Plus size workwear

It’s that time of year when many of us are heading back to work, or maybe starting a new job (or looking for one), so it’s time to talk about officewear. As you know, I work from home (sometimes in my pyjamas) and I work in a creative industry rather than a corporate one, so even when I have meetings I don’t need to dress in the same way as someone who is in an office all the time. I do love helping other people find clothes they feel confident in though, and I’m pretty adept at browing the shops for clothing options, so let’s talk plus size workwear.

There are loads of different dress codes when it comes to office outfits – some people have to have their shoulders covered; some must wear a suit; some can be as out there as they like. Then there’s the combos of what you want to wear – are you a blouse and tailored trousers person, do you prefer a skirt with a top, a blazer, a matching suit, a dress, with stockings or without? I’ll group the things I’ve found into categories and then you can mix and match your faves from there.

TOPS

Blouses, button down shirts, tunics, shell tops, button ups … you can wear them alone or pair them with a cardigan or blazer, match them with trousers, a skirt or perhaps even culottes. Some of the things I think it’s important to look for are comfort, a good range of movement (it’s very important to be able to move around without feeling restricted), and fabric that feels nice on – you’re going to be wearing them for a whole day after all! Even if you’re going for a classic style top or plain black/white, you can still bring in interesting details with different fabrics, textured detail, buttons or even cufflinks.

Row 1 L-R: ASOS CURVE Top with Buckle Detail & Pocket, $65.56 from ASOS; ASOS CURVE Oversized Smart Cotton Shirt in Stripe with Curved Hem, $61.19 from ASOS; ASOS CURVE Blouse in Mono Heart Print, $69.93 from ASOS; ASOS CURVE Shirt in Zebra Print, $54.63 from ASOS; ASOS CURVE Longline Shirt in Stripe with Eyelet Detail, $78.67 from ASOS. Row 2 L-R: Manon Baptiste Pussy Bow Blouse, AUD $162.99 from navabi; navabi Striped Shirt, AUD $258.99 from navabi; Eterna Spot Blouse, AUD $143.99 from navabi; Frapp Printed Blouse, AUD $74.99 from navabi; Eterna Stripe Print Shirt, AUD $112.99 from navabi. Row 3 L-R: Sara Printed Layer Tunic, $79.99 from EziBuy; Sara Bell Sleeve Top, $25.00 from EziBuy; Sara Ruffle Knit Top, $35.00 from EziBuy; Sara Crossover Top, $59.99 from EziBuy; Sara V Neck Tee, $39.99 from EziBuy. Row 4 L-R: Tie Waist Button Up with Bustier, USD $62.90 from Eloquii; Fall in Love Top, $79.99 from City Chic; Asymmetrical Pleated Top, USD $49.90 from Eloquii; Ruffle Front Button Down Blouse, USD $64.90 from Eloquii; V-Neck Swing Tank, USD $34.95 from Lane Bryant. Row 5 L-R: Fly Away Shirt, $94.50 from Catherines; No-Iron Shirt, $133.10 from Catherines; Pink Eyelet Flute Sleeve Shirt, £25.20 from Evans; Hearts Afire Buttonfront, $94.50 from Catherines; Geranium Print Dolman Sleeve Top, $99.90 from K&K

TROUSERS

Do you go for plain black trousers or something a little more lively? Don’t be afraid of stepping outside the box with colour or style – a classic white button up can be the perfect partner for a bold pair of pants.

Row 1 L-R: Sara So Slimming Stretch Pant, $39.00 from EziBuy; Sara Cotton Sateen Stretch Pant, $45.00 from EziBuy; Sara Bengaline Long Zip Pant, $59.99 from EziBuy; Sara Workwear Pant, $69.99 from EziBuy; Sara Dry Knit Culotte, $79.99 from EziBuy. Row 2 L-R: ASOS CURVE Tailored Dogtooth Longer Length Culotte, $87.41 from ASOS; ASOS CURVE Tailored Soft Fluted Pant, $76.48 from ASOS; Fashion Union Plus Check Pants With Paperbag Waist, $69.93 from ASOS; Super Stretch Kick-Flare Pant, $44.99 from Autograph; Super Stretch Pant; $44.99 from Autograph. Row 3 L-R: Allie Tailored Stretch Wide Leg Pant, USD $69.95 from Lane Bryant; Allie Ankle Pant, USD $69.95 from Lane Bryant; Lena Tailored Stretch Straight Leg Pant with T3 Technology, USD $44.99 from Lane Bryant; Ponte Trouser Pant, USD $59.95 from Lane Bryant; Striped Ankle Pant by GLAMOUR X LANE BRYANT, USD $49.99 from Lane Bryant. Row 4 L-R: Wide Leg Marina Pant, $109.90 from K&K; Wild Child Formal Pull-On Pant, $79.99 from Farmers; Wild Child Linen Wide Leg Stripe Pant, $99.99 from Farmers; Pull On Ponte Pant, $89.90 from K&K; Yourself Luxe Essential Full Length Pant, $69.99 from Farmers. Row 5 L-R: Button Detail Straight Leg Pant, USD $84.90 from Eloquii; Wide Leg Button Culottes, USD $89.90 from Eloquii; Pinstripe Trouser, USD $89.90 from Eloquii; Kady Fit Brocade Pant, USD $94.90 from Eloquii; Kady Fit Floral Brocade Pant, USD $94.90 from Eloquii

SKIRTS

Midis, maxis, a line, pencil skirts; plain, print or patterned? You don’t have to just stick to black and white, let your office attire express your personality while you work!

