Back to the office! Plus size work wear?

[WhereDidSummerGoAgain]

I've worked at home for a decade - and piled on the pounds!

I'm starting a new job soon, and it'll be in an office. I'm totally out of touch as to what people even wear to offices these days - help!

I'm size 24 with a huge tummy and large boobs. I like dresses. I only wear trousers or skirts if the top covers my stomach - I can't wear shirts tucked in, I'm just too round :(

What do you wear to the office?

Any tips on where to shop / what to wear gratefully received!

Well now you have told us everything you dislike/wish to distract from how about you tell us about your colouring, hair, favourite styles, type of shoes/boots you prefer etc?

Also if you don’t mind me asking, what age range are you?

How tall are you, OP? I'm a size 24 and tall, and work in an office (although in media, so it's a broad spectrum style-wise). I'm in my mid-40s.

The work things I've bought most recently are a boucle jacket from Phase Eight, two needlecord dresses from The White Stuff, a black velvet dress from Monsoon and a black pleated chiffon dress from Friends Like These (https://www.next.co.uk/style/su722564/w34486). I wear them with boots in the autumn/winter, and with trainers or Toms Alpagarta in the summer.

If you like Instagram, it's worth following Caroline Sigamoney - I don't love everything she chooses but she is prolific and puts together some really interesting stuff - I find her very realistic.

ASOS do a good plus size range, I used to wear tailored trousers and a blouse/ tunic type top in an office . Really depends what the dress code is, have you been into the office yet (presumably for interview) often people wear leggings, tunic, etc and have a jacket/cardigan as well in case it's colder. Wear comfortable shoes or leather 'trainers' have a look at what other people are wearing. Normally it's best to avoid jeans

Haha, good point, thanks :)

I have dirty blond / light brown hair. I like strong colours like teal, blue, navy, raspberry and other dark pinks, purple, black, charcoal.

I like block colour, and I like patterns.

I don't like pastels or prints with a white background.

When I was slim and worked on offices, a very long time ago, I used to like a trouser suit if I was trying to be smart, but I'm just too round now!

I'm not sure I do have a style I could describe! After a decade of working from home, I wear comfortable clothes 😁 Usually a nice comfy dress with leggings and boots or trainers. Not sure leggings will fly in the office!

Footwear - haven't worn heels since before lockdown and I think maybe those days are over. I like Adidas trainers and Fly London and DM style boots, but suspect I need something a bit smarter!

Basically I feel a bit clueless!

I'm in my early 50s, but people usually think I'm younger. I suspect that's not because I'm particularly youthful, but because I don't wear make up and tend to dress in a way that's not at all sophisticated. (Think Fat Face, White stuff casual ranges).

This is a relatively senior role and so I think I need to dress the part and err on the side of smart - at least at first.

5'5.

Some good tips, thanks 😊

I have NO IDEA what the dress code is!

I had 2 interviews, both online, and I met 3 blokes who work there, no women!

Ah ok, for a senior role id go for tailored trousers, top, blouse, and shoes (flats or brogues) and plain knitwear or jacket

If I was slimmer this would be perfect.

But I want to hide my stomach. I am sooo round, I don't wear anything with a waist on show these days.

If I was going to wear a blouse, it would need to be tunic length. Do you think this would work?

I’m same age, same size as you and in senior role. I tend to wear joules chinos and a tailored shirt or blouse (next/ monsoon / Ralph Lauren curve) with ankle boots or dresses and black tights. I find a good coat helps. Plus I make an effort with make up and jewellery etc.

Footwear - haven't worn heels since before lockdown and I think maybe those days are over. I like Adidas trainers and Fly London and DM style boots, but suspect I need something a bit smarter!

Well, the good news is that no one but no one wears heels anymore and you’d look very dated if you did. Your footwear sounds perfect.

Try the wide leg trousers with an elasticated waistband

A previous poster suggested leggings and a cardigan - with love, I'd say absolutely not, under any circumstances, especially as you're senior.

If you want a top to give you some cover in the midriff, I'd suggest something this shape, as you can get away without tucking it in. I don't wear sleeves shorter than my elbow, but I have similar long-sleeved blouses to this in navy, mid-blue and deep green.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su406919/e91621#e91621

Yes to a good coat, good jewellery and good hair. I almost always wear a particular Alex Monroe necklace but spend about £150 every six weeks getting my hair sorted.

I'm short and round. My go to work uniform is a plain knee length tunic top (yes, that short), chunky jewellery and thick tights with boots. Seasalt provides the tunics and any work dresses.

Absolutely, heels are out!

Next clearance is worth a look for a few pieces until you get the vibe of the place.

Hi
I wear similar things as you have suggested as your more casual wardrobe too
So for work I how about things that were similar but more tailored such as a maxi length shirt dress from next with an angel or long sleeve.

i like both khaki and the brown options.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/SU624338/F46094

Another option would be to go for plain dresses such as this from Boden
https://www.boden.com/products/amelie-jersey-dress-navy-2

You could add a Jacket to smarten it up.

Another option would be a wide leg trouser with a long satin shirt? You could wear a thick soled loafer too

Sort of depends on your industry but I think in general office ‘attire’ is now much more casual!

I’m in finance and we used to wear business wear but it’s changed so much especially since Covid! My company tell us to dress for our day so if we’re meeting clients then would make more effort than if wfh or just with colleagues in the office.

I’d wear what you feel comfortable and confident in! Try places like Vinted too - clothes are so expensive now even the cheap shops like primark are nothing like as cheap as they used to be! At least with Vinted if you don’t like it you’ve not spent loads and can just re-list.

Good luck!

I generally wear jeans with boots/trainers/sandals weather dependant or leggings and longer tops.

If I'm making more effort a more professional looking dress either maxi or midi with tights.

I also have some really comfortable plain black flared trousers - stretchy material so really comfy but looks much more professional when I need to

I’d agree with leggings and cardigan! Lots of way to make it look smarter and it depends on the industry and dress code too I suppose - a lot of places now accept much more casual dress than they would have done even 5 years ago!

I absolutely love it! But it definitely depends on the type of job - my managers dress casually unless they are meeting clients etc

I def wouldn't spend too much until you've been in there and seen what others wear - agree vinted is a good place to start, get a couple of dresses (I find dresses easier to deal with, no worries about clashing colours/styles/prints) and some boots to tide you over. Midi length I find is pretty forgiving (no issues when bending over 😂). Also big no to leggings in an office environment unless it's somewhere very relaxed or creative.