How to Dress Professionally When You Are Plus Size
Dressing professionally is essential for making a good impression in the workplace, and feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear is vital.
Go for well-fitted, solid-colored clothing to dress professionally when you are plus-size. Accessorize with statement jewelry and invest in good shoes to complete the look. Dress for confidence and comfort, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find what works best for you.
I’ll share tips for dressing professionally when you’re plus size in this article.
From choosing suitable fabrics to accentuating your curves, there are many ways to look and feel your best in the office.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to refresh your wardrobe, these tips will help you put your best foot forward.
Essential Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Finding the right fit is critical when dressing professionally as a plus-size woman. Choosing clothes that flatter your curves, fit comfortably, and allow you to move freely is essential.
Dresses and Skirts
Regarding dresses and skirts, look for styles that cinch at the waist and flow over your curves. A-line and fit-and-flare styles are great options, as they accentuate your waist and flare out over your hips.
Avoid tight or loose styles, making you look frumpy or shapeless.
- Choose dresses and skirts made from structured fabrics like cotton or wool, as they will hold their shape and provide a flattering silhouette.
- Avoid clingy or stretchy fabrics, as they can highlight problem areas and make you feel self-conscious.
- Opt for knee-length or midi-length styles, which are the most versatile and appropriate for most professional settings.
Here are more tips about finding the appropriate skirt and dresses:
| Type of Skirt/Dress | Best for Plus Size Women |
|---|---|
| A-line Skirt | Flatters curves and creates a slimming effect |
| Maxi Dress | It flows away from the body and creates a flattering shape |
| Wrap Dress | Accentuates curves and defines the waist |
| Pencil Skirt | Hugs curves and creates a sleek silhouette |
| Empire Waist Dress | Flows away from the body and creates a flattering shape |
| Fit and Flare Dress | Accentuates the waist and flares out over hips |
| High-Low Skirt | Provides coverage while showing off legs |
Pants and Trousers
| Do: | Don’t: |
|---|---|
| Choose pants and trousers from structured fabrics like wool or denim, as they hold their shape and provide a flattering silhouette. | Opt for low-rise or skinny-fit pants, which can create unflattering bulges and draw attention to problem areas. |
| Look for styles with a high or a wide waistband, as they will create a smooth and streamlined look. | Choose pants with too many details or embellishments, as they can add bulk and distract from your overall look. |
Regarding pants and trousers, look for styles that fit well at the waist and hips, and have a straight or wide leg.
Straight leg styles create a streamlined silhouette, while wide leg styles balance out your curves.
| Type of Pants/Trousers | Best for Plus Size Women |
|---|---|
| Wide-Leg Pants | Flatters curves and provides comfort |
| Bootcut Jeans | Balances the body and elongates the legs |
| High-Waisted Trousers | Defines the waist and creates a sleek silhouette |
| Straight Leg Pants | It gives a trendy look and shows off ankles |
| Cropped Pants | It provides comfort and versatility |
| Joggers | Provides comfort and style |
| Leggings | It provides comfort and versatility |
Blouses and Shirts
Regarding blouses and shirts, look for styles that fit well at the bust and waist, and have a tailored or flowy silhouette.
Tailored styles create a polished and professional look, while flowy styles provide comfort and ease of movement.
- Choose blouses and shirts made from lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or silk, as they keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day.
- Opt for styles with exciting details like ruffles, pleats, or buttons, which can add visual interest to your outfit.
- Avoid styles with too many patterns or prints, as they can be distracting and overwhelming.
Here’s a table about finding the fitting blouses and shirts when dressing professionally for plus-size women:
| Type of Blouse/Shirt | Best for Plus Size Women |
|---|---|
| Button-Up Shirt | It provides coverage and can be dressed up or down |
| Wrap Blouse | Defines the waist and accentuates curves |
| Peplum Top | Flares out over hips and creates a feminine silhouette |
| Tunic Top | It lengthens the neck and provides a flattering neckline |
| V-Neck Blouse | It provides versatility and can be layered with a blazer or cardigan |
| Sleeveless Blouse | It provides comfort and creates a relaxed, professional look |
| Flowy Blouse | Provides comfort and creates a relaxed, professional look |
Remember, the most important thing when finding a fitting blouse or shirt is choosing something that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your skin.
