Is it inappropriate to wear a sleeveless dress to dinner?

Question

Someone told me NOT to wear a sleeveless dress to dinner, as it is too bare.

Is this true in etiquette. If so, why?

Answer 1

I don't think a dress or top being sleeveless is a reason for it being inappropriate. I don't think this is true etiquette. If so, then it is heavily ignored and outdated! I think seeing too much of one's chest is more inappropriate than their arms.  

Also, what is appropriate depends on what type of event and the people who will be there. But even if it is super-formal with important people, a sleeveless dress is not inappropriate.

Answer 2

I do not think that there would be anything wrong with that.  If this is a formal dinner, I would just make sure the style of dress matches the occasion.

Answer 3

Depends.  Where are you having dinner?  What does the dress look like?  

If you are going to a "fine dining" establishment, a sleeveless dress would look a bit too bare.  If you are going to Applebees, you can wear whatever you want.  

If you have a nice sleeveless dress you want to wear for a special dinner, try to find a nice little jacket to cover it with, and then when you get there, if you look around and have a sense that it would be appropriate to take the jacket off and hang it on the back of your chair, by all means do.

Keep in mind, many restaurants keep the air conditioning cranked in the summer to keep diners from getting too warm when they are eating, so the question of whether or not the dress would be appropriate may be less important than whether or not it would be comfortable.

Answer 4

ok it isnt bad to wear a sleeveless shirt i mean its not bad. if its pretty and you like it wear it if it makes you comforatble wear it. its what makes yo feel good. also it depends where you wear it at...like at an elegant restraunt then bring a light sweater along that matches it...

Answer 5

I don't think that's true.  There are plenty of black tie dinners that women wear strapless gowns all the time.  I have seen plenty of women in sleeveless/strapless dresses/gowns at dinner.  I have never been offended by it.

Answer 6

I personally don't go sleevless.  What kind of a dinner is it?  I think if you want to go sleeveless wear a sweater or carry a wrap to put around your shoulders.

Answer 7

Strapless evening gowns are for dances.  For a sit-down dinner, it's best to have a narrow dress with sleeves.

Answer 8

I guess it depends on where you are.  In a muslim country?  Definitely.  

In the US? Definitely not inappropriate.  Look around you at what cocktail dress style has been for the last 30 years -- sleeveless.

Are you getting advice from the nursing home?