Work wear for large women? No idea, please help!

[Newjobnewclothes]

I'm about to start a new job, with 2 days in the office.

I've worked remotely for about a decade now. I have no idea what people wear to work these days!

What do you wear to the office these days? What are larger women wearing? Thanks :)

Some more info in case useful...

My new tile isn't public facing, but an office environment. I'm guessing they wear smart casual, but I'd like to start off on the smarter side of smart-casual as I feel it's a good idea when new and also as I have staff to manage

I'm a size 24 with a huge stomach and big boobs, so finding clothes that suit is a challenge anyway! I tend to go for dresses / outfits with no waist!

I have no clue where to start, and tips gratefully received!

Yours Clothing and M&S are starting points.

Hmm... just having a look at M&S work wear. There's a lot there, but at first glance it seems to be either separates which looks great but which just don't work on me as a tucked-in top highlights my massive stomach, which I want to hide.

Or dresses which looks pretty frumpy.

Where are the non-frumpy smartish dresses?

Ooh, I posted about M&S before reading your post! There is a lot there, maybe I should keep going before dismissing it!...

What's the quality like with Yours?

Depends on the office, when we came back after covid 75% were in jeans, now is rarer. Suits seem to be making a come back too. For women the majority is dresses, with a jacket over. Don't think that it matters on size. But I find a jacket over a dress slimming.

I would go M&S rather than yours. Also consider Vinted.

congratulations and good luck.

@Newjobnewclothes I find the quality with Yours extremely hit and miss. I’ve sent more back than I’ve kept.

I’m a size 22 and am customer facing in “smart casual” workwear. I find TU at Sainsbury’s quite good for some less pricey bits and have had some lovely blouses etc from Phase Eight. I tend to do trousers and a top as my job is physical and I can be up and down ladders.
I can’t wear anything tucked in either but tend to opt for a slimmer leg trouser with a longer top/blouse 😊

Also temu is good if you want to experiment with different styles, I have a couple of dresses(am size 16, with big boobs) and they are flattering and forgiving of lumps.
Helara jumpsuits are also great, but more so if you are tall.

I'm a size 22 and have to wear smart clothes to work. Try next they have lots of smart workwear.

I've always worn shift dresses as a plus size woman. I like the cut for my body shape, which sounds similar to yours.

Some ideas:
https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146294689

https://www.roman.co.uk/a-line-pocket-detail-swing-dress-14125331

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-blend-round-neck-shift-dress/p/clp23025028

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-round-neck-mini-shift-dress/p/clp60725380

https://www.marksandspencer.com/tree-print-knee-length-shift-dress/p/clp23041435

What do people think to this dress? (Same dress, 2 colours, from Phase Eight).

I really like this, but it's not in my size unfortunately :(

Love it!

Have you seen Mollie Campsie on social media ? She does fab videos and has brilliant ideas - last outfits I saw her do were up to a size 24. She also does fab make up videos too as an aside

Does sea salt work for you? Their dresses can be good. Or Roman? I've found some of their knot front jersey dresses very flattering and comfortable as an 18 and the right level of smart for my office. I like how Roman consistently have shapes like fit and flare rather than whatever shape is fashionable eg boxy

@Newjobnewclothes I really like it 😊
Also worth looking on Vinted too. I’ve had some great Phase Eight bargains on there as well as buying from the shop 😊

These plus long line tops and longer blazers - loafers/ballet flats /brogues/trainers/kitten heels are my work staple

i don’t do dresses as have lipedema so can’t advise on those - women at my office are either floaty floral numbers or monobloc knee length/midis either a jacket and belt with boots or loafers or trainers

Seasalt have a good range of dresses in a 24, and the fabric is usually decent although the patterns can be a bit OTT if you prefer plainer styles!

I like Next for workwear trousers (prev size 24, currently 20), some of their tailoring range is in a fabric with some ‘give’ which makes them more comfortable, especially around the waist (not stretchy though, so still look smart). I prefer a tapered leg that stops at the ankle, then a looser top to skim my middle - with big boobs, while I love the look of wide leg trousers and a tucked in blouse, they make me look like a barrel from boobs to shoes.

Never heard of her! I'll look her up, thanks.

I’d wear a nice dress with a blazer if it’s smart op.

Good call, I'll have a look at both, thanks :)

Oh yes love her!

Yes, I can feel this is going to get expensive! Will definitely have a look on Vinted 😊

You can get a few decent basics from Bon Marche. It's absolutely not my usual style but their smart pull on work trousers never crease and have elastic around the stomach, they go up to plus sizes as well. I've found a few smart tops there too, impossible to crease and with more subtle patterns than their usual style. Avoid linen, you will be creased before you even walk through the door!