Capsule work wardrobe for size 18/20

[Itscurtainsforyou]

Hi all - I work in a casual dress code office (think smart jeans) but often have to go to a customer office.

I need to look reasonably smart when out of the office but have lost my confidence in knowing what to wear.

I'm a size 18/20 and only really feel comfortable in wide leg/boot leg trousers - preferably those with some stretch as I have an enormous stomach and don't like anything too tight in this area. I also have a long torso so most of the tops I see are too short (I need a top length of at least 70cm).

Can anyone suggest possible outfits (with links to where to buy if possible)? Accessory tips would also be good too

Thanks

I would suggest that wide leg trousers are not flattering on a size 18-20 OP. they really only look good on tall and slim people. I'm a size 12 to 14 and average height and would not wear them due to the inches they add.

Your waistline can still be stretchy if you wear some more fitted looking trousers...my friend is similar in her figure and she always looks lovely in her cropped capri pants which are smart...and a long, smock type top or shirt.

www.evans.co.uk/en/evuk/product/clothing-250468/tunics-7414116/black-split-front-tunic-top-7509889?bi=0&ps=20

Her legs are one of her best assets though they're not skinny they are shapely....she wears that with some shoes with a heel and she always looks put together.

Stick to a basic black/white/grey palette and add colour with a bright necklace or earrings.

look at some of the graphic looking necklaces out there at the moment.

www.etsy.com/au/listing/585123113/orange-half-moon-necklace-modern-semi?ref=search_recently_viewed-2

I'm around your size and find the Robell trousers very good. They are very smart and stretchy. Some models are pull on but never look it.

I find I like high waist and want a bit of length from crotch to waist and so always unpick the stitching in the few places that holds down the turned in stretch waist band. This gives an extra couple of inches from crotch to waist

They cost about £70 but I bought my first pair in a sale at £30. After that I bought them on eBay. You could try them on in a store (John Lewis) for sizing, check which styles (pull on?) you prefer, and then buy on eBay. On eBay I've paid £15 - £25 and now have black, navy, stone and green.

I am a similar size and I find the only trousers which look and feel good on me are tge boden richmond bootcut. The fabric has some stretch and they just seem to fit so well. A plain scoop neck top and a pretty scarf and earrings make it look like you are a bit more dressed up.

Thanks all - I shall have a look.

Seriously I don't think any other trouser style suits me - anything cropped makes my legs stumpy and anything fitted/tapered/skinny makes my legs look like parsnips. Sad but true...

I'm a size 18 and more often wear dresses - jersey ones which skim over bumps are good - I wear a cardigan for less formal days and jacket when I need to be smarter. Well fitting pencil skirt is also flattering. I'm short so can't get away with wide leg trousers as I tend to look like a barrel. I like well cut straight trousers, preferably without pockets to gape, and wear 7/8 length in summer.

Might be worth a look here

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/curves-collections/work/c/uk-collections-womens-plus-size-work

Also Mango Violetta range is good for smart casual plus size.

I'd echo the comments that nice tapered black trousers might be worth trying again, if you turn then up at the bottom it helps counter the parsnip effect. I'd also say a small heel on your shoes can work wonders in terms of creating a nice silhouette.

I have a few tunics from poetry and wear with black tapered trousers or even black leggings that aren't tight on my legs so look like straight trousers.
The one I linked to is a good length , also have a few silk tunics from there , in summer wear linen on top .

I think I'm a lost cause!
All the new look tops look to short (long torso means that they'll end in the wrong place...)
Poetry tops look lovely but because they're relaxed I think I would look scruffy in them
I can't wear any heel at the moment - I'm in Skechers Mary Jane shoes with orthopaedic insoles
And please believe me, I tried tapered trousers only a few weeks ago. I wanted to like them but they were awful. Cropped trousers were just as bad.

I don't mind the idea of dresses, but they'd need to be stretchy as I'm an odd shape and I don't like baring my legs, so I'd need to be able to wear tights/leggings underneath...

I think I'm a lost cause!
All the new look tops look to short (long torso means that they'll end in the wrong place...)
Poetry tops look lovely but because they're relaxed I think I would look scruffy in them
I can't wear any heel at the moment - I'm in Skechers Mary Jane shoes with orthopaedic insoles
And please believe me, I tried tapered trousers only a few weeks ago. I wanted to like them but they were awful. Cropped trousers were just as bad.

I don't mind the idea of dresses, but they'd need to be stretchy as I'm an odd shape and I don't like baring my legs, so I'd need to be able to wear tights/leggings underneath...

Do you have an m&s outlet near you? I'm a size 18 and 31 (so never tried m&s as I thought it was for old ladies) but I stumbled into one yesterday and found there work wear section brilliant! I got skirts, trousers and blouses that were a great fit and only spent £80!

Try Googling ‘longline blouses’ and see if that gives you more options.

Try some skirts that are straight down, rather than A-line or flared, and end just above the knee. That way they will look great with tights and also fine with flats- try some flat but smart ankle boots. Then some smartish tops to go with it that are long enough to cover your tummy and preferably go down to about hip length. Some very light longline cardis to go on top.

OP, I was an 18/20 last year and for work I wore Boden Richmonds (both straight and bootleg), with their double front 3/4 length tees and very lightweight longer length cardigans from next

Have you tried shorter dresses, like the ones one the new look link, to use as tunic tops? How about the personal shopper appointments that john lewis and other department stores do?

I’m a 18/20 and I find you can often get some good finds on boohoo. Not sure if there is anything you’re looking for but could be worth a look?
I live in leggings and dresses

I love cherries that is my usual outfit!

Boden do really good dresses, have a look there