Believe it or not, some people still think plus-size ladies appear to be less professional than others.
EXCUSE ME? That’s discrimination!
And speaking of those big clothing brands, I’d really expect their workwear to be more plus-size friendly with stretchy fabrics and flattering cuts.
While the world is crazy, ladies, we shall not surrender.
Guess what, you can rock business casual without sacrificing your comfort and style.
So here you go – 8 styling tips and 29 outfits if you wonder how to dress professionally as a plus size.
Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER:
The truth is, we are all perfect imperfections.
You want to learn these outfit hacks ONLY if you feel like it but are not pressured by others. Remember, we never have the need to “fix” our bodies!
You don’t have to be pretty like HER, you can be pretty like YOU.
And believe it or not, there’s still NOT ENOUGH plus-size content around Pinterest and other places on the internet …at all.
So ladies, before reading the tips, please help pin the pin below & support plus-size ladies ♥!
1. FLATTERING AND PROFESSIONAL IN PEPLUM TOP
I truly think the peplum top is a godsend for plus-size ladies.
Featuring the flared stripe around the high waist area, it just hugs your curves in the right place and makes you look flattering and put together.
Whether you team it with dress pants or a pencil skirt, you just look professional – without sucking your tummy all day long!
Get this forgiving peplum dress on Amazon ( 8 colors +)
Together with a nice pair of pointy heels, this look is such a dream.
2. GET A WELL-FITTED BLAZER TO LOOK SMART
As a no-brainer, nothing makes you look more professional than a suit.
That said, there’s a HUGE difference between an oversized blazer and a well-fitted one.
The former one is more of a casual stylish piece you’ll wear on Friday night while the latter one will make you look poised and give you a confidence boost.
I know many plus-size girls have a hard time finding the right blazer, at the end of the day, they have no choice but to go for the oversized one instead.
Guess what, others can tell the difference.
If you want to elevate your workwear style, get your oversized blazer tailored as they just carry you differently.
You can literally wear the blazer for 10 years or more – it’s a failproof investment!
3. PICK STRUCTURED FABRIC TO HOLD THE SHAPE
To finish off a professional look, structured fabric plays a major role here.
Instead of picking soft fabric like cotton and linen that gives off a casual, baggy look, think sturdy fabric like tweed, jacquard, poplin, and more.
These fabrics will make you appear to be trustworthy and high-class.
The best part? They are strong enough to sculpt the best figure for you.
Whenever I wear my tweed pencil skirt, it just camouflages my belly like magic.
I just can’t live without it now.
Another amazing look is a long tweed jacket.
It just smoothens out the midsection in the most perfect way.
4. WEAR PROFESSIONAL DARK HUES WITH A DASH OF FUN
Black, navy blue, grey, and brown are the classic work attire shades as dark hues, in general, symbolize authority and certainty.
But does wearing dark hues have to be boring? Not at all!
Instead of wearing an all-black dress that looks really dull, get experimental with all different patterns and shades for a happy balance.
For example, a grey Ponte sheath dress with two straight black lines on the side just contours the waist area perfectly.
With the right picks, dressing professionally doesn’t have to sacrifice your personal style!
Achieving an hourglass just can’t be any easier.
It’s sad that even today, there is still not enough plus-size fashion content. Yup, insane right?
Whether you are part of the plus size group, please can I borrow you 1 minute to hover and share this pin below? 💗
THANK YOU FOR PINNING and spreading more plus-size content on the internet! Bless you ♥
5. OPT FOR A THIN BELT AS A PLUS SIZE
Needless to say, a belt is always helpful to dress you up and entice your curves.
By defining the waist area, you can enjoy the leg elongating effect as well.
If you’re plus size and petite, avoid wearing the thick belt as that will draw eyes to the center of your body and make you look shorter visually.
Instead, go for the thin belt or chain belt that helps shed off the bulkiness.
6. PAPER BAG PANTS FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT
Alright, now let’s talk about the tricky part – pants.
It’s a real headache to find the right pair of pants that look professional and shall I say – not suffocating – at the same time.
Among all types of pants, I find success in paper bag pants.
Featuring a scrunchy waist and loose-fitting around the wardrobe, paper bag pants are versatile and super forgiving with comfort.
Together with a mock neck blouse and nude heels, this is how you stay on point for a business casual look.
As for another perfect alternative, I’d say dress pants and pencil dresses with thick elastic waistbands are the staples for your workwear closet.
