Recently, we shared tips for plus size work clothes with you, an overview of what to wear to work. So, as promised and much requested, today we will go over your essentials for work, how to wear them, and tips when rounding out your workwear wardrobe!
Shopping for a work ensemble can be tricky, especially if you are just entering the workplace — whether you just graduated or you’re re-entering. Even if you are looking to spruce up your look, it is pretty easy to get lost in it all! So, before you go and buy all the trendiest pieces and items, let’s go over what things you should have in your closet!
Tips for Shopping Plus Size Work Clothes Essentials
The key to trying on your items is to see if they restrict movement, pull or tug at the seams, outline one of your body parts, or show too much leg or cleavage — leave it. If I can see the outline of your underwear, it is too tight. Get my point?
For plus size work clothes, lining allows your garments to lie on your curves without tugging or pulling and allows your body and curves to breathe comfortably. This is also a great alternative at times to slip or shapewear!
Depending on what you already have in your closet, it is always best to start with great neutrals for your work wardrobe. Black, navy, gray, and various shades of brown and tan will provide an excellent foundation for your ensemble. In addition, bold hues make great accent colors!
12 Plus Size Work Wear Essentials
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Women's Plus Size Soft Denim High Rise Wide Leg Patch Pocket Crop Jeans
Available in sizes 16W-26W.
Spring Time Florals Sleeveless Midi Dress – BloomChic
Available in sizes 10-30
By Anthropologie Shirting Parachute Jumpsuit
Available up to a 3X
Ponte Pull-On Straight Pant
Available in sizes 12-28 (regular, petite, short and long).
Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Ponte Pants 30 Inch - Black/Paeonia/Sanguine
Available in size 00-40
The Workwear Key Essentials Are:
- Blazer
- A-line dress
- Crips button up shirt
- Tailored Bottoms
- Sweater
- Comfortable Footwear
- Jacket
- LBD
- Jeans
- Skirt
- Jumpsuit
- Black Pants
Tips For Shopping For Workwear
Step out of your comfort zone. Wear bright colors and bold prints. Break up the color with a brown or black belt. Yes, you can wear a jumpsuit with a blazer and booties. Most online brands have a workwear category, so if you have uncertainties, don’t hesitate to look.
Talbots Woman is also also an excellent resource. Their clothes are not frumpy. Whatever they make in their straight sizes, the have it in plus. Their clothes are great quality & hold up very well after multiple wears.
Great article!
Thank you sooo much !!!
I go to talbots, ashley stewart, lany brant for jackets, Lafayette 128, j jill, nordstrom, lord &taylor. i am learning that the high waist pants are great! also pin stripes are heaven. just make sure it fits,not too lose or tight, put a cardigan if you have pants with no jacket.
Oooh i love me some Lafayette 148 too!!! I love that you are finding sooo many gems!!!
I third Talbots! It’s not the frumpy store we grew up with. Their clothes are good quality and they have sales often. Agree with grownandcurvywoman about the styles they offer– usually plus sizes are relegated to a small selection, but not at Talbots. I also rely on Nordstrom (I miss their Semantiks pants) and Macy’s for work wear. For jeans and casual wear, I like Lane Bryant. Agree with you on the lining– it makes clothes drape better and wear longer. A tailor is your friend– I’ve had clothes hemmed etc, but modified too (cowl necks are not my friend, and it’s easy to have them re-done to an asymmetrical neckline). Have found some gems in tops, jackets and accessories at TJ Maxx and Ross.
I completely forgot about them! Ugh! YESSSSS!!! LOL
This is a great post! (But, I guess I’m biased 🙂 Will definitely share with others. One of my first posts was actually a shopping guide – http://www.curvyceo.com/2011/09/13/back-to-basics-your-guide-to-finding-suiting-apparel/. I must admit that I haven’t really ventured into Lord & Taylor and Bloomie’s . . . I’m going to venture there soon, though 🙂
You have to visit!!! You will be a happy blogger that you did! It’s all about options!
Great advice. The tips are the perfect starting point for building a solid work wardrobe.
One piece of advice I give is to be wary of magazine layouts that feature career wear. Those suits tend to be a little more revealing than what the average corporate office will allow. I always give a literal “rule of thumb” when it comes to hem height. If the hem of your skirt falls higher than your thumb’s length above the top edge of your knee then the skirt may be too short for the office. Especially for curvier women (not using curvy in place of plus-size here) our hips and backsides can make a skirt rise a littler higher in the back and when we sit down our skirts (regardless of a woman’s size) will rise at least a couple of inches. If your skirt already is inching to mid-thigh, then when you sit down that skirt will be mid-thigh or a little higher.
I have seen many woman get passed over for promotions due to their style of dress. They get upset and say it shouldn’t matter. If you want to climb the corporate ladder and be more visible within your company then you need to present a professional and polished image that is representative of the company you work for. I need to stop because this is a topic close to my heart. lol
XOXOXOXO I missed this comment but thank you madame for sharing!
Love, love, LOVE this article! Thank you for acknowledging those of us that work in more traditional settings and can’t always rock some of the more fashion-forward styles frequently featured here. Sound advice for anyone and great references for future purchases. (P.S. – I’m still gutted that LOFT discontinued their plus line; it was fantastic resource for pear/hourglass friendly business casual pieces.)