How to Create the Perfect Plus Size Business Attire

Are you a plus-size chic who struggles to find the right plus-size business attire? You're not alone! Dressing professionally can be a challenge for anyone, but don't worry, we're here to help. With a few key tips and tricks, you can create a wardrobe that flatters your body shape and boosts your confidence. So let's dive in and explore how you can dress to impress, no matter what your size or shape!

How to dress professionally when you are plus size?

First and foremost, let's debunk a common misconception: being plus-size doesn't mean compromising on style or professionalism in your attire. It's all about embracing your curves with confidence and knowing how to highlight your best features. Here are some empowering tips to not only boost your self-confidence but also ensure you present your most polished and poised self in the professional world."

"Remember, your size is just a number, and it shouldn't dictate your ability to dress sharply and feel fabulous. By focusing on fit, fabric, and fashion that flatters your unique shape, you can create a wardrobe that's not only professional but also a true reflection of your personal style. Let's explore how you can turn every workday into a runway of self-expression and elegance, where you're not just dressing for the job, but also for the incredible person you are!

Prioritizing the Perfect Fit

Whether you're plus size, mid-size, petite, or skinny - fit is everything. Ill-fitting clothes aren't only uncomfortable, but can also appear unflattering. Finding the perfect fit is like finding the perfect bra - it feels like one of the best discoveries! Well-fitting clothes enhance your features and project your personal image. Moreover, wearing clothes that emphasize your best features will make you feel like you can conquer the world. If you want to find the perfect fit, we suggest you discover the wonderful world of made-to-measure clothing. This way, you'll find clothes that are made to your exact measurements. At Sumissura, you'll not only find made-to-measure clothing, but you also have the freedom to design and personalize your clothes with our 3D configurator.

The Ultimate Plus-Size Fabric Guide for Business Wear

When building a plus-size business wardrobe, the right fabric choices can elevate both your comfort and style. Here's a succinct guide to the most flattering and functional fabrics for plus-size professionals:

• Wool: Ideal for tailored pieces like suits and blazers, wool provides a smooth drape that flatters without adding bulk, making it perfect for creating sleek, professional silhouettes.

• Cotton: With its breathability and softness, high-quality cotton, especially with a touch of stretch, is great for shirts and blouses, offering comfort and a crisp appearance throughout the day.

• Linen Blends: Linen's lightweight nature is perfect for warm-weather business attire. Opting for blends can minimize wrinkling while maintaining the fabric's breezy feel.

• Silk Blends: The luxurious drape of silk is particularly flattering for plus-size figures, making silk-blend tops and blouses a sophisticated addition to your wardrobe.

• Synthetic Blends: Advanced synthetics can mimic the best qualities of natural fibers while adding benefits like stretch and moisture-wicking, suitable for everyday essentials.

Key Takeaways:

• Look for fabrics that provide a flattering drape and comfort, such as wool and silk blends.
• Choose materials with a bit of stretch to ensure a good fit and freedom of movement.
• Consider ease of maintenance with features like wrinkle resistance for hassle-free care.

Selecting these fabrics for your business wear will not only enhance your professional look but also ensure you stay comfortable and confident throughout your workday.

Invest in High-Quality Pieces

We advise quality over quantity - especially for work clothing. After all, investing in a clothing piece that lasts for years and makes you feel confident. is very much worth it. Investing in quality pieces is crucial for building a professional wardrobe. Instead of buying a lot of cheap clothes, invest in a few high-quality pieces that fit well and flatter your body shape. High-quality pieces will also last longer and require less maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run.

Navigating the Shades of Success: Color Psychology in Plus-Size Business Attire

For plus-size professionals, choosing the right colors for suits and business attire is key to crafting a confident and polished image. Here’s a concise guide to selecting hues that flatter plus-size figures and convey the right message in the workplace. Take these 5 pieces of advice:

1. Embrace Neutrals for Versatility and Elegance

• Classic Neutrals: Opt for black, navy, gray, and charcoal in suits for a slimming effect and to project authority. These colors are perfect for formal settings and everyday business wear.

