Finding the proper working attire that is professional yet stylish can be challenging at it is. As a plus-size woman, sometimes even more because store selection is limited. Let us show you the business casual dress code, and that fashionable outfits for work and plus size are not mutually exclusive. Get the best ideas to combine your plus size clothing and make them the perfect business casual outfits.
What is Business Casual?
First, let's briefly summarize when business casual is used and what this dress code actually means. The business casual dress code is for work environments that are not strictly formal but not so casual that you could wear ripped jeans. However, you are freer to show your individual style than with the conservative and buttoned-up business formal, where muted and rather dark colors are allowed. A rule of thumb is to mix and match a formal garment with more casual pieces. Our blog post, Guide to Business Casual for Women, explains this topic in detail.
How to Style a Plus Size Work Outfit
Getting office-ready in a business casual dress code gives you countless fashionable options for an elegant and professional appearance. It's all about styling and combinations. So a lot is allowed! Yes, even jeans, as long as they're not too flashy - check out our guide on Business Casual Jeans for some insights.
Plus size business casual jacket
Let's start with the classic business staple par excellence: the jacket. A jacket simply belongs in the wardrobe of every (business) woman and enhances every outfit. Whether with jeans, chinos, a skirt, or a dress, jackets make you fit for business in no time. Oversized is very trendy right now and is absolutely business casual, but a perfectly fitting jacket flatters your curves.
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Business Casual Plus Size Trousers Suits
Trousers suits are always a safe bet when it comes to business attire. However, smart casual allows you to wear bold colors and patterns. These pretty ladies show how beautiful delicate checked and extravagant floral prints look. As far as the cut is concerned, you can show your fashion affinity and wear flared trousers suits.
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Business Casual Plus Size Bermuda Suits
Bermuda suits are not an everyday choice, but all the more fashionable. When it gets hot outside, not only the skirts should be shorter, but also the trousers - but be aware: at work, the bermudas and skirts should be at least knee-length. Shoes with (wedge) heels help to visually stretch your legs.
Business Casual Plus Size Skirt Suits
And last but not least, to complete our suit recommendations: skirt suits. They have a formal touch, but you can dress them down with a basic white t-shirt and ballerinas or plain white sneakers. Another advantage of suits is that you can wear the pieces separately. The jacket itself is a staple piece. Wear the skirt or trousers casually without a jacket. Do you see how versatile a suit can be?
Business Casual Plus Size Dress Shirts
Another classic business staple with a twist is a dress shirt with a pattern or a statement colour. With a dress shirt, you will always make an elegant impression - whether you combine them with colorful trousers or with plain jeans. For colder days a slipover is a cute idea. It keeps you warm but still showcases your plus size dress shirt. The same applies here: a perfectly fitting shirt makes all the difference, and you are guaranteed to make a professional appearance.
Business Casual Plus Size Skirts
Skirts are very feminine and create an elegant vibe. Whether you pair them casually with a sweatshirt, a logo t-shirt, or in a classic way with a dress shirt, you are always smartly dressed. Pencil skirts, A-line skirts, or flared skirts are perfectly suitable for office life. It is essential to know which skirt flatters your figure because not every skirt type is advantageous for every body size and shape. Check out our blog post on How to dress up stylishly if your body type is plus size to learn more about it.
Business Casual Plus Size Trousers
Whether slim fit, regular fit, or wide fit: with a pair of dress trousers, you have a basic yet chic garment with which you are dressed for success. Show your personality and wear colour and/or pattern. You can add even more variety with your choice of fabric. Seersucker and linen ensure stylish lightness in summer. In winter, however, are corduroy, tweed, flannel, or wool trousers your best bet. Dress this classy piece of clothing a little down and make it less formal with a (knit-) sweater, a cardigan, or a plain white tee.
Business Casual Plus Size Dress
A classic dress is a great option for a professional look without much effort. It creates a polished style on its own, but you can also combine it with a jacket or cardigan. The same applies here: your dress should be at least knee-length for a stylish office appearance. Another business dress rule says that you should not wear a sleeveless dress. So choose one that has at least short sleeves.
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Business Casual Plus Size Coats
In winter you want to get to the office warm but also in style, so a cozy and elegant wool coat is the right choice. The nice thing about this coat is that you can also wear it in your free time. It is so versatile that it complements your business, as well as your leisure looks perfectly. A duffle coat is a cool alternative that also protects you from the cold winter air with its hood. Do you prefer it shorter? Then a pea coat is the right model for you. This short coat is super modern and goes perfectly with business casual. In autumn and spring, a trench coat is an ideal option. This trendy it-piece ensures that you walk into the office in style.
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Business Casual Wide Fit Shoes
Good shoes get you good places. But what are good shoes worth if they are too tight? Luckily, there's the Wide-Fit option, which gives your shoes extra width, so your shoes can comfortably accompany you on your wave of success. Well, which shoes are business casual? Are sneakers allowed? Yes, as long as they're made of leather or canvas, and are a bit simpler. Loafers are also a classic, but still popular year after year. Whether penny loafers, horsebit, or with tassels: they are comfortable and elegant. Oxfords and derbies (with or without brogue) are super classy and show that you know what quality means. Do you also want to show the fashionista in you? Then wear monks, they are (still) an insider in women's fashion. When it gets colder, you can make a statement with chukka boots. Chelsea's and dress boots are also an investment that you will enjoy for years to come.
Now you have an idea of how to put your business casual outfits together. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your clothes, so you radiate self-confidence. However, not everybody fits into the standardized clothing sizes. Customise your clothes to fit your body and order bespoke clothing made just for you. Decide for yourself what your clothes should look like and start designing right away.
For our beautiful pear-shaped ladies, we understand that finding the perfect fit can sometimes be a challenge. But fear not! Sumissura offers you the opportunity to embrace your unique body shape and create customized outfits that accentuate your curves in all the right places. If you're a pear body shape, you'll love our guide on how to dress fabulously for your body type. Discover expert tips and style recommendations to help you feel confident and fashionable in every piece of clothing you design.