If you are still trying to master this thing called the work-week shuffle with your wardrobe, you are not alone. On the heels of the pandemic and the world, some of us have to return to the office and after 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. Seriously.
So, what is a girl to do? To wear? To manage through it all? She updates her plus size wear to work essentials.
Currently, Mother Nature cares nothing about what the weatherman said and will promptly change things up in a heartbeat. Seriously, the mornings can require a full coat and scarf and by lunch, you wish you had a decent pedicure, because you soooo badly want to throw on some sandals, to feel a slight breeze.
Now here is what we know, it doesn’t have to be this way. So, instead of reaching in the back of your closet and settling for last week’s same-old looks, why not reach for that new? That updated version of a power suit. That bold hued top?
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
Now, before we begin, there are a few things to know and remember… We have chosen a few of these looks for how fashion forward they are. If your office or your personal style does not fit our picks, no worries! These key items are still relevant and core to building up your plus size wear to work essentials.
1. The Power Suit
It was like all of the brands who 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 makes it’s 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 fabrication.
One thing great about this silhouette is the ability for 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 who 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.
Oh, and we are no longer relegated to just black leather jacket options! If your style and work permits, grab your plus size leather jacket in a new color, that is NOT black. Add a pop of color with your jacket!
Live life on the wild side… just a little bit!
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 it money’s worth in wear!
6. The Perfect Badass Tote
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?
This one, by Loud Bodies, goes up through a size 10X.
9. The Classic Flat
Yes, we all have a classic black pair of pumps (or we should… if not, a great work wear flat!) but what about a pair that add just a bit of interest, can be worn with a variety of options, and that are nice on our feet?
A block heel pump is where you will find a few more options to add a little style to your wear to work essentials! If you cannot do heels, then find you a great pair of fancy flats to add to your plus size wear to work essentials!
10. The Revamped Trench Coat
When it comes to pulling your plus size wear to work look all together, you definitely need to polish it all off with a great trench coat. Think fit, function, and fashion. Why not opt for a trench that makes a statement by itself.
Yes, you have your classic tans that make it all work, but why not a leather trench? Like this one in baby pink? You can also score this one in a bold yellow, if you are feeling a bit bold!
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’s a few places to shop for plus size wear to work essentials: Eloquii, Universal Standard, Ashley Stewart, Henning, and Pari Passu to get you started!
Which wear to work essential is your favorite?
I love the baby pink Cher Trench, it’s the perfect modern twist on an old classic. Serving up a conservative cut in a sweet hue.
How perfect would it be for those those desk-to-dinner dates?
But wait! My office is a bit more conservative….
Now, while you may not be comfortable with a few of these picks or 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 of where we picked our faves from, you will see that there are quite a few more picks that you could add to your wardrobe and hope is not lost!
