Smart casual - plus size?

[FfaCoffi]

I need clothes for a work trip on a month or so - we're going away for training for a few days, and it's near some gorgeous countryside, so I guess we may walk to a country pub. (Relatively short walks, not hiking)

We usually WFH so I normally only need to look presentable from the top of my arms up! It's been so long since I spent time in real life with work colleagues, I'm not sure where to start - help!

What kind of thing would you wear?

I'm size 24, round and can't do waists - my tops need to be long line, or dress. I can't wear anything that needs tucking in, or has a waist.

That tunic looks lovely and is a good start. Seasalt also used to do some jeggings with a long name beginning with a B in a colour called ink which might work with this if they still stock them.

What do people think of this? Nice or too boring?

This kind of shape suits me.

OK, I decided against that one!

How about these? (Fat Face sale)

And these...

Same size and struggle with clothes.
Where is this from Please

Or some jeans...

That's from Next, it was on the sale.

I can't link to it because Next's clearance section is really badly designed! But it's on sale for £37 and it's called "Live Unlimited Curve Black Spot Cupro Pleat Front Dress"

The image on the Next page looks like this. I had to google it on other websites to get an idea of what it looks like on.

I don't know why Next don't update their website, the sale section is so irritating to use!

I had a dress like that before, when I worked in an office and I wore it loads, it was really easy to wear.

I just had a wobble on it as I think I probably need something a bit mor casual for our training thing.

Esprit has a curvy range

i really like the black polka dot dress/tights/boots combo it looks classic
the large check patterned shirt dress in you're 0022 post reminds me of my dh's pj's (so i'd steer clear of that plaid pattern).
jeans are always good as long as they fit and are comfortable regardless of color or cut.

How about this?

I don't think I could get away with that, there's not enough to break the shape up, to hide my stomach, if that makes sense?

Imagine that model had an absolutely massive, wobbly gut!

I'd remove the belt in the patterned dress above btw - with dresses like that. I either bin the belt or tie it back so it doesn't come round the front.

The black dotty dress from live unlimited/next I really like and I think you could dress it up or down depending on how the event ends up feeling.
I like this one too You might like this at John Lewis:

www.johnlewis.com/live-unlimited-ditsy-floral-print-jersey-dress-black/p109263071?s_share=jlappdroid

For me, those more heeled boots would be a bit too heigh for walking unknown distances. I really think some flat boots or nice trainers would be good for a smart casual setting. Also get some tights from Snag, their sizing is great and they are very comfortable.

You could also maybe look at Yumi, phase eight and studio 8, or Scarlett and jo. Tu at sainsburys I think is the best of the supermarkets and generally goes up to size 24.

I feel your pain with not having any local shops. I tend to order a lot of stuff in one go from different places but tonarrive ar roughly the same time on klarna buy now pay later, with the intention of sending most of it back. Its the best way I've found of building outfits from different shops.

The other thing that might be worth doing is pulling out everything from your wardrobe and making a shortlist of things you already have that you could accessorise or try on things you haven't worn for ages. I was surprised when I went back to working on site how many things I had that I'd just forgotten about because I'd been working in jogging bottoms for a year.

You've got this honestly it'll be fine.

How about this
www.phase-eight.com/product/penele-swing-dress-230737424.html#isSecondPage=false&start=60&sz=60&is=false&imageType=model&cgid=sale-plus-size&prefn1=size&prefv1=24&pid=230737424&pos=97

Or this
www.phase-eight.com/product/bette-swing-dress-230468153.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=false&sz=60&start=120&cgid=sale-plus-size&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=size&prefv1=24&pid=230468153&pos=130

I'm a similar shape and I tend to find swing dresses quite flattering and comfortable

Look at White Stuff, their sizes come up big so you'll probably need to size down.

Just wanted to reassure you that everywhere seems very casual post pandemic. Dh's London office where he used to have to be suited and booted,they all wear casual shirts and chinos now.

I love the seasalt tunic - good thing about them is they use natural fibres so it’ll wash well. Unfortunately whilst many places do plus sizes, it’s polyester crap which looks like shite the second time you wear it.

Yy to snag for tights, no “will they, won’t they” fit - they will.

I'm a fan of the monki dress. Cheap, flattering, XXL fits 24, loads to choose from.

Some great suggestions here, will have a good look, thank you :)

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Fatface stuff I posted above? I've put them all in my basket, am hoping to whittle then down to 3 or 4 things and hit "buy" this morning.

Any thought on which to go for, or what to wear with them, would be brilliant.

OP its difficult to say until you try it on. Also depends on your colouring, height and the style you like look you are going for.

I also forgot about Monsoon. I have a couple of nice dress up dress down tops from there before Christmas.

I like some bright colours near my face as otherwise I look and feel drab and washed out.

As someone said above you may have some things in your wardrobe that still fit or will still work.

Thanks very much.

Love the button through dress

@Alvinne some great ideas, if wearing trainers with a dress do you have to go Naked leg?