Being voluptuous and curvy, or having a plus size shape, shouldn´t stop you from dressing smartly and powerfully for work. Knowing what pieces will give your figure sleek definition is important in achieving a flattering, elegant and professional-looking outfit.
Here´s a list on what to look for in building your work wardrobe and in creating classic but with a hint of modern work outfits.
1. Blouses for Plus Size Women
Get the Look: 1) Plus-Size Contrast Trim Blouse, 2) Plus-Size Colorblock Top with Collar
It may be safe to grab a dark-colored top, especially if you´re busty, but you can also look great in white tops and button-downs with strategic dark vertical lines. Remember that visible vertical lines can make you look taller and slimmer.
Black trims and edgings which provide that attention-grabbing vertical line in the middle, as well as the black side panels, are strategic in making you appear twice smaller than your original size while still keeping your look light and fresh.
See: 7 New Ways to Wear Collared Button Down Shirt
2. Pencil Skirts for Plus Size Women
Get the Look: 1) Plus-Size Side Zipper Pleat Detailed Suit Skirt, 2) Calvin Klein Women’s Plus-Size Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts will forever remain the most powerful work essential for overachieving chicks. Thankfully, most pencil skirts for plus size women are made with comfort and chicness in mind. You may look for side pleat details for easy movement.
3. On Trend Skirts for Plus Size Women
Get the Looks: 1) Plus-Size Knee-Length Asymmetrical Front Zip Skirt, 2) Plus-Size Faux-Leather Pleated Skirt
Being plus size shouldn´t cause you to shy away from on-trend pieces as long as you know which ones will do you favor. For instance, it´s easy to assume that voluptuous women should entirely steer clear of full skirts.
Unless you have broad shoulders or an extremely visible pear shape, you can flatter your figure with knee length faux leather pleated skirt. This material does not balloon, and since it has slim accordion-pleats, it won´t add you weight. (Hint: Pleated skirts are back as trend this season.)
The asymmetrical front style of a knee length skirt is also perfect in breaking the attention from your width to your length. To maximize the effect, opt for sexy pointed toe pumps.
4 Flare Dresses for Plus Size Women
Get the Looks: 1) Plus-Size Sleeveless Belted Color-Block Dress, 2) Plus-Size Sleeveless Solid Flare Dress, 3) Plus-Size Belted Fit-and-Flare Dress
Flare dresses will make you look fresh, girly, and a bit flirty but in a respectable, professional way. But there are a few things to bear in mind – stick with the subtle flare skirt and the knee length. Also, it´s wise to go for dark solids or dark-colored monochromes.
See: The Perfect Work Outfits for Women with Big Hips
5. Wrap Dresses for Plus Size Women
Get the Look: 1) Essential Wrap Dress, 2) Plus-Size 3/4 Sleeve Cascade Wrap Dress, 3) Plus-Size Elbow Sleeve Houndstooth Print Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses are great in hiding your tummy. If you want to look sexy without displaying those unwanted love handles, wrap dress is the way to go. It´s also perfect if you have broad shoulders and thick arms because the V-neckline of the dress will highlight the shape of your face and elongate your neck.
6. Printed Dresses for Plus Size Women
Get the Look: 1) Blouson Jewel Neck Self Tie Dress, 2) Herringbone Print Dress, 3) Geo Lace Tennis Dress, 4) Cap Sleeve Color Block Stripe Dress
There are plenty of prints and patterns that will flatter a plus size shape; however, the good rule of thumb is to go for dark shades and fine prints and patterns.
Similar to the strategic style of your tops which I mentioned above, dark side panels will help to give you better shape. Plus size women are usually advised to opt for slim vertical lines, however, a horizontal print of dark slim lines trimmed well with black side panels will forge you an hour glass shape. This trick will work well if you don´t have an overly protruding tummy.
Don´t forget to use waist belts to define your dress. Opt for slim belts.
See: Which Body Shapes Look Great in Shift Dresses?
7. Pants for Plus Size Women
Get the Look: 1) Straight Long Pant, 2) Curvy Fit Gabardine Pant, 3) Wide Waist Bootcut Pant, 4) Slimming Panel Pant
When it comes to pants, you will benefit more from styles with built-in slimming features, such as slim panels and curvy shapes, and cuts that fit right.
High waistbands will avoid open gap at the back when sitting while thick waistbands will make your waist appear smaller. Unless you have an inverted triangle shape, opt for dark trousers.