My Plus Size Business Casual Story
I come from a family of sales and marketing professionals, but I’ve never owned a suit. Sure, I purchased exactly one blazer and fancy pencil skirt to attend journalism conferences and interviews during and post-college. But once I started working in the editorial department at a tech start-up a few months after graduation, I realized that a plus size business casual environment was really more of my lane.
When you’re plus size, business casual can be tough to navigate. Because plus size bodies are often oversexualized, wearing something fitted even if it is knee-length with a high cut neckline can be deemed inappropriate. If a straight size counterpart wore the same thing, it would be no problem. This is a good example of the double standard applied to curvy women in the workplace.
Personal Experiences
Throughout my working years, I have been called aside by HR more than once but most notably was when I was told that my jewelry was too gaudy and that I needed to think more delicately about my necklaces. I still laugh about this. Working in a corporate environment even if it is business casual can be stifling for personal style and self expression.
These days, I work a few days a week at a marketing and advertising firm as a freelancer and since I am not client-facing, my attire is business casual. Throughout my time working there, I have picked up on some cues off appropriate office wear including what one of my coworkers called business leggings. Basically, all it really means is that they are opaque leggings that mirror a fitted pant. Here are some more options for you!
Plus Size Business Casual
I love that this is a higher neckline but still a v-neck top! Perfect for work paired with darkwash jeans or black slacks.
Mustard Yellow Tassel Detail Top
Long-sleeved workwear tops are perfect for the winter and if your office blasts the AC in the summer!
Black Denim Puff Sleeve Top
I love the idea of denim on top if you’re not in a workplace where you can wear jeans! This top would look great with the skirt below.
Polka Dot Midi Skirt Plus Size Business Casual
This midi length is perfect for work!
Floral Plus Size Jumpsuit
I love this fun and funky pattern for work! You can also pair this with some wedges and a classic denim jacket on the weekends.
Collared Shirt Dress
I love shirt dresses for work! They’re so comfy and you can style them in so many different ways. Open like a duster, belted for more shape, and under a sweater for more layers.
Boho Belted Dress Plus Size Business Casual
For my boho babes, this is the perfect work dress for you! Pair these with some brown knee-high boots and you’re ready to go.
Classic Black Button Down
Everyone needs one of these in their work wardrobe. This button-down comes in other colors, too!
Collared Ribbed Midi Dress
We love a pop of color in this house! The collar and midi length bring this into the business casual realm while still being trendy and fun.
Classic Tan Pants Plus Size Business Casual
These pants have the perfect amount of stretch! If you need to wear tan pants or khakis to work, check these out.
Plaid Pants Plus Size Business Casual
These plaid bootcut pants are a classic that used to be so hard to find in plus sizes! So happy to see them here up to a size 30.
Black Blazer
This is another closet staple that everyone needs in their work wardrobe!
Pink Pleated Top
Another pop of color here! I love the pleated detail on the bottom of this top.
Short-Sleeve Blouse
This top comes in tons of other colors as well!
Cheetah Print Plus Size Business Casual Top
Cheetah print is basically a neutral, so it’s the perfect print to bring into your workwear.
The Perfect Plus Size Trousers
This is the Kady Pant from Eloquii! I love these because there are three distinct fits that cater to different body types (like smaller legs and bigger stomachs, hip-to-waist ratio, etc.). This way you can really get the fit that you want and these pants come in many other colors.
Classic Black Ankle Pants
These would look great with that classic black blazer I mentioned!
Yellow Wide-Leg Trousers Plus Size Business Casual
Wide-leg pants are perfect for all of my tall babes out there!
Bodycon Workwear Dress
This dress style will always be trendy in workwear!
Belted Button-Down Dress
I can’t say no to a belted button-down dress.
Plus Size Business Casual V-Neck Dress
The perfect v-neck dress with long sleeves.
Twist-Front Dress
This dress comes in other colors as well, and I love the twist detail!