So you work in an office, you are curvy and you want to look good but don’t know where to start? This can seem like a daunting task when you feel like your options are limited because of your size. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way! Whether you are just starting to build your business wardrobe or looking to refresh your existing one, these plus size workwear essentials will help you look great and feel confident at the office so that you can get through the day with flying colors!
My Favorite Pants
I’m currently obsessed with plus size black skinny jeans from Torrid. They aren’t super stretchy, so I recommend sizing up if you have curvy hips and thighs. They keep my legs looking long in short dresses and skirts, too! The low-rise fit isn’t too low for me (they sit just below my belly button), but I can see how it might be an issue if you have a more rounded tummy than I do. These pants are also great for petite women—I’m 5′ tall and they come to about mid-calf on me. Another pair of pants that are always on rotation are these incredibly soft gray leggings from Lane Bryant. They have a lot of give in them, which is perfect because they make your legs look slimmer without squeezing into unflattering places like some other brands tend to do.
Basic Black Tee's
Every woman should have at least one black tee she can call her own, so invest in a couple. Black tees work well with most pants and can be dressed up or down depending on your need. Shop around to find a shirt that fits you well and is made of quality material to make sure it lasts. While basic black tees are great, it's also fun to add some variety. Find a few different styles and patterns that you love—maybe they're all striped or they each feature a fun graphic—and mix them into your wardrobe rotation. This way, you'll always have something new to wear without having too many options to choose from when getting ready in the morning.
My Favorite Jacket
Levi’s Fit Guide – If you don’t know what your measurements are, take a tape measure and make a note of: Waistline, Hips (this should be biggest measurement), chest, upper arm circumference (right under your armpit). This gives you 4 measurements. Depending on how loose or tight fitting you want to be. You can also go to your local store and have them measure you there with their sizing guide. Your goal is to get a size that matches all 4 measurements. I personally like my jackets big so I normally get one size bigger than my actual waist measurement in order to get that baggy look. So if I was 40 inches around my waist I would probably get 42-44 inch size jacket just depending on how much room I wanted it to have but that is just me personally! Good luck!
Dresses & Skirts
If you're looking to work in a skirt or dress, a long-sleeved shirt, cropped jacket or blazer, and some tights should do it. But if there's one piece of workwear that really takes care of a lot of your styling needs, it's a well-cut dress. It can be worn with flats or heels; layered with a cardigan and scarf; accessorized with jewelry; worn on its own as an after-work cocktail dress. The options are truly endless—and remember: You'll never look overdressed when you wear something you feel great in! 2. Choose High-Quality Pieces: Instead of buying lots of cheap stuff from different stores, spend more money on fewer pieces that are higher quality. This is especially true if you're investing in business attire. 3. Be Comfortable: Don't sacrifice comfort for style—especially not at work! Make sure everything fits properly and feels good against your skin. 4. Invest in Your Best Pair of Shoes: Some women swear by high heels all day every day, but most agree that comfy footwear is a must. Try going for height with wedges instead of stilettos, because they offer support without sacrificing mobility. 5. Wear Something Tailored to Your Body Type: Take advantage of tailoring services like those offered by Stitch Fix or Trunk Club (they take your measurements and choose clothes based on them). There's no shame in having clothing altered by professionals.
Blouses & Tops
The key to plus size workwear is versatility. Wearing clothes that can be easily worn in multiple settings and used over a long period of time is ideal. Button up shirts are an excellent choice, especially those with feminine details like ruffles or fun patterns. Tops should also have a bit of structure to them so they’re not too baggy, but they shouldn’t hug your body either. It’s important to wear tops that aren’t too tight as it will make you look larger than you actually are. A good rule of thumb is if you can pinch more than two inches around your stomach when wearing a top, it’s too tight! Plus size tops can range from $20-$80 depending on how trendy they are. Stick to solids and simple designs; prints tend to overwhelm curvy figures and make them appear even bigger.
In addition, stay away from horizontal stripes; vertical stripes tend to elongate your figure instead of widening it.
Boots, Shoes & Sandals
Boots and shoes are still important, especially in colder months when you need your feet to stay warm. Luckily, there are lots of brands offering boots and shoes in bigger sizes that will keep your toes warm while adding a pop of style to any outfit. However, if you’re looking for something more formal or less expensive, sandals can be another great option—and you can also find them in plus sizes. Whether you’re looking for flats, heels or wedges, it’s easy to find styles that fit well and look polished. Just make sure they aren’t too high; it might seem like a good idea at first because of their added height (and resulting confidence boost), but wearing high heels all day is not only uncomfortable but can actually cause foot problems over time.
My Favorite Bag
Every woman has a favorite bag. It’s not always about price or quality—it’s about what looks best and feels most comfortable. I love my Kate Spade satchel because it’s classy, gorgeous, and provides me with plenty of space to carry all my essentials—not to mention how chic it makes me feel! If you have a favorite bag, tell us why you love it so much in your post. If you don’t have one yet, tell us which style is your top pick and why! Your must-have bag should complement your outfit but still be functional. Be sure to consider where you will be wearing it (e.g., at work or on weekends) when choosing a purse that matches your lifestyle and wardrobe needs. Here are some other considerations: 1) How many pockets does it have? 2) What color do you like? 3) What material is durable enough to withstand everyday use? 4) Does it match everything in your closet? 5) Is it versatile enough to go from day to night? 6) Is it easy to clean if you spill something on it? 7) Is there room inside for your wallet, phone, keys, lipstick and more? 8) Will you wear it every day if you buy it? 9) Do you want something trendy or classic? 10) Are you willing to spend money on it? 11) Can you afford it? 12) Where can you find it? 13) Which style fits your body type best? 14) Which size fits comfortably over your clothes without being too tight or too loose around your waist, shoulders and bust line? 15) Which brand offers a good return policy in case anything goes wrong with the item while you own it? It's almost summer here so bring out that fashionista you have been hiding.