Consider your workplace’s dress code and choose appropriate styles and colors accordingly.
Dressing for the Right Occasion
When dressing professionally as a plus-size woman, it’s essential to consider the occasion.
Whether attending a job interview or a business meeting, you want to ensure you look and feel confident in your outfit.
Here are a few tips for dressing for different professional occasions.
Business Professional Attire
Sticking to classic and timeless pieces is essential when dressing for a professional business environment.
A well-tailored suit is always a great option, but a knee-length skirt and blazer combination is also a great choice if you prefer something more feminine.
Ensure your clothing fits appropriately, and avoid anything too tight or loose.
Stick to neutral colors like black, navy, and gray, and avoid anything too bright or bold.
You can add a pop of color with your accessories, but keep it subtle. A classic pair of pumps or loafers will complete your look.
Business Casual Attire
You have more flexibility with your outfit choices for a casual business environment.
You can wear a dress or skirt with a blouse or a pair of dress pants with a sweater or blouse. Stick to classic and timeless pieces, but feel free to add some personality to your accessories.
Again, stick to neutral colors and avoid anything too bright or bold. You can add a pop of color with your accessories or shoes, but keep it subtle. A pair of comfortable flats or low heels will complete your look.
Here are additional tips:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Consider the cut. | Look for clothes that are cut to flatter your body shape. For example, A-line skirts can help balance out wider hips, while high-waisted pants can elongate your legs. |
| Pay attention to details. | Look for clothes with details that draw the eye upward, such as exciting necklines or statement jewelry. This can help create a focal point and distract from any areas you may be self-conscious about. |
| Don’t forget about accessories. | Accessories can help pull an outfit together and add a touch of personality. Look for statement pieces like bold earrings or a colorful scarf. |
| Embrace your style. | Don’t feel like you have to stick to traditional “professional” clothing if it doesn’t feel like you. Embrace your style and find ways to incorporate it into your work wardrobe. |
| Get inspiration from others. | Look to other plus-size individuals or fashion bloggers for inspiration and ideas. Seeing how others style their outfits can help give you ideas for your wardrobe. |
| Be confident. | Ultimately, the most important thing is feeling confident in what you wear. You’ll look good if you feel good – no matter your size. So don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things! |
By following these tips, you can ensure that you always look and feel your best in professional settings.
Remember, dressing professionally doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort – with the right fit, you can have both!
Choosing the Right Fabric
When it comes to dressing professionally, choosing the suitable fabric is just as important as selecting the right style.
As a plus-size woman, you want to opt for fabrics that flatter your curves and complement your body shape. Here are a few tips to help you choose the suitable material:
Structured Fabrics
Structured fabrics like tweed, jacquard, poplin, and more are perfect for creating a professional look. These fabrics have a stiffer feel and are less likely to cling to your body, giving you a clean and polished appearance.
Breathable Fabrics
Breathable fabrics like leather and silk keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day. These fabrics are also perfect for layering, creating a stylish and functional professional look.
Vertical Lines
Vertical lines and stripes are a great way to elongate your body and create a slimming effect. Look for clothes that have vertical lines or stripes, as they will help draw the eye up and down your body, creating a visually slimming effect.
Here are more tips to consider:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Look for stretch. | Fabrics that cling too much can be unflattering and draw attention to areas you may want to downplay. Look for materials with some structure, and don’t cling too much, like cotton or wool blends. |
| Choose natural fibers. | Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk can be more breathable and comfortable than synthetic fabrics. They also tend to drape nicely and can be more forgiving than stiffer fabrics. |
| Avoid clingy fabrics. | Different fabrics are better suited for different seasons. For example, lightweight cotton or linen may be more comfortable in the summer, while heavier wool or tweed may be better in winter. |
| Consider the season. | Different fabrics are better suited for different seasons. For example, lightweight cotton or linen may be more comfortable in the summer, while heavier wool or tweed may be better for the winter. |
| Pay attention to care instructions. | Make sure to check the care instructions for any fabrics you’re considering. Some materials may require special care, such as dry cleaning or hand washing, which can be inconvenient or expensive. |
| Don’t be afraid of prints. | Prints can be a great way to add some personality to your wardrobe. Look for prints proportional to your size – smaller prints may be more flattering than larger ones. |
| Try before you buy. | Try on clothes made from different fabrics to see how they feel and fit. Some materials may be more comfortable or flattering, so finding what works best is essential. |
Choosing the suitable fabric is about finding materials for your body type and style. You can create a stylish and flattering professional look with the right fabric.