I forgot where I bought my pants but for my pencil dress, I bought it from Amazon here.
Check out the reviews here and I’m sure you’ll be sweetly surprised!
7. CREATE AN ELONGATING ILLUSION WITH AN ASYMMETRICAL DESIGN
Well, surprise surprise, the asymmetrical top can create an elongating illusion and serve you right.
I know many plus-size ladies love wearing tunics or long shirts to cover their belly area.
Guess what, the wrap dress is super tummy flattering for plus-size bae.
While this is workable, in some cases, it can look slightly baggy and be less professional.
That said, the upward symmetrical line just naturally draws eyes vertically and promotes the figure’s elongating effect.
This is my favorite hack to look sharp and sleek, try it out!
Of course, the same goes for the skirt.
From shoulder line to top to dress, asymmetrical cutting is always flattering so have fun playing with the combos!
( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ MY APRIL PICKS !! ʕ•̬͡•ʔ
(Continue scrolling for the article!)
8. MATCH THE COLOR OF YOUR BOTTOMS AND HEELS
Alright ladies, let’s talk about the heels.
Instead of wearing round-toe and open-toe shoes, nothing quite beats a pair of close-toed pointy heels for a business lady look.
Besides looking sophisticated, the pointy V-neck just elongates your legs visually so you don’t wanna miss that.
To maximize the effect, team your pants and the heels with the same shade to look even more put-together.
When in doubt, dress the look with a similar color tone so again, you can enjoy the figure-extending effect from head to toe!
Other shoe tips:
- No thick strap heels as this will visually cut the ankle area and make your legs look thicker
- Heel Protectors to avoid dry cracked feet
- Loafers can be a great option if your workplace is less formal
❤️ 2024 Update ❤️
I’ve finally started my LTK account @hannahndreams and I just created a post dedicated to plus size baes.
The dresses that I’ve picked tick all the boxes below. (In case you want something extra forgivinggg)
- ✅ Showcase the feminine neckline
- ✅ The ruching details hide the belly
- ✅ Asymmetrical hemline draws the eye upward and elongates the legs visually
I’ve also included my hidden gem – a peplum belt from Walmart. Check out my post here & please follow for more styling tips❤️!
Love you girls!!
This is so random… BUT
hey ladies, why not quickly do an affirmation and feel instantly better?
This new year, I’m trying not only to share fashion tips but come up with ways to instill body positivity in all women who are reading my articles – aka YOU!
Instead of just reading it, say it loud or murmur the quotes (if you are in public) to maximize the effect.
Ready? Here we go.
I love my body. She is my forever home and sanctuary.
Sassy isn’t a shape, it’s an attitude.
Work out because I love my body – not because I hate it.
I can love myself and change my body at the same time. No guilt about that.
It is completely normal to have tummy rolls. I come to realize that social media isn’t showing the reality… at all.
My happiest moments in life had nothing to do with the way my body looked.
I don’t have to be pretty like her, I can be pretty like …ME.
I AM perfect imperfection.
What are your thoughts on that? I hope that makes you feel better (as you deserved).
Please help me pass the body positivity message in your community. #womenhelpwomen
Alright, now keep on reading!
9. Professional look with style
I come across this pin and want to share it with you, ladies!
The style is the absolute BEST.
Watch it now.
Here are my handpicked tops and dresses (for both date night & work) for my plus-size base!
They are all tummy-flattering and have with forgiving fit. Heart “❤️” some of the dresses for price drop later!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
So here are the 9 styling tips and 29 outfits if you wonder how to dress professionally in a plus size.
Whether that’s an interview or a business casual look, these tips will work wonders.
All you need is to mix and match your own pieces to create your personal style!
Seriously ladies it’s unbelievable that weight bias is still a thing in the workplace.
It’s really upsetting as the shape of your body has nothing to do with the level of professionalism.
If you want to spread this message as well, please kindly pin it so more ladies can come across these tips! Thanks and hugs
Let’s have a quick recap first:
- Flattering and professional in a peplum top
- Get a well-fitted blazer to look smart
- Pick structured fabric to hold the shape
- Wear professional dark hues with a dash of fun
- Opt for the thin belt as a plus-size
- Paper bag pants for maximum comfort
- Create an elongating illusion with an asymmetrical design
- Match the color of your bottom and heels
By the way, if you are interested in more styling tips, I’m sure you will find the articles below useful! See you there ladies!
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