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There have been exceptions to these so-called rules, of course. Former first lady Michelle Obama wore sleeveless dresses to several State of the Union addresses inside the House chamber.

—K.D., Charlotte, N.C. A: Sleeveless and backless dresses have been confounding women of all ages—when designers began pushing winter sheath dresses without sleeves in recent years.

Kathy Braga, of St. Paul, will take a different route for her two daughters. “Sleeveless Easter dresses, no way — not even with a sweater. I still think it looks too cold,” Braga says.