Plus-size business casual is about dressing professionally and comfortably for work.

It means wearing clothes that fit well and flatter your unique body. It’s important for everyone to feel confident and stylish at work, and that includes people of all sizes.  

Unfortunately, finding business casual clothes for plus size women can be tough. Stores might not have a wide selection, or the clothes might not be designed with curvy bodies in mind. This can make it harder to find outfits that look polished and professional without sacrificing comfort or style.

Understanding Business Casual

“Business casual” can mean slightly different things at different workplaces.

• Traditional offices: Dress pants or skirts, blouses, sweaters, and blazers.
• More relaxed offices: Neat dark jeans and more casual shirts.

Business casual for plus-size women is a balancing act. You want to look professional and put-together. You also want your own style to shine through. Maybe that means a cool necklace with your outfit, or fun shoes, or a blouse with an interesting pattern.

Having a versatile business casual wardrobe is super helpful! It means having a mix-and-match collection of clothes that can be dressed up or down depending on the day. That way, you’re ready for anything, from a regular day at the office to a meeting with a client!

Key Pieces for a Plus-Size Business Casual Wardrobe

Blazers and Cardigans

A blazer instantly elevates any outfit and makes you look more put-together. For a more relaxed option that still adds a layer of sophistication, go with a cardigan.

Finding the perfect fit for blazers and cardigans is similar to finding the perfect pair of jeans. It can take time, but the effort is worth it! Here are some tips to help you find that perfect fit:

• Shoulders: The shoulder seams should sit right at the edge of your shoulders. If they’re drooping down your arm or creeping up your neck, it’s not the right fit.
• Chest: You should be able to button the blazer comfortably without it pulling across your chest. Reach your arms forward – it shouldn’t feel tight or restrictive.
• Sleeves: Blazer sleeves should hit right at your wrist bone. For cardigans, this can vary depending on the style. Generally, you want them to hit at or around your wrist.
• Length: A classic blazer hits right around your hip area.
• Overall fit: Cardigans can be more relaxed than blazers. However, you still don’t want it to be too baggy or overwhelming. It should skim your body without clinging too tightly.

Finding the right fit can make a huge difference in how confident and comfortable you feel in your clothes. Don’t settle for anything less than amazing!

Tops and Blouses

When it comes to plus-size business casual tops, use breathable fabrics. Flattering cuts are also your secret weapons. They help you stay comfy and confident all day long!

Breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen let your skin breathe. This is very important for staying cool and comfortable. It’s especially crucial if you’re running around at work or if it’s a hot day. Nobody wants to feel sweaty and uncomfortable in a meeting

Tops with flattering cuts are designed to skim your curves nicely and highlight your best features. Empire waists cinch just below the bust and flow out, which can be really flattering. Anything with V-necks can elongate your neck and draw attention upwards. Draping can camouflage areas you might be self-conscious about and create a smooth silhouette.

The right fabric and cut can make a huge difference in how a top looks and feels. When you find tops that check both boxes, you will feel amazing. You’ll be ready to tackle anything your workday throws at you!

Some great options:

• Button-down shirts, these are classics for a reason! They look polished and can be dressed up or down.
• Blouses, a little more flowy and feminine than button-downs, but still professional.
• Knit sweaters are perfect for layering when it’s chilly, and they add a touch of coziness.

Pants and Skirts

Both pants and skirts can be dressed up or down with different tops. You can pair them with various shoes and accessories for business casual attire. This makes them versatile for any work situation.

Dress pants: Choose black, navy, or gray to start. The perfect length grazes the top of your shoe, without bunching up or showing your ankles. They should fit comfortably around your waist and hips, skimming your curves without being too tight or loose. Pay attention to the rise (distance between the crotch seam and waistband) and choose what feels best for you.

Skirts: Pencil, A-line, and midi skirts are all good choices, but the key is the right length for your workplace. Aim for around the knee. It should fit comfortably without being too tight, allowing you to move and sit easily. A-line skirts flatter most, while pencil skirts show off curves.

Dark wash jeans: Like dress pants, they should just touch the top of your shoe. Cuffs are fine if they’re not too bulky. The fit should be snug but comfy, and straight-leg or bootcut styles look more polished.