Row 1 L-R: Atmos&Here Curvy Malia Jersey Pencil Skirt, AUD $29.95 from The Iconic; Sara Basque Panel Skirt, $49.00 from EziBuy; Woven A-Line Skirt with Pockets, USD $69.00 from ModCloth; Alison Dominy Karen Pleated Faux Leather Skirt, AUD $150.00 from The Iconic; ASOS CURVE Jersey Pencil Skirt, AUD $20.00 from ASOS. Row 2 L-R: Breathtaking Tiger Lilies Midi Skirt, USD $22.97 from ModCloth; Atmos&HereCurvy Coco Ruffle Skirt, AUD $54.95 from The Iconic; Sara Ruffle Skirt, $49.00 from EziBuy; Button Hem Pencil Skirt, USD $89.90 from Eloquii; ASOS CURVE Prom Skirt with Scallop Hem, AUD $60.00 from ASOS. Row 3 L-R: Polished Pleated Midi Skirt, USD $69.00 from ModCloth; EVANS Ruffle Hem Skirt, AUD $69.95 from The Iconic; ASOS CURVE High Waisted Pencil Skirt, AUD $36.00 from ASOS; Joyful Skirt, $99.99 from City Chic; Pleated Midi Skirt, USD $69.90 from Eloquii. Row 4 L-R: Ikebana for All A-Line Midi Skirt, USD $69.00 from ModCloth; Kate Midington Skirt, USD $35.99 from Society+; Printed A-Line Skirt with Piping, USD $79.90 from Eloquii; Mellie Super Stretch Ruffle Skirt, USD $17.99 from Society+; Sara Metallic Pleat Skirt, $35.00 from EziBuy. Row 5 L-R: Sara Midi Skirt, $69.99 from EziBuy; Prim Class Hero Midi Skirt, USD $65.00 from ModCloth; Tweed Fit and Flare Skirt, USD $89.90 from Eloquii; Twirl Maxi Skirt with Pockets, USD $41.99 from Society+; Sara Midi Stripe Skirt, $69.99 from EziBuy.

DRESSES

Dresses are my go to office attire because they’re a “one and done” outfit. No matching tops with bottoms, just throw on one piece (and maybe some stockings if it’s cold) and you’re good to go. Keep an eye on your necklines and necklines as I find that some dresses can be quite low cut or have shorter hems that I’d like for the office.

Row 1 L-R: Aria Tie Dress, USD $98.00 from Kiyonna; Vintage Veronica Dress, $109.99 from City Chic; Fiesta Print Overlay Dress, $129.99 from Autograph; Don’t Be Cruel Maxi Dress, AUD $199.00 from Harlow; Closet London Plus Kimono Sleeve Skater Dress, AUD $119.00 from ASOS. Row 2 L-R: Sara Drape Wrap Dress, $89.00 from EziBuy; Ballet Tie Dress, $149.99 from City Chic; Atmos&Here Curvy Faith Pencil Dress, AUD $69.95 from The Iconic; Aster Dress, $109.99 from City Chic; Valerie Pleated V-Neck Dress, USD $59.99 from Society+. Row 3 L-R: Bell-Sleeve Scuba Sheath Dress, USD $99.95 from Lane Bryant; The Power Wrap Dress, USD $89.99 from Society+; Hell Bunny Nicky Dress, $109.00 from Two Lippy Ladies; Closet London Plus Structured Plisse Pencil Dress, AUD $99.00 from ASOS; Bella Bodycon with Bell Sleeves, USD $49.99 from Society+. Row 4 L-R: Lolita Wrap Maxi Dress, $149.99 from City Chic; Siren Wrap Dress, AUD $259.00 from Harlow; Ruffle Neck Floral Print Dress, USD $29.70 from Ashley Stewart; Atmos&Here Curvy Francis Shift Dress, AUD $59.95 from The Iconic; Belted Button Front Safari Dress, USD $32.70 from Ashley Stewart. Row 5 L-R: Draped in Class Dress, USD $74.99 from Kiyonna; Sleeveless Pocket Detail Dress, $54.99 from Autograph; Maxi Dress With Belt, $84.99 from Autograph; Bell Sleeve Print Sheath Dress, USD $32.70 from Ashley Stewart; Sleek Stretch All-Day Dress and Necklace Set, $119.00 from Catherines

What kind of outfits do you wear to the office?