to wonder how to look professional when obese

[octoberdaisy11]

I'm size 20. I can't find any work wear in Yours or Evans. Next had a couple of jackets in an 18 but they pull.

Is this my punishment or do fat people just not wear suits?

Monsoon, Next, Very, M&S, Boden, Sainsbury's- all have workwear items in a size 20.

Very do a lot of nice bigger clothes!

Phase Eight usually has some nice stuff. For instance, dresses that don't require jackets but look very professional. Bought one a couple of years ago and then Hobbs brought out the same style in the same fabric (but a different colour combination) a year later. The only difference between the two was the sizing; the Hobbs dress was considerably tighter.
Jaeger if your budget is a little higher, and Max Mara if higher than that.

I've been fat all my life and manage to dress well. Next, ASOS, M&S, Hobbs, Wallis to name a few have really decent selection of clothes and most of not all do next day delivery to store of home.

Please help with the "you don't have to have matching trousers" thing. I struggle to buy jackets that don't look like half of a suit. I have a lovely smart dress which is shades of grey but I cannot find a suit jacket to match either the colour or the fabric :(

George at Asda go up to a size 22, and do workwear.

I find smart dresses (wrap dresses, thick jersey fabric, fitted shift dresses etc) with a jacket a much more flattering look for my size (18) than trousers. It might just be my shape but I haven't found a pair of work trousers that look right for years. I agree that as a size 18 there are far more options open to you than as a 20 (which I used to be). When I eventually manage to get back down to a 16 I'm looking forward to be able to go to Warehouse and Zara again as I always found them great for smart but non-frumpy workwear.

Try Scarlett & Jo, you can contact them direct for advice
:
www.scarlettandjo.com/collections/jackets

Also have a look at the programme Drop Dead Diva for ideas about dressing professionally.

Try Sainsbury's

I noticed tops up to a size 22 in TK Maxx last week. Hit and miss but if you have one nearby might be worth a look.

Honestly, I agree it is not healthy, but not being able to work won't help me in this!

Thanks for ideas!

Size 20/22 aren't that hard. Hope you've found some good clothes based on this thread, OP.

Once you get beyond size 22, high street is very hard work. M&S do some plus sizes beyond that, and if you order them to your local store, you can try them on and immediately return anything you don't want. Otherwise, internet shopping is your friend. My job doesn't require officewear, thankfully, but I do have some smart work clothes for occasional events. A dress and jacket, or even a dress and smart cardigan, are my go to outfits. So much more comfortable and easier to wear than suits.

Stealth , I'd just chuck a black or navy jacket and shoes on with that dress.

George at Asda is great for larger sizes.
I've had work trousers/shirts from there for years so I see no reason why the larger sizes wouldn't be as smart and durable.
Think they go to a 22-24.

Sainsbury's work wear is very good.

I’ve found some really nice pieces at Curvissa and La Redoute as well as those already listed.

Put a red jacket or plum or any other colour anything goes with grey.

Mataland or try job lots in ebay just search ladies size 20 job lot bootsales are good aswell.

Why won't you be able to work? I'm a size 20 and I really don't find it difficult to get professional smart work clothes. Do I wish I were slimmer? Yes - but I don't have to go out in a bin bag because I'm a bit bigger than I'd like.

Have a look on eBay for some of the jersey dresses describes on here. Boden used to have a really good one that pulled over the head with four button down the front. It wasn't too tight Jr and looked smart without that 'trussed up' look of a.jacket and too tight trousers. There is loads of good stuff on eBay higher end for a bargain if you just type on the price.

Afe you on Facebook? If so you need to join this group: Fuller figure fuller wardrobe

Lots of inspiration as to how to dress and lots of good quality clothes being sold second hand

Jaeger runs large and outlet prices can be great
the plus version of Phase 8, called Studio 8, can have some nice stuff but is mostly dresses alas (John Lewis carries it)
navabi sales can be very very good

I’m a 20. Have to be Office appropriate for work. cos dresses are perfect. I’ve gradually acquired about 8: enough to wear three or four a week.

Actually 10 just remembered two. They look super smart but aren’t excessively pricey: generally £55

Try COS OP, some good stuff there

stopfuckingshoutingatme

Haha cross post

TKMaxx on line.
Sainsbury's.
M&S
Debenhams.
Dorothy Perkins