Looking smart when big

[GraceMarks]

I have a corporate event to go to next week where I'm going to have to dress a bit smarter than I normally would. I'm usually in cotton or woollen dresses and a cardigan with flat brogues, or a fit and flare skirt with a jumper or blouse, but that look is too casual for this event.

I am a plus-size pear shape. I don't like pencil skirts because they make my bum look massive, I don't like hemlines above the knee because I hate my legs, and I don't think I look smart in trousers because they crease up around the tops of my thighs and draw attention to the wrong areas. Heels are also a no-go for boring medical reasons!

What look can I go for that will be sufficiently formal but also won't make me look like a sack of potatoes?

www.next.co.uk/g522s9#332848?i=24

With a crisp white blouse that isn’t too high at the neck?

Thanks, I like the one in the rust colour, but perhaps the black is smarter. Do you think it would be ok with flats?

Yes flats will be fine.

I was also thinking that full length sleeves won’t look as nice as just below elbow length and will draw the eye up.

Does that make sense?

Yes, I see what you mean. It might be rather too cold for that sort of sleeve but I'll see what I can find.

I would go for a fit and flare dress. Something like this one from Scarlett and Jo or a thicker ponte fabric from Boden

I’m a pear and I would look terrible I that pleated skirt.

Bloomers I really like that Boden one, especially in the green. The other is a bit too casual for this particular event, but I would wear it for everyday.

I don't look great in pleated skirts when they're too long - those mid-calf ones that were everywhere last year were particularly awful on me. A shorter one that's just below knee-length might just be OK, though. As ever when you're not slim, it's a case of trying lots of stuff on to see what works.

Hi, I'm quite an extreme pear shape, and I too struggle with pencil skirts and formal trousers. I find ruched jersey skirts very smart for office wear combined with a decent blouse. I have one from Baukjen that I can adjust to sit at the right length for me.
www.baukjen.com/uk/shop/baukjen/skirts/rita-skirt.htm

Hush do one also, but it's shorter.

Do you mind me asking what size you are?

I am 18-20 and a definite pear. I find pencil skirts ARE ok but wear a loose blouse that doesnt need to be tucked in and falls bikini-line length if that makes sense?
Same for stretch 7/8ths trousers with similar top. Can then go as smart or casual as you like. Ive just bought some great trousers in Per Una (usually hate m&s trousers as too high waisted but these are fine). Ill find a link.

Dress-wise i find dorothy perkins and simply be are good - anything in crepe is usually heavy enough to skim where you need it to!

If you normally like a fit and flare shap I'd stick with that so you will feel comfortable. Get one with sleeves then you don't need a cardi.

I like a stretchy ponte material for work as it doesn't crease if you're sitting down for a bit and then up and mingling the next (you didn't say what type of event though).

You could wear a on/just below the knee ponte fit and flare with brogues ok. Smarten/brighten up with a nice bag and necklace. A midi you'd need heels I think

Or another good fabric is ottoman

m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/day-dresses/j0235-blu/womens-cobalt-bronte-ottoman-dress

Eg this but get it in long

Yes, GraceMarks. I like it in green too.