If you are still trying to master this thing called the work-week shuffle with your wardrobe, you are not alone. Five years after the pandemic struck, the days of Zoom outfits still haunt the workwear of today. Like laying in loungewear and blouses for Zoom meetings, it may be time to revamp our plus size wear to work essentials.
For those of you who have been back in the corporate world, finding the ideal plus size suiting and wear-to-work options can be a struggle some days. No one is immune to these challenges! Even the most seasoned of us curvy bosses can fall victim to office outfit fatigue every now and again.
So, what is a girl to do? To wear? To manage through it all? She updates her plus size wear to work essentials!
Listen, we’ve gathered up 10 plus size wear to work essentials that you need to add to your closet that will have you dressed for success… and listen, a few are even under $100!
10 Must-Have Plus Size Wear to Work Essentials
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We have selected a few of these looks for their fashion-forward quality. If your office or personal style doesn’t fit our picks, no worries! These key items are still relevant and core to building up your plus size wear to work essentials.
Shop these links, and then read why they are the best of the best for the office!
10 Plus Size Summer Workwear options
No matter the season, you need a good pair of work pants!
Vests are perfect for summer!
Pencil skirts are always a summer office staple.
Switch things up by adding a mixed-media skirt into your rotation.
This dress is both chic and fun with the button detailing.
For a different take on a classic top, try this button-up that has a cutout in the back.
Though this jacket is not specific to summer, we all know how cold offices can get. Take this with you to work to stay stylish when the air conditioning is blasting.
For casual Friday this summer, try a culotte.
Wide-leg pants allow for breeze and ease.
Linen is always a must during the summer.
1. The Power Suit
It was like all of the brands that do plus size fashion realized (at the same time) that they have been forgetting the plus size professional.
But thanks to the demand and this realization, we now have a few more plus size suiting options to play in, with varied ways to make this look all yours. One thing that is key about having a go-to suit is the option to wear it together or break it apart to mix and match with the rest of your closet.
It is all about the versatility here, right?
2. The Updated Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts have made their way into the fall season with a purpose. With and without coordinating jackets, presented in various textures, and lengths (hello midi), the pencil skirt is here for the fall to make its own statement… trust us on this one!
You can match a plus size pencil skirt back to your blazer or layer a matching cardigan like the look above. Depending on your level of comfort, you can choose to have a longer length or a more elaborate fabrication.
One great thing about this silhouette is that pencil skirts can be worn so many ways, all depending on your mood and feelings. Paired back with a plus size bodysuit, you can take this skirt from day to night, seamlessly.
3. The Not So Classic Button Down Shirt
If your job allows for more of a creative expression, or you run your own business and set your own rules, then have a little fun with your classic button-down. If cold shoulder is not your style, then why not play with texture, sheer options, silhouettes, and prints!
Basically, you have more options than the white classic button-down. Thanks to the technological advances, we have more brands that are tackling the irritating gap that happens whenever we have a button-down sitting on top of our chest area.
4. The Classic Moto Jacket
Sometimes, work calls for something with a little more attitude, and a leather moto jacket gives us a few ways to make it our own. Layered over a sheath dress, paired with wide-leg trousers, or a midi pencil skirt, you have a brand new uniform.
5. The Wide Leg Pant
Whether cropped or to the floor, high-waisted wide-leg trousers are going to be a silhouette that will be everywhere. Expect to see defined waistlines, cropped and full-length options, in varying fabrications… even in denim!
Find your polished trousers and have a little fun with this style that will seamlessly take you from work to play. You could pair these with a button-up or your favorite plus size blazer, or even a leather moto jacket; it all depends on your style and needs.
This is a timeless wardrobe essential that will definitely get its money’s worth in wear!
6. The Perfect Badass Tote
Though not in the list above, we all need a great tote or carryall… but who said it has to be boring? Add a few metallic details, one that can transform from shoulder bag to a capacious tote, and you are ready to take on the day.
7. The Cozy All-in-One Cardigan
The tried and true cardigan is one that you will need to add to your plus size wear to work essentials. You know, one that you always keep in your car or at your desk? The cardigan that is a catch-all for any and everything?
If you are going to have fun with your cardigan, get one that is inspired by the fun, graphic motifs that dominated the runways. The fun thing about cardigans? You can get one that doubles as a dress. A longer cardigan also pairs well with other items that work outside of work, too.
8. The Chic Little Work Dress
There are more than a few ways to update your classic black sheath. Why not opt for a few fun shades of navy? Who says that your chic work dress HAS to be Black? Sure, black is a great go-to, but what about other options?
9. The Classic Vest
Vests may be more risque depending on your office dress code, but when it’s hot and sunny outside, they can be more of a realistic option. You can always throw up on a baby tee underneath to cover your shoulders if need be, and still be just as stylish.
10. Perfect Linen
When it comes to pulling your plus size wear to work look altogether, you can always polish it up in summer fashion with linen. Think fit, function, and fashion. Why not opt for a color that makes a statement by itself?
Yes, you have your classic tans that make it all work, but why not orange linen? Like the one in the listicle?
I guess you can say goodbye to the same old office pieces and kick your workwear up a notch! Put these key items on your gotta-have-it agenda. No more boring skirts and trousers for you! Thanks to how plus size designers and retailers have been innovating and listening… we have options!
Here are a few places to shop for plus size wear to work essentials: ELOQUII, Universal Standard, and Ashley Stewart, to get you started!
Which wear-to-work essential is your favorite?
But wait! My office is a bit more conservative….
Now, while you may not be comfortable with a few of these picks, they may not work in your work environment. What you do have is a reference point of where to look!
If you take a look at the websites from which we picked our faves, you will see that there are quite a few more picks that you could add to your wardrobe, and hope is not lost!
