We’ve been out of (the physical) office for the best part of two years, living in comfy elasticated things. But with most of us coaxed back to the workplace, we’re having to relearn the art of office dressing.
What you wear for the 9-5 depends on your company’s dress code. For some, there isn’t much difference between their off-duty style and weekday wear, while for others, smart casual is about as lenient as it gets.
If you fall into the latter camp, sharp tailoring and fitted silhouettes are likely high on your shopping list - which can prove tricky boxes to tick if you’re on the curvier side.
Finding slick pieces that don’t bunch, gape or cling in the wrong places is half the battle. The other half is the design itself; something that suits your style instead of trying to suppress it.
According to high street womenswear label Karen Millen, the most recent series of BBC’s The Apprentice triggered a 117 per cent spike in searches for ‘plus size workwear’ as viewers sought to fix up and look smart, inspired by the sartorial choices of the show’s contestants.
With summer nearly here (adding an extra element to office dressing, as if it wasn’t enough of an obstacle course already), we’ve made it our mission to bring you the most polished pieces that’ll breathe new life into your work wardrobe.
From cool shift dresses comfortable to wear all day, to tops that pair nicely with jeans for casual Friday, here’s our edit of the best plus size work wear - the summer edition.
Karen Millen Plus Size Structured Crepe Sheer Sleeve Dress
Black is the easy choice for workwear, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. This structured dress skims and enhances in all the right places, and there’s a buckled belt to cinch you in and create the much-lauded hourglass shape.
As for the summer heat, stay cool thanks to the crepe sleeves, which promise to encourage air flow. Available in sizes 18 - 24.
Buy now £175.20, Karen Millen
Vila Curve recycled blend satin wrap maxi dress in zig zag multi print
Feel slinky yet smart in this satin maxi dress coloured in a pastel rainbow of zig zags. The floaty design offers plenty of ventilation when the mercury rises and looks great with layered necklaces as it does without.
Buy now £45.00, ASOS
Violeta by Mango chain print dress
Get in the middle of a retro chain reaction with this graphic wrap dress, rendered in a 70s-inspired palette. Falling to the mid-calf, the tulip-style skirt is flattering, with the wrap pulling you in at your smallest part. Add sunnies, some sandals; and you’re in business. Available to a size 22.
Buy now £59.99, Mango
Warehouse Plus Short Sleeve Shirred Waist Midi Dress
Step away from the safety of black and embrace colour - it is summer, after all. This arty midi, covered with an abstract print, is ideal for warmer weather thanks to the short capped sleeves, shirred waistband and lightweight fabric.
A dress is the perfect throw-on-and-go option on a busy morning when time is scarce and you can style this with various accessories (gold hoops, straw clutch) to make it work for your desk and after-hours too.
Buy now £34.30, Warehouse
H&M+ Tie-belt dress
You can rarely mess up monochrome, especially in a chic pinstripe as seen on H&M’s midi-length dress, which comes in sizes L- 4XL. Fashioned from lightweight polyester, and secured with hidden buttons and a slim self-tie belt, the look is ideal for morning meetings as well as al fresco lunches in the park. Leave the grandad-style collar unbuttoned for those 28 degree-and-up days (we can hope).
Buy now £29.99, H&M
Violeta by Mango flowy printed skirt
Looking for a way to add a splash of colour to your professional ensemble? When paired with a crisp white shirt, the flowy mid-length skirt patterned with purple and red florals feels light and modern - and a plain white tee would work just as well. Available to sizes 4XL.
Buy now £35.99, Mango
La Redoute Collections Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
Linen is one of the best fabrics to wear against your skin when temperature rises; for one, it’s moisture-wicking, helping you to stay cool. It also looks perfectly fine if slightly crumpled, so there’s no labouring over a hot iron.
La Redoute has this sky blue 100 per cent linen shirt (it also comes in beige and bright pink) which can be paired with skirts, trousers and culottes in your wardrobe. It’s just about knowing how to work it. Available in sizes 6-24.
Buy now £25.00, La Redoute
Joanna Hope Jo Paisley Swing Blouse
A pretty blouse can be a nice alternative to a stuffy shirt and it translates well for after-work drinks at the pub too. This paisley-patterned one is semi-sheer so you may need a camisole underneath to keep things office-appropriate. Available in sizes 10-26.
Buy now £65.00, Simply Be
Never Fully Dressed Lizzie Wrap Top - Curve
Featuring bold colours and headturning prints, Never Fully Dressed's curve section is a treasure trove of gems for those who favour statement style. Make it work for the office by downplaying the colour to monochrome, but keeping it playful with a fun print. This flouncy wrap-style top nails it. In sizes S-2XL.
Buy now £69.00, Never Fully Dressed
REFINITY Classy Culotte Pant - butterscotch
The easy breezy summer option when it comes to office trousers is a tailored pair of culottes. This wide-legged option is offered in a warm butterscotch and will partner well with all kinds of tops, including shirts. Available in sizes 14-24.
Buy now £36.80, Evans
