose most of the arm, you can be sure that you won’t feel restricted when wearing these types of sleeves. They are also a good option for warm weather, as they allow for ample air flow.

Puff sleeves

A puff sleeve is a short sleeve gathered at both the shoulder and the cuff, creating a puffy appearance. You’ll find puff sleeve midi dresses with varying amounts of fullness – some puffs appear subtle whilst others are very full and make a real statement. 

The puff sleeve originated in the renaissance period in Europe, where they appeared on the clothing of royals and gave off an appearance of extravagance and power. The puff sleeve we’re most familiar with is the ‘Juliet’ sleeve, named after Shakespeare’s famous character. It has a puff that starts at the shoulder and narrows at the elbow, with the rest of the sleeve fitted to the wrist.

Puff sleeves became popular at various periods during the 19th and 20th centuries, and are now a fashion staple – featuring in a range of dresses, regardless of trends.

When to wear puff sleeves:

Puff sleeves will forever give off romantic vibes, so if you’re going for a romantic look, opt for a puff. Remember, the bigger the puff, the bigger the fashion statement, so for a bold look, go big. If you want something a little more subtle, go for a sleeve with a puff design, but with less fabric in the puff.

Bishop’s sleeves

A type of puff sleeve, a Bishop’s sleeve has a consistent full volume throughout its length from the shoulder to where it cinches at the wrist. The effect is a puff that hangs low at the base of the arm.

When to wear a bishop’s sleeve:

A dress with a bishop’s sleeve gives off an air of elegance and is generally reserved for wearing to more formal occasions. As the weight of the sleeve hangs around the wrist, you don’t want to be wearing a bishop’s sleeve when doing practical tasks!

Lantern sleeve

A lantern sleeve is narrow at the top of the arm, and balloons out towards the bottom of the sleeve. Whilst most lantern sleeves are full length, some end at the elbow.

When to wear a lantern sleeve:

Lantern sleeves offer a narrow appearance at the upper arm, so if you have a broad frame and want to avoid volume around the shoulder, they are a good choice. However, their elegant shape flatters almost all body types.

Balloon sleeves

Very similar to the Bishop’s sleeve, the balloon sleeve is gathered at the shoulder and cinched at the wrist. Unlike Bishop’s sleeves, balloon sleeves concentrate their maximum volume around the elbow, gradually tapering along the forearm. This creates a rounder and more balanced shape than the Bishop’s sleeve. 

When to wear a balloon sleeve:

A balloon sleeve midi dress has an elegant charm and is suitable for both formal occasions and day wear. It’s a stylish look that makes a statement at almost any event!

¾ sleeve

A ¾ length sleeve covers approximately ¾ of the length of your arm, so stops midway between the elbow and the wrist. The advantage of a ¾ sleeve midi dress in the warm Australian climate is that it covers a good amount of the arm, but still keeps a part of the arm cool. A ¾ sleeve also doesn’t get in the way when you need to do practical things, plus, you can flash a gorgeous bracelet when wearing a ¾ sleeve. 

When to wear a ¾ sleeve:

A ¾ sleeve will most commonly be worn for daywear, but some evening midi dresses boast a ¾ sleeve. ¾ sleeves are a good choice if you want your arms to be a little covered, but don’t want the feeling of a sleeve cuff around your wrist. Some ¾ sleeves are actually a long sleeve with a button or press stud that enables you to roll the sleeve up to ¾ length when it suits. 

Long sleeve

A long sleeve midi dress has a sleeve that extends all the way from the shoulder to the wrist, and could include a number of the sleeve types mentioned above. A long sleeve creates a stylish and modest look. You can choose from breathable and cool fabrics, or thick and warm fabrics when buying a long sleeve midi dress – but choose according to the season and occasion.

When to wear a long sleeve:

A long sleeve midi dress is a good option in cooler weather, or on warm days when you don’t want to expose your arms to the sun.

Worried you can’t wear wrist jewellery with a long sleeve midi dress? You needn’t. Minimalistic bracelets often go well with stylish long sleeve midi dresses.

Overall tips when choosing sleeve types:

  • Consider your body shape when selecting a sleeve. If you have broad shoulders, certain sleeves may add the appearance of even more volume, which you may not want. For example a cap sleeve may appear to add volume around the upper arm. On the other hand, if you have narrow shoulders or wide hips and would like to balance out your look with more volume, styles like balloon sleeves work well.
  • On the topic of midi dresses in general, if you are of shorter stature, it’s a good idea to look for dresses that cinch at the waist as this will add shape, enhancing your overall look. Style your midi with shoes that are either nude or use clear material, as this will give the illusion of added height.
  • Consider the weather and the time of day of the event when choosing the sleeve. A long or tight sleeve might be perfect for a cool night, but for a day party in the sun, you might feel hot or restricted. Loose-cuff styles like bell, butterfly or flutter, or cap sleeves work well on hot days, as they allow for plenty of airflow to the underarms.
  • Consider the practicality of the sleeve type. Sleeves with fabric that hangs around the wrist are fine for formal occasions, but aren’t designed to wear during daily activities. If you’re someone who needs to get tasks done, then opt for a practical sleeve.
  • Trust your instincts when it comes to the look of the sleeve. Whilst a puff sleeve can make a real statement, if you don’t feel comfortable in it, or you feel like it looks too extravagant for your style, then choose an alternative. Similarly, if a butterfly sleeve looks too girly for your style, then opt for something a little bolder or neutral, like a cap sleeve.
  • Think about what outer layers you might wear with your midi dress, and whether they will work with your sleeve. The downside to some sleeves is they may not fit easily into cardigans or jackets. As you likely don’t want to stuff your sleeve fabric into your jacket, consider your outfit in its entirety before you opt for a particular type of sleeve. In some cases, a cape or shawl might work best with certain types of sleeves.

Overall tips when choosing sleeve types:

  • Consider your body shape when selecting a sleeve. If you have broad shoulders, certain sleeves may add the appearance of even more volume, which you may not want. For example a cap sleeve may appear to add volume around the upper arm. On the other hand, if you have narrow shoulders or wide hips and would like to balance out your look with more volume, styles like balloon sleeves work well.
  • On the topic of midi dresses in general, if you are of shorter stature, it’s a good idea to look for dresses that cinch at the waist as this will add shape, enhancing your overall look. Style your midi with shoes that are either nude or use clear material, as this will give the illusion of added height.
  • Consider the weather and the time of day of the event when choosing the sleeve. A long or tight sleeve might be perfect for a cool night, but for a day party in the sun, you might feel hot or restricted. Loose-cuff styles like bell, butterfly or flutter, or cap sleeves work well on hot days, as they allow for plenty of airflow to the underarms.
  • Consider the practicality of the sleeve type. Sleeves with fabric that hangs around the wrist are fine for formal occasions, but aren’t designed to wear during daily activities. If you’re someone who needs to get tasks done, then opt for a practical sleeve.
  • Trust your instincts when it comes to the look of the sleeve. Whilst a puff sleeve can make a real statement, if you don’t feel comfortable in it, or you feel like it looks too extravagant for your style, then choose an alternative. Similarly, if a butterfly sleeve looks too girly for your style, then opt for something a little bolder or neutral, like a cap sleeve.
  • Think about what outer layers you might wear with your midi dress, and whether they will work with your sleeve. The downside to some sleeves is they may not fit easily into cardigans or jackets. As you likely don’t want to stuff your sleeve fabric into your jacket, consider your outfit in its entirety before you opt for a particular type of sleeve. In some cases, a cape or shawl might work best with certain types of sleeves.

Next Blog:

Styling Tips & Tricks for Women's Blouses

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