Where to Shop for Stylish Plus-Size Workwear

Traci, one of my readers, left a comment on the blog the other day, asking for plus-size suggestions of workwear. So I decided to write a post on where to shop for stylish, elegant clothing in plus sizes (and I’ll also be adding plus-size options to each Corporate Catwalk post as well). 

When it comes to plus-size workwear, it can be a challenge to find work-appropriate and well-fitting options. Many of my plus-size colleagues and friends have been complaining about the lack of flattering styles for plus sizes, which is surprising considering that most American women, myself included, are on the curvy side.

As a curvy Petite myself, I can relate to the struggle. The last thing you want is to show up to work with ill-fitting clothes and be uncomfortable all day, all the while not being taken seriously because of the way you dress.

I did some research, and was glad to find out that while the options are not overwhelmingly varied, there are still a number of brands that offer great work styles for plus-size women. These are my favorites so far (I will keep updating the list as I go):

Tiel Doreen: this is a must stop-shop for full-figured career women, carrying sizes 0X to 3X.  I particularly love the elegant and extremely flattering wrap dresses like this gorgeous Valentina number.

 

 

 

 

Lane Bryant: The brand is well-known for its designer collections catering exclusively to plus-size women sizes 14 to 28. I particularly love their tailored pants available in a large array of styles, including this Lena tailored stretch belted pair of culottes.

 

 

 

Elvi: This elevated brand offers some timeless, contemporary styles in sizes 14 to 26 that would look perfect in any professional wardrobe. It features a specific Workwear collection that I absolutely love. Pieces like this textured pencil skirt, or this crisp white embellished blouse are just to die for!

 

 

 

Marina Rinaldi: This modern, refined brand carries sizes 17 through 33, and offers classy looks for the office. I love that the jackets are especially well tailored, as opposed to the awkward plus-size models usually on the market. Take for instance this sharp stretch overcheck jacket.

 

 

 

Universal Standard: This cool brand offers elevated essentials for sizes 10 through 28. The story of how this brand came to be is actually really interesting. Alexandra Waldman and Polina Veksler quit their Provate Equity jobs to create a clothing line that catered to women other than their straight-size friends. I like the contemporary style of the line, with pieces like this Ebro shirt for instance.

 

 

 

Some regular brands and established designers are also expanding their offerings to include plus-size options as well. My favorites are:

• J. Crew (carries special sizes 16 to 20)
• Old Navy (carries sizes 16 to 30)
• Lafayette 148New York (sizes 1X to 3X)
• Michael Michael Kors (available at Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor in sizes 0X to 2X)
• Mango (sizes 10 to 18)
• River Island (sizes 10 to 14)

Any plus-size brands you’d like to add to this list? Please comment below, or email me at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sis.