2. Add Depth with Rich, Dark Tones

• Deep Colors: Incorporate burgundy, forest green, and plum for a touch of personality. These shades are flattering for plus-size figures and suitable for various professional occasions.

3. Leverage Color Psychology

• Blue: Ideal for meetings, blue evokes trust and calmness.
• Red: Use red accents for presentations to command attention and display confidence.

4. Complement Your Skin Tone

• Warm Undertones: Earthy colors like camel or olive enhance warm complexions.
• Cool Undertones: Jewel tones such as sapphire or emerald are perfect for cool undertones, adding vibrancy and enhancing your natural glow.

5. Be Mindful with Patterns

• Subtle Patterns: Choose patterns like pinstripes or herringbone, ensuring they are proportionate to your frame to maintain a polished appearance.

Avoid Oversized Pieces

Although we do love the coziness of oversized clothing, it's not always the best option for the office. Plus-size professional clothing is best executed when wearing well-fitted clothes, especially as this also accentuates your legs and makes them appear longer. Leave the oversized clothing for more casual occasions and focus on fitted pieces.

Are Pantsuits Business casual? Yes, and perfect for Plus Size Women

If you want to look and feel like a professional, why not wear a pantsuit? A well-tailored pantsuit can flatter your figure and create a sleek, polished appearance. When choosing a pantsuit, be sure to select one that fits well and complements your body shape. Look for high-quality materials and finishes, such as wool or silk blends and fine stitching. You can dress up a pantsuit with a blouse and heels for a more formal look, or dress it down with a simple t-shirt and sneakers for a more casual outfit. Additionally, a pantsuit is a versatile piece that can be worn to a variety of occasions, from business meetings to cocktail parties. 

Accessorize Wisely

Accessories can make or break an outfit, especially when dressing professionally as an overweight individual. Choose accessories that complement your outfit without overpowering it. For example, a statement necklace can enhance a plain blouse, while a bold scarf can add texture to a monochrome outfit. However, it is important to avoid bulky accessories that can overwhelm your frame.

Selecting the Right Shoes for Plus-Size Professional Elegance

Footwear is an essential component of dressing professionally as an overweight individual. Comfortable shoes, such as low-heeled pumps or loafers, can provide support and stability without compromising style. Avoid shoes with thin straps or pointed toes, as they can create an unbalanced look.

Embrace Your Style

While it's important to consider factors like body shape and skin tone when selecting clothing, ultimately, the most important thing is to choose clothing that makes you feel good about yourself. Experiment with different styles and trends until you find what works best for you. This might mean experimenting with different styles and trends until you find what works best for you, or it might mean sticking with classic pieces that never go out of style.  It's also important to remember that fashion is subjective, and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to stay true to yourself and your own unique style, rather than trying to fit into a mold or conform to societal expectations.

Embrace the Power of Tailoring

One of the best-kept secrets in fashion is the power of tailoring. Even if you buy off-the-rack (you shouldn't if you know Sumissura), a little bit of tailoring can make a huge difference. It's not just about adjusting the size; it's about reshaping the clothes to fit your unique body. This can mean shortening sleeves, nipping in the waist of a blazer, or hemming trousers to the perfect length. Tailoring can transform an average piece into something that looks custom-made for you. Check Sumissura plus size suits and get the perfect fitting that you deserve.

Layering Techniques for Plus-Size Professional Wear

Layering is a fantastic way to add depth and dimension to your outfits, as well as adjust for temperature changes in your work environment. For example, pairing a simple blouse with a well-cut blazer or cardigan can create a polished look. The key is to ensure that each layer fits well and complements the overall outfit. Avoid too many bulky layers; instead, opt for slim-fitting pieces that provide warmth without adding volume.

