Gingham and sleeves is a combination that requires no justification. The print is perennially good, cheerful without being juvenile, structured enough in its geometry to feel considered rather than casual. Adding sleeves is where it gets genuinely interesting. A sleeve changes the whole register of a gingham dress, pulls it away from picnic and toward something more intentional. It also solves a very specific problem, which is that most occasions requiring a dress also involve air conditioning, a cool evening, or a venue where bare arms feel like too much. We have pulled together our favourite sleeved gingham dresses across different sleeve lengths and silhouettes because this particular combination does more work than it gets credit for. Puff sleeves amplify the charm of the print. Long sleeves in a fine cotton give it an almost heritage quality. Even a simple short sleeve changes the mood considerably. These are dresses that read as thought through rather than thrown on. Gingham with sleeves is not a compromise between warmth and style. It is the better version of both.