Where to buy plus size (size 22) smart / colourful (not black) workwear and smart / comfortable flat shoes.

[Joyfulincolour]

A lot of the dresses in plus / curve sizes seem to be really short or revealing on the chest. I like Boden, White Stuff (but they only go to a size 18) and Next. Lots of the colours are typical autumn colours (grey, black & mustard) which don’t suit me. Am I looking for the impossible??

Place marking as I need to smarten up for a new job and am struggling to find anything I like/reasonably priced.

Studio 8, can be pricy but good quality.

Principles have a much bigger range of sizes than they used to, just got some work dresses from them for £20 each and a good length.

On the shoes note I cannot be much help as I went for flattish shoes for an interview (not ballerinas, more like loafers). They all looked cheap and nasty - shiny 'leather' look. Ugh.

Try Evans for clothes and shoes? Next?

By the way, any workwear for me came from Debenhams, M&S, Evans and Next. Got a lovely pair of trews with zipped buttons from Debenhams (Julien Macdonald I think). Got some stuff from Matalan but trews ended up too baggy.

Yours

Sorry pressed post too soon - Yours do some nice dresses and just had a quick look on their site, necklines look reasonable on the majority of the dresses.

Evans, asos (if you have a defined waist), yours, dorothy perkins. If you’re only a size 22 because of your bust or waist and are smaller around the hips then some styles from Monsoon / Hobbs in an 18 could work too as they are very big.

I hadn't thought of Principles - thanks. Good idea Teddy - will have a look.

Yours have a decent amount but material can be a bit cheap on some items

White Stuff go up to size 22 online. I was just looking at a few dresses on their site and both the ones I liked went up to size 22. Next also stock some of their styles, again up to size 22.

I'm also a size 22.
Sainsbury's dresses are fabulous for work. Monsoon is my other go-to.
I saw some lovely tops in M&S and H&M this week. I can usually size-down in both shops.

Asda and Tesco are also brilliant for tops.

Most of my shoes are from Debenhams, Evans, Crocs (their office heels are fab!), Ugg (go to the outlet).

Fabric dye exists... get pale things and dye them the colour you want.

Wow - I can't believe White Stuff go upto a 22 online. How did I not know this!? Thanks so much everyone.

Next, M & S, & TU at sainsbury's trousers are all good well fitting for work. Do you have to wear proper shoes or could you wear Skechers go walks? Otherwise look at Clark's or Evan's.

I don't need workwear, but my friend who does swears by TU

FitFlop ballet flats are wonderful, really light but supportive. If you're lucky you can grab a bargain in the sale, too.

I hate to be That Person who recommends M&S, but... they actually do have some nice stuff in at the moment, in a good choice of colours. They go up to a 22 in most ranges, I think.

Have a look at Pavers for shoes.

Seasalt ?

What colours are you looking for ?

I’m looking for warm “spring” colours so greens, corals, yellows, reds, bright navy etc but not the sludge versions (eg, olive, mustard, burgundy). They are difficult to find this time of year I think.

Spring colours seem in short supply at the moment :( Lots of autumn.
I haven’t tried JL yet though ....

@horse4course the issue is if the stitching isn't in cotton, then it can repel the dye. So you end up with a red dress with white stitching. Believe me I've been there.

Yes, John Lewis did have lots of lovely bright colours in today. I was drawn to the Boden section but can only really afford to buy it in the sale.

A lot of the dresses in plus / curve sizes seem to be really short or revealing on the chest.

I know exactly what you mean. I despair at Asos curve and often think wtf! I am not an old fuddy duddy but really!!!

Have you looked at Peacocks. They have a sale at the mo.