Maintaining a look of professionalism was never lost on me, even when I had a peanut salary at a job I grew to hate. A low salary didn’t reflect my true worth so I made an effort to dress for the job I wanted vs the job I had. What you wear in the workplace could mean the difference between looking like you just came from the mall or like you’re someone that’s not only fashionable, but worthy of being taken seriously. So whether you’re a 9 to 5er like me or a CEO to your own business, here are some of the plus size work style essentials that will definitely show that you mean business.
7 Work Style Essentials in a Bossgirl’s Wardrobe
1. Powersuits
Powersuits are a top trend right now with an assortment of colors, prints, and textures. I recently updated my post on Where to Buy Plus Size Powersuits and here’s a little bit more options to get inspired by. You can style them in a traditional fashion with a dress shirt and heels, or relax the look with a basic top and some clean work friendly sneakers. They really are my favorite of all 7 work style essentials.
2. Blazers
Maybe it’s not necessary to wear power suits and/or it’s not your thing? Ditch the pants, but keep the blazer! Blazers are a true key to turning up the professionalism to most looks! Its my favorite piece to wear on Casual Friday’s to keep my casual look office chic. Whether you go with a traditional color or more vibrant colors for the season, it’s good to have at least one in your wardrobe. God knows it sure made me feel better about sitting in a last minute administrative meeting in my otherwise basic look.
3. Clean Non-Distressed Denim
Some workplaces have Casual Friday’s or Jeans Days , but that doesn’t mean all jeans are acceptable. Leave the distressed denim with holes exposing knees and entire thighs at home! Read that again, and kindly disregard the jeans in the photo above. I was in Atlanta attending a blogging expo that day…so totally different. So get pants like that minus the distressing on my right thigh. Ha!
4. Actual Work Pants
Dress pants paired with your professional tops make are the standard in most workplaces. In the name of versatility, I mostly buy pants that can match with most tops and blazers in my wardrobe.
5. Flats and Short Block Heels
It’s so funny talking about this now! When I started my new job back in 2016 I wore a power suit with some 4”heels (don’t judge, that’s high for me) . That was the first and last time I wore them because it’s just too much to be walking back and forth in. Now I wear flats, short block heels, mules, and sneakers with my looks.
6. Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are the hack of all hacks for those days when you either don’t know what the heck to wear or you have 5 minutes to get ready. Blame late night Netflix & Chill, throw on a jumpsuit, and call yourself professionally late. Styling jumpsuits with blazers takes it up a notch for jumpsuits that feel more casual than cubicle chic. My round up post on plus size jumpsuits is the perfect place to start looking for some to bring into your wardrobe.
7. A Classic Button Up Shirt
There’s nothing like a clean, and crisp button up. White button ups are a classic, but if you’re challenged in the “get through a whole day without staining something” department, the a neutral colored button up is just as professional. Prints are fun too!
So whether you’re starting a new job or looking to refresh your existing wardrobe, these work style essentials will always come in handy. If you are looking to give your work clothes a bit more umph, check out this post on 5 Tips to Fashionable Work Outfits that aren’t Boring for more inspiration. After all there’s no point in refreshing your wardrobe with stuff that doesn’t speak to you or spark joy.