The Importance of Undergarments

Undergarments are the foundation of any great outfit, especially in plus-size fashion. The right bra, shapewear, or slip can make a significant difference in how clothes fit and feel. It's worth investing in quality undergarments that provide the right support and smooth out your silhouette, ensuring that your clothes look their best.

Mixing and Matching for Endless Options

Building a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces allows you to mix and match, creating multiple outfits with a few key items. Invest in some classic pieces like a tailored blazer, a well-fitting pair of trousers, a versatile pencil skirt, and a couple of blouses in neutral colors. These can be combined in various ways to create outfits that are both professional and stylish.

Play with Proportions

Understanding and playing with proportions is crucial in plus-size fashion. Balance is key - if you wear a loose top, pair it with more fitted bottoms, and vice versa. This helps to create a silhouette that is both flattering and stylish. Experiment with different combinations to find what looks best on your body type.

Dress for Your Body Type

Knowing your body type is crucial in selecting the right business attire. Whether you have an apple, pear, hourglass, or rectangle shape, there are specific styles and cuts that will flatter your figure. For example, an A-line skirt is great for a pear-shaped body, while a wrap dress can be flattering for an apple-shaped body.

Stay Updated with Trends, But Be Selective

While it's great to be aware of current fashion trends, it's important to be selective. Not every trend will be suitable for the workplace or flattering for your body type. Choose trends that align with your personal style and professional environment. For instance, you might incorporate a trendy color or pattern in a classic cut.

The Do's and Don'ts of Plus-Size Business Casual

When it comes to plus-size business casual attire, knowing what to embrace and what to steer clear of can make all the difference in crafting a wardrobe that's both flattering and professional. Let's delve into the do's and don'ts, starting with the positive strategies to adopt and followed by the common pitfalls to avoid.

The Do's

• Embrace Tailoring: Always opt for pieces that fit your body perfectly. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can be unflattering and uncomfortable. Tailored outfits look sharp and sophisticated, enhancing your professional image.

• Invest in Quality Fabrics: Choose garments made from high-quality materials that drape nicely and maintain their shape throughout the day. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen are breathable and comfortable, ideal for long hours at the office.

• Opt for Structured Pieces: Look for clothing that offers some structure, such as blazers and tailored trousers. These pieces can define your silhouette and add an element of polish to your business casual ensemble.

• Play with Colors and Patterns: Don't shy away from color and subtle prints. While neutrals are safe, adding a pop of color or a tasteful pattern can enliven your outfit and reflect your personal style.

• Layer Intelligently: Layering can add depth and versatility to your outfits. A well-chosen cardigan or blazer can be both flattering and functional, allowing you to adjust to varying temperatures in the office.

The Don'ts

• Avoid Poor Fits: Steer clear of clothes that don't fit well. Ill-fitting garments can detract from your professionalism and leave you feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious.

• Shy Away from Clingy Fabrics: Certain synthetic materials can cling to the body and highlight areas you might prefer to de-emphasize. Instead, choose fabrics that offer a smooth, flattering fit.

• Overdo the Oversized Trend: While oversized pieces are comfortable and trendy, they might not always translate well in a business casual setting. Oversized items can sometimes overwhelm your frame and obscure your body's natural shape.

• Neglect Your Undergarments: The foundation of your outfit is just as important as the clothes themselves. Ill-fitting or unsupportive undergarments can affect the fit and look of your attire, so invest in good-quality pieces that offer the right support.

• Forget About Footwear: The wrong shoes can break an outfit. Avoid overly casual or uncomfortable shoes. Opt for polished, comfortable footwear that complements your outfit and can handle the demands of your day.

Confidence is Key

Last but not least, remember that confidence is your best accessory. When you feel good about what you're wearing, it shows. Dressing in clothes that fit well, flatter your figure, and make you feel comfortable will naturally boost your confidence.

Remember, fashion should be fun and expressive, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what makes you feel most empowered!