We all have a body part that we find less than delightful; Nora Ephron, for example, feels bad about her neck. Summer is tough because hot weather often compels us to bare those parts we are less in love with, but that doesn't mean you should spend your vacation fretting about that one little bit of you.

If that worrisome bit is your upper arm, take heart; there are simple strategies for camouflaging the wattle that do not involve long sleeves and a cardigan sweater. Thank goodness.

The secret to making your arms look great is to think carefully about length (wait, wasn't that the secret to making your legs look good in shorts? Why yes it was! Funny that). Your inclination, if you are trying to camouflage a little extra on the upper arm, may be to go with a sleeve that falls to the elbow, but this rarely works; instead of hiding what concerns you, all that fabric makes your arms look shorter and wider. Opt for a sleeve that falls about halfway to your elbow, at the most.

Look at different sleeve shapes as well; a cap sleeve works well if you are fairly slim, while a kimono sleeve is good for wider shoulders. A little fluttery sleeve is a simple way to make a basic tee more feminine, but be sure to choose one that is in proportion to your size and shape; if you have small arms, go with a small ruffle, but if your arms are larger, look for a more substantial flutter.

Don't be tempted by sleeves that are the wrong size for your frame. A little sleeve over a big arm will make that arm look even bigger, which is precisely what we're trying to avoid. The same is true for the very big sleeve over the very thin arm. More than anything, proportion is what will make you look lean and chic, no matter what your size.

Instead of worrying just about that one wee little wobbly place on your upper arm (oh we all have one, admit it) look at the whole shape of your top or tee. Choose tops that fit well all over, and are the right shape for your body. Think about the neckline on your top -- the right neck will draw the eye away from your arms and toward your face, and really, isn't that where you want people to look? A V neck elongates your neck, while a scoop neck will widen your shoulders. Crew neck tees and tops are good on women with slim shoulders and small breasts, while a slight V shape works well for women with broader shoulders and wider chests.

Make sure that every top, no matter how dressy or casual, fits properly through the bust; a top that is straining over large breasts or flapping over small ones does nothing to make your arms look more sleek.

What if you really LIKE your arms and shoulders -- what then?  Go sleeveless, of course, but do it thoughtfully. A halter is one option, but it is one that works best if you have small breasts.  Also be wary of the halter/deep V neck combination; that's a little TOO much skin for a grown up woman.  Choose one part of your upper body to focus on, in this case, either shoulders or cleavage, but don't try to show off both.  A crew neck halter is a nice choice for day or evening, as is a racer back tank or tee.

Want more options?  A Mom in Red High Heels shows you how to work a tunic and capris.  Trisha at Omiru talkd you through what to wear if you've got heavy arms AND a tummy.  Sensational Image Consulting provides a comprehensive list of links to articles about concealing your arms.

Coming on Saturday: what to wear on the plane (no flip flops, please).

Susan Wagner writes about style at Fashion Find and The Working Closet, and about everything else at Friday Playdate. She hopes you will join her for the Fashion and Shopping Birds of a Feather session at BlogHer.