Plus-size workwear - help!

[colouredchalk]

Hi all,

I start a new job next month, office-based full time for the first time since before Covid. I've put on a bit of weight while working from home so all my old work clothes are useless and I'm starting to panic about wtf to wear.

I'm 38, 5'11", size 24/26 with a massive chest (40J) - pre-Covid, I'd wear tunics/dresses with leggings and ballet flats to work, but my new role is a bit of a step up so I'd like to look a bit more put together, at least some of the time. No power suits or blouses though - blouses either gape and don't close across my chest, or have to be so big to accommodate the boobs that they are too wide and make me look like I'm wearing a tent. I like the look of wide leg trousers and a jumper/cardi, midi dresses, and yes leggings and tunic/dresses. My new role is in the NHS so I think I could get away with smart-casual, but again I'd like to look pulled together yet comfy if that makes sense or is even possible!

I want to avoid the horrible cheap and shiny fabrics used by Yours, Evans etc. I bought some workwear trousers from Yours recently and they felt and looked awful; shiny horrible fabric, tight across the waist yet baggy on the bum.

If any of you lovely ladies have any suggestions I'd be very grateful!

I'm no expert but I would look at something like wide legged trousers with a more fitted top - like a Breton - and then either some flat form brogues or funky trainers. You could smarten it up be adding a shortish jacket in a contrasting colour. I've added some screenshots to show what I mean. Good luck in your new job!

I’d have a look at sea salt, their jumpers are good, and some dresses good. (Just avoid the jersey and twee)

M and S are good for trousers and jeans - the 24 is generally quite generous and they do long. In the summer (or anyway last summer) they also did great oversized shirts which might be OK come summer

I think Mango are now up to 26.

Landsend - don’t scream - yes it is generally granny but look hard and you can get some good basics at a good price.

Lucy and Yak - don’t scream - yes it is generally primarily school teacher, but there are a few tops and skirts that would work well in a mix.

Ulla Popken - German brand with UK site, worth a gander

Navabi - higher end European site. I’m not a massive fan - but some people really are.

All of these are mostly natural fabrics

Snag for tights

Also if you have an idea of what you like - and it sounds like you do - have a look on eBay for reduced Marina Rinaldi

I think the independent did a piece on best online plus size platforms so take a look at that.

I would personally avoid tunics and leggings if you want to go a bit smarter.

I saw some great stretchy wide leg trousers in Tesco at the weekend. I don't know about their sizes but they're usually quite generous. H&M also had some good ones in, as did Sainsburys Tu.

I would also get a jersey blazer/jacket - comfy to wear but smartens up an outfit, then you can wear long sleeve T-shirts or similar underneath (getting rid of the button-popping issue on shirts/blouses)

Another vote for Lands End. Generally good quality and nice fabrics, so clothes hang well and wash well.

Frequent sales, too.

My friend is a size 24 / 26 and buys from QVC, good fabrics and cut for the larger shape, so not just sized up. Worth a look.

Seasalt do bigger sizes online their things are lovely quality

Another vote for LandsEnd some of the prints/colours are dreadful but there are some lovely plainer options too and good range of lengths. If you sign up for the email newsletter the offers are good - up to 40% off full price at times.

Also some names here I plan to check out thank you