Styling Recommendations for Plus-Size Women
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Balance your proportions | Consider wearing a V-neck top to create a more balanced silhouette if you have a larger bust. If you have wider hips, try wearing a top that flares out at the bottom to create a more proportional look. |
| Use accessories strategically | Ultimately, the most important thing is feeling comfortable and authentic. Don’t feel like you have to conform to traditional “professional” clothing if it doesn’t feel like you. Embrace your style and find ways to incorporate it into your work wardrobe. |
| Choose the right neckline. | Necklines can make a big difference in how a top or dress looks on you. For example, a scoop neckline can be more flattering than a crew neckline if you have a larger bust. |
| Opt for tailored pieces. | Tailored pieces can help create a more polished and professional look. Look for blazers, pants, and skirts that are well-fitted and flatter your body shape. |
| Don’t forget about undergarments. | Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and authentic about yourself. Don’t feel like you have to conform to traditional “professional” clothing if it doesn’t feel like you. Embrace your style and find ways to incorporate it into your work wardrobe. |
| Mix and match | Don’t feel like you have to buy a whole new wardrobe to dress professionally. Mix and match pieces you already own to create new outfits. |
| Be true to yourself | Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and authentic to yourself. Don’t feel like you have to conform to traditional “professional” clothing if it doesn’t feel like you. Embrace your style and find ways to incorporate it into your work wardrobe. |
Dos and Don’ts When Dressing Professionally
What to Avoid
As a plus-size woman, avoiding certain clothing items that can be unflattering or unprofessional is essential. For example, avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or too loose.
Clothes that are too tight will highlight your curves in a way that may not be appropriate for the workplace, while clothes that are too loose can make you look frumpy and unpolished.
Another item to avoid is clothing with bold patterns or bright colors. These can distract and draw too much attention to your body, which is not the goal in a professional setting.
Instead, opt for neutral colors like black, navy, and grey, which are timeless and professional.
Lastly, avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing. Showing too much skin can be seen as unprofessional and distracting to others in the workplace.
Stick to clothing that covers your shoulders and legs to ensure a polished and professional look.
What to Embrace
Certain items can enhance your look when dressing professionally as a plus-size woman. One item to embrace is the wrap dress.
A wrap dress is flattering on all body types and can hug your curves in all the right places. Opt for a neutral color and pair it with a blazer for a professional look.
Another item to embrace is the pencil skirt. A pencil skirt is a classic item that can be dressed up or down.
Pair it with a blouse and heels for a professional look, or dress it down with a sweater and flats for a more casual look.
Lastly, embrace clothing that fits you well. This is the most important aspect of dressing professionally as a plus-size woman.
Clothes that fit you well will enhance your curves flatteringly and make you feel confident and polished.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, ladies! Dressing professionally when you’re plus size doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Simple tips and tricks allow you to look and feel confident in the workplace.
Remember to focus on fit and comfort first and foremost. Don’t be afraid to invest in high-quality pieces that will last you for years.
And always keep in mind the importance of dressing for success; it is said that dressing professionally can lead to more opportunities and promotions in the workplace.
A professional look is perfect whether you prefer classic, tailored pieces or bold, statement-making outfits. And with the right attitude and confidence, you can rock any business with style and grace.
So go ahead and experiment with different styles, colors, and patterns. Mix and match pieces to create unique and exciting outfits. And most importantly, have fun with your wardrobe!
Thanks for reading, and I hope these tips have been helpful. Now go out there and show the world what a confident, stylish, and professional plus-size woman looks like!
Resources
Studies:
- “The Impact of Dressing for Success on Job Interview Outcomes” by Andrew R. Timming and David A. Swanson (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550614542346)
Organizations:
- Association for Women in Science (https://www.awis.org/)
Books:
- “The Curvy Girl’s Guide to Style: Finding Your Beautiful, Confident and Fashionable Self” by Nia Reed
- “Plus Size Fashion Guide: How to Dress for Your Body Type” by Jennifer Nicole
Websites:
- Dress for Job Interview Success – Ultimate Medical Academy (https://www.ultimatemedical.edu/blog/dress-for-success/)