Dresses

Dresses are a fantastic option for business casual! They’re easy to throw on and can look instantly polished. Here are some versatile styles that work well:

• Sheath Dress: This classic style is fitted but not too tight, and it usually hits around the knee. It’s incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down with ease.
• A-Line Dress: This style is flattering on most body types. It’s fitted at the shoulders and gradually widens towards the hem. It’s comfortable and professional.
• Wrap Dress: A wrap dress cinches at the waist and creates a flattering silhouette. It can be adjusted to fit your body perfectly.
• Shirt Dress: This style looks like an elongated button-down shirt. It can be relaxed or more fitted, and often comes with a belt to define your waist.

Important Note: Always make sure your dress is an appropriate length and not too revealing for the workplace.

Styling Tips for Business Casual

Styling business casual outfits for plus size women involves finding clothes that make you feel confident. The outfits should also be comfortable while looking professional.

Accessorizing for a Polished Look:

• Statement Necklace: A bold necklace can instantly elevate a simple outfit.
• Earrings: Choose earrings that complement your outfit and face shape.
• Belts: A belt can define your waist and add a touch of style. Choose a belt that complements your outfit and shoes.
• Scarves: A lightweight scarf can add color and visual interest.
• Hosiery: In cooler weather, tights or stockings can add warmth and complete your dress look.
• Shoes: Depending on the formality of your workplace, you can wear flats, heels, or loafers with your outfits.

General Tips:

• Consider your body type: What looks good on one person might not look good on another. Pay attention to your own body shape and choose styles that flatter your figure.
• Try things on: When possible, try on clothes before you buy them, as sizes can vary between brands.
  • Move around: Don’t just stand still in the fitting room. Walk around, sit down, and bend over to make sure the garment feels comfortable and moves with you.
  • Check the back: Use a three-way mirror to check how the garment looks from behind. Make sure there’s no bunching, pulling, or gaping.
• Don’t be afraid to get things tailored. A tailor can adjust the length of your clothes. They can also alter the silhouette to achieve the perfect fit.

Having a mix-and-match wardrobe is key! If you have a few core pieces like blazers, pants, skirts, and blouses, you can create tons of different outfits. That way, you’ll always have something to wear. It does not matter if you have a big meeting or a casual Friday at the office.

Pieces like a basic white button-up shirt and blazers can be used for work, casual, and going out. It’s all about styling. Check out my styling guides to find ways to get the most out of your essential pieces.

Where to Shop Plus-Size Business Casual Clothing

Universal Standard:

If you’re looking for business casual clothes for plus-size women, Universal Standard is a great option. Their clothes are stylish and well-made. They offer a wide range of stylish and modern pieces that are perfect for the workplace. You’ll find plenty of options to create a versatile business casual wardrobe. These include classic trousers, chic blouses, and comfortable yet polished dresses. They truly cater to everyone, with sizes ranging from 00 to 40. This means you’re much more likely to find clothes that fit you perfectly.

Eileen Fisher:

If you appreciate a minimalist aesthetic and high-quality fabrics, Eileen Fisher is a great option. They also focus on sustainable practices for your plus-size business casual wardrobe. While Eileen Fisher offers plus sizes, their size range is more limited than Universal Standard.

Online Consignment Shops:

• Affordable Options: Consignment shops offer pre-owned clothing at a fraction of the original price. This makes it easier to build a business casual wardrobe on a budget.
• Sustainable Choice: Buying secondhand is a great way to reduce textile waste and minimize your environmental impact.
• Unique Finds: You can often discover unique and vintage pieces that add personality to your wardrobe.
• Popular Options: Check out sites like The RealReal, ThredUp, and Poshmark for a wide variety of plus-size business attire.

Additional Tips:

• Shop online and in-store: Explore both online and brick-and-mortar stores to find the best selection and fit.
• Don’t be afraid to tailor: A well-fitting garment makes all the difference. Consider having your clothes tailored for a perfect fit.
• Accessorize strategically: Use accessories to elevate your look and express your personal style.
• Invest in key pieces: Start with essential pieces like a well-tailored blazer, a classic sheath dress, and versatile trousers.

Key Takeaways:

• Quality matters: Invest in well-made clothes in high-quality fabrics.
• Fit is essential: Your clothes should fit impeccably.
• Keep it classy: Avoid anything too trendy, revealing, or distracting.
• Accessorize strategically: Choose accessories that enhance your look and convey confidence.

Confidence is key in the workplace. The right plus size business casual clothing can play a big role in how you feel. Choose pieces that flatter your figure, express your personality, and make you feel ready to conquer the day. When you walk into a room feeling confident and comfortable, you command attention and respect.