Business Dress Code for the Curvy Professional

Getting dressed for work shouldn’t be a hassle. It should be the highlight of your day. The part of your day in which you get to choose who you will be. It can be so easy to pick up that old sweater and those leggings…again. Don’t do it!

The easiest way to build your business professional wardrobe is it think about it in parts. You can make those parts larger as time goes on. Straight size or Plus size, all of these parts still exist. But my recommendation on stores will focus on the Curvy Professional and where she shops (or should shop):

Part #1: Shapewear

This is where you need to start. Your clothes should be smooth and your curves should be held together. Properly fitted undergarments improve your posture, your confidence, and the way you walk, which gives you an all-over sleeker physique. I’ll admit that there is some controversy about wearing these garments. Critics say that their are health implications-blood clots, breathing problems, acid re-flux. I disagree. If worn the right way, there should be no health implications at all. Women have been wearing shapewear for centuries. Special note: You’ll have to replace these throughout the year. Elastic wears out overtime. Jessica London is a good place to get shapewear of all type, shapes and sizes. You can even sign up to get a coupon for a certain percentage off.

Part #2: Accessories

You should have various shapes and sizes of earrings (studs, danglies, eat cuffs, etc). H&M is a good place to get some starter jewelry. They have great variety and very reasonable prices. But sure to bring your own bag though. Most H&M stores charge for bags.

Part #3: Trousers/Pants

Again, variety is the key here. Various colors (depending on the season) and shapes (depending get on your body type). 5-7 pair should do you just fine . But no less than 4. If you’re on a budget, I would keep these basic to start. Lane Bryant is at the top of my list for price and variety. You’ll be able to find sizes 14/16 through 26/28 and styles ranging from cigarette leg to wide leg trousers.

Part #4: Shirts/Blouses/Sweaters

Your shirt or blouse can be where your flair comes from. A basic pair of trousers can come alive with the right top. Sleeveless, short sleeve, long sleeve, cap sleeve, ruffles, hi-low, embellished collar, mock neck, turtle neck, cold shoulder, peplum, etc. Then there are the prints: floral, animal, polka dots, stripes, tribal, etc.

Your body type will determine the right type of shirt. But I encourage you to experiment with colors and patterns. Eloquii is #1 on my list for this wardrobe staple especially for sweaters. But Lane Bryant is still the place to go for cardigans.

Part #5: Dresses/Skirts

I have to go back to body type when it comes to this category There are so many types of skirts and dresses. If you are armed with the knowledge of what works for your body, you can be perfectly outfitted in this area. When it comes to skirts, you should have three to start. One in each silhouette that works for you. You’ll be able to treat these skirts just like trousers. You can pair them with any of your Blouses or Sweaters and create whole new outfits.

Dresses are what I call “all inclusive” outfits. All you need is some good shapewear. A Wrap Dress works for most (if not all) body types. You should have one. By themselves, they can walk the line of a business professional dress code. On the other hand, Shift Dresses are easy go to’s and are very versatile. You can throw on a cardigan on a Shift Dress and call it a day. But they don’t work for all body types. Peplum Dresses give the illusion of a suit. I would recommend having a couple of these. A-line Dresses also work for most body types as well. Paired with a cardigan, they can help you deal with those frigid office temps. My favorite dresses in my closet right now are from Eolquii.

***Bonus***: You get extra points if you can get your hands on a couple of blazers. When paired with your trousers, you’ve got instant business suits (without the cost of a whole suit). Well made plus size blazers can be on the pricey side (when compared to other parts of the outfit). But they stretch your wardrobe immensely. They can be paired with almost everything (even jeans) to create more outfits. I have gotten my favorite blazers from Lane Bryant and Eloquii.

Visit @lathamloftstyle on Instagram or Latham Loft Style on Facebook to see examples of all of these parts come to life.

Happy Dressing!!!!