Style My Plusdrobe: The Corporate Chic

By Admin

Happy new week ladies! Say hello to a stylish week with love for curves! 😉

Prior to previous inboxes received, as a plus-size fashion house we’ve received a number of questions from our followers and friends regarding office wear for the plus-size woman as well as how to keep it sexy and smart while on the corporate move.

Hence, today’s post is based on some important probes from the curvy unit. We decided to review some of those queries from our inbox as highlighted below.

“Dear PLUSFab:

“I am soon getting back to work after a long maternity leave. As a PR Executive, I’m really excited but am having a hard time finding nice work clothes. I am a size 18, 5’5” and an apple and all I seem to find are low-cut dresses and polyester pants. Do you know where I can find suits and work clothes like dresses and blouses for my size?” ~ Stella Nyawira

“Why are all plus sized suits made out of polyester? Where can I find a suit that is equal in quality and price but goes above a size 16?” ~ Faiza Mohammed

“I was recently promoted and my new position requires me to travel on business several times a month. For such trips, I will need to wear a suit while at the office I can usually get away with casual pants or even nice jeans. While I have a great wardrobe of business casual pieces, it is proving difficult to find more corporate of attire for my size (I vary between a 20 and 22). Do you know of any boutiques/designers that specialize in suiting and corporate attire for plus-sized women?” ~ Sandra Birungi

“Hi PLUSFab, I need to improve my look at work. We’re allowed to wear anything we want but I don’t want to look like a slob anymore and think if I look good I may be more likely to get a raise or promotion. I’m 5’7”, a size 18 with a large bust and don’t even know where to start looking for nicer work clothes. HELP!” ~ Patricia Omollo

First things first – What you should know. Dress code guidelines were put in place to create an environment to project an image to clients, potential clients, the brand’s image, and not to distract the company’s business atmosphere!

We live in quite a visual society and oftentimes how you dress can affect your job one way or another. In the office more so if you are looking to advance!

Consequently, it’s advisable to keep a few professional pieces in your closet for those special meetings and events – you just never know! BUT, dressing professionally does not equal dressing unfashionable.

Plus Size Wear to Work Tips:

These tips are generalities, but general practices for most workplaces! Thus, below are a few tips when in the workplace that will help you navigate through corporate/official waters:

Tops:
– Being blessed up top as a plus-sized woman can be a tricky thing. Even a conservative cut can still draw attention to your bosom, but there a few tips here:
– Limit the amount of cleavage you show. If your top doubles as a top you would wear out with the girls, this may not be the right top for you.
– If you raise your arms and your midriff shows, either rock a camisole, change the size, or opt for another blouse.
– If your blouse gapes at the center (from the button ups), if you find yourself tugging at it even before you leave the house, it would be best to change your blouse so it does not distract your others.

Pants:
– Such a tricky affair. But in order to keep it professional, fit is key here!
– If your pants double as leggings, they are too tight for the workplace. Your business or professional pants should graze your curves, not expose them.
– Make sure that your pants are pressed, ironed, or whichever you like to call it, you’ll be surprised how much a polished look changes your mood!
– NO VPL. You know visible panty line!

Skirts and Dresses:
– I smile as I write this, because my days when working at some fashion retail store within the malls, this was always a place where women push the boundaries!
– Lengthwise, your dress or skirt should always be at least to your fingertips’. If you take a wide or long step, one should not be able to see your mother’s name, address, and phone number…
– Your dress or skirt should not be so tight that walking from one side of the room to another turns your skirt into a top (YES, I stand witness to this!)

Shoes:
Depending on where you work, whichever you choose, your shoes should be comfortable! (or at least keep a pretty catch of a comfy pair at your desk) like I do!

Tights/Stockings:
This is always a tricky affair that one should get used to… but, in the professional workplace, consult and observe your colleagues to see how they approach this. Thank God for innovations in hosiery – you can rock tights that are fun AND appropriate!

If you are on the fence about your look, change it! But for more clarity, ask your supervisor or your colleagues. They just might be of amazing help.

Have a Prosperous Week!

–Love & Love —