Plus Size Workwear: Elevating Your Corporate Closet

Whether you are going for that big promotion or simply just want to elevate your office wear game - we are here to help! We have found the perfect plus size work styles to add to your corporate wardrobe and help you up your confidence and feel like the ultimate boss.

When it comes to plus size work dresses, focusing on length, cut and style are key. A-line dresses are particularly flattering because of their structured shape. The fitted bodice accentuates the waist and shows off curves while the lower half of the dress is flowy, allowing for freedom of movement whilst simultaneously providing coverage. Wrap dresses are the legends of the wardrobe, the sisterhood of the travelling dress if you will, wrap dresses have a magical ability to fit and flatter every figure. Wrap dresses offer that feminine silhouette, highlighting curves in a flattering light and drawing attention to the chest whilst creating a waistline that compliments an hourglass shape. Midi and Maxi dresses are also great picks for plus size ladies. Falling to the shin and the ankle respectively, they are great for those seeking a bit more coverage. Giving height and length to the body these styles are incredibly flattering for those who are curvier among us.

Pro tip: Look for good quality, lightweight material such as cotton that doesn’t cling or bunch on the body and for cuts that are somewhat cinched under the bust as this creates a flattering shape.

When picking a work top for plus size figures look for blouses, tunic tops and peplum tops. Blouses are fantastic as they are both an elegant and comfortable option for corporate work wear. Tunic Tops are a great option as well as tops that are longer in length tend to be more flattering to plus size figures as they offer coverage to those who want it, and they elongate the body. Style with a necklace or even add a belt around the waist to further enhance an hourglass shape and to break up the torso. Peplum tops are one of the best top styles for plus size figures. Peplum tops are structured and have a distinctly corporate look while once again providing that flattering cut where the bust is accentuated with a tighter fit on the top and a flare out that flatters the mid section. 

Office skirts are a thing of wonder. They have the ability to make you feel strong and sexy at the same time. We’ve picked out some of our favourite styles to flatter curvier figures and we know you’ll fall in love with them just as much as we have! One of my all time favourites is the pencil skirt. If you’re a fan of a more vintage look, pencil skirts are for you! Pencil skirts offer a slim fit that truly flatters your curves. High waist and long line pencil skirts really enhance the feminine silhouette and when worn with heels, give you that extra height and length to your figure. 

Pencil skirts are incredibly flattering and will have you more than ready to blitz your next office meeting. Look for a spandex or elastane mix of roughly 3% when shopping for pencil skirts as this will ensure they stretch and give you room to move but maintain structure. If you’re a fan of the vintage look, style with a belt and with a peekaboo top or fluffy sweater in winter or for a more corporate look opt for a blouse and blazer so you can really mean business.
Midi skirts are universally flattering and can easily be dressed up or down, depending on your office vibe. 

Midi skirts really benefit from being styled with heels as this ensures that your ankles and calves are elongated rather than shortened by the cut. 

Get ready to power in pants with our top picks for plus size! First off, let's talk colour. Everyone knows the power of the little black dress, but another essential wardrobe item is the illustrious pair of black pants. A good pair of black work pants will be your reliable partner for your office life and see you through even the most stressful days when you have no idea what to wear and you feel like pulling your hair out. When it comes to style, some of our favourites are wide leg pants. Wide leg pants are the epitome of where comfort meets class. Allowing freedom of movement so you can run to your next meeting, or out to pick up a quick coffee, wide leg pants have got you covered. If you’re someone who doesn’t want pants that cling or have a tight fit, then these are perfect. Look for high waisted wide leg pants as these will elongate your legs, create a waistline and flatter your legs and thighs. If you’re looking for some casual Friday vibes and you’re ready to trade your pants in for some jeans, then look at denim with a dark wash and for jeans that have a small amount of stretch but are made from thick denim material so you’ve got the coverage you want but a comfortable fit. Dark colours are great as they slim the figure and offer better coverage than lighter colours. I once bought a pair of nude leggings (BIG mistake).

Blazers and coats can elevate any look and take you from casual vibes to corporate chic and everything in between. Blazers add that professional look to really enhance your corporate wardrobe and are another staple we recommend having in your closet. Blazers are a must-have for those with bigger busts as they minimise the chest and bring balance to your figure. When shopping for fit, make sure to look for longline blazers as these will offer a more flattering look. Opt for tailored blazers that are fitted and structured as they will create a waistline and avoid you looking boxy or shapeless. Coats are not only fashionable but a necessity in those colder months, especially down here in the snowy mountains. Look for high-quality material and once again for those more tailored cuts that have contouring so you really enhance your shape. If you’re on the shorter side, opt for coats that come to just above the knee as this will flatter your shape the most and not drown you in fabric. If you’re on the taller side, you can look at longer coats to bring attention to your height and lengthen the shape. Hourglass figures should look for coats that cinch at the waist, and bigger busts or apple shapes should look for fit and flare so that your chest is enhanced and doesn’t make you look boxy.

Now that you’ve got your corporate wardrobe nailed, your inner boss is ready to shine, all that’s left is to embrace your fabulous self and take charge!

Explore birdsnest’s range of plus size women’s clothing online and enjoy 365 day hassle free returns!

Love, the birdsnest birds x