It seems like office attire is designed either for petite girls or with the one-size-fits-all mindset. If you are a plus-sized girl, you might find it challenging to find office wear.
Fortunately, since the pandemic, many corporates around the world are continuing to relax their dress rules. You no longer have to wear a suit to the workplace every day. The most important thing is to look decent and professional.
If you are a plus-size and chubby, it’s time to experiment with different styles, and our picks below might surprise you.
Editors’ Pick for Top Office Wear for Plus Size Women
Image | Name | Material | Editors remark | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1.  | 49% Cotton, 47% Polyester, 4% Spandex | The sense of class | ||
2.  | 67% Viscose, 28% Nylon, 5% Elastane | Affordability, function, and fashion | ||
3.  | 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex | Beautiful front ruffles that’ll accentuate your silhouette | ||
4.  | 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex | Simply beautiful | ||
5.  | 100% Polyester | Best for balancing curvy hips |
What should you wear to the office as a chubby girl?
1. Wear fitted clothes
Plus Size Office Attire for Chubby Ladies
Jackets/ Coats for Plus Size
1. Leather jackets
A leather jacket is a classic outfit. A plain leather jacket with minimal accessories can be great for the office. For office wear, avoid leather jackets with exaggerated zippers or spikes. If you are a chubby lady, opt for a short one that reaches slightly above the hips. A short and fitting leather or pleather jacket is the best because it’ll highlight your curves.
2. A trench coat for winter
You can never go wrong with a trench coat no matter your body size. It is a great cover-up for those cold months (see the best jackets for 40-degree weather here www.sweetskinliners.com/body-shape/best-jackets-for-40-degree-weather/) and goes with almost every outfit.
If you are a plus-size woman, go for a straight-look trench coat that will go with most of your clothes. You can get one in conservative colors like black, brown, and beige. These are the best colors for office wear and they are easy to style with other colors.
3. Peplum blazers
If you are a pear-shaped plus-size woman, a peplum blazer is the best. It’s stylish and unique and also flatters your body because it defines the waist. The Agnes Orinda Women’s Plus Size Ruched Peplum Blazer is a good choice for the office since it is easy to style.
It has a defined waistline with buttons and you can get it in plain colors for versatility. The neck area is open so you have to wear it with a blouse, shirt, or top.
Plus Size Women Suits
4. Straight-leg pantsuit with a blazer
A straight-leg pantsuit is one of the best plus size office attire for chubby ladies. If you have wide hips, straight-fit pants help you realize some top-down balance. Stay away from wide-leg pants because they will only add bulkiness to your bottom.
Add a blazer to the outfit to make it look professional and if you can get the suit in a classic fit that will be better.
5. Tie-waist jumpsuits
A jumpsuit can be great for office wear as long as it’s tailored. And you can actually get one with a belt to create the impression of a top and trousers. The Verdusa Women’s Floral High Waist Belted Wrap Wide Leg Jumpsuit is a good option for the office.
It has a tailored look and a belt to flatter your waist. The floral design is minimal so it is still good for formal wear. You will love the top that looks like an overlap blouse and the bottom that looks like palazzo pants.
6. Knee-length skirt suits or dress suits
A knee-length skirt or dress suit is the best for plus-size women. If you are worried about a short height, get a knee-length one because it will elongate your legs. Stay away from midi-skirts because they cut your legs in the wrong places making you look short.
Best Women’s Plus Size Pants
7. High-rise regular-fit trousers
Regular-fit trousers and pants are good for the workplace. Make sure that they are high-rise especially if you have a tummy pouch for they’ll keep it in place and also flatter your waist. The Lee Women’s Plus Size Flex Motion Regular Fit Trouser Pants are one of my best since they are in a wrinkle-free and flexible fabric. You can tuck in the top and add a belt to accessorize the look.
8. High-waist flared pants with belt
You can still wear flare pants as a plus-size woman as long as you choose the right style. Palazzo pants are great for chubby girls since they are loose-fitting. The high waist style and belt are great for flattering and defining your waist.
If you’re thinking in this direction, try Hanna Nikole Women’s Plus Size High Waisted Belted Palazzo. They have vertical strips so they create a slimming and elongating look. They are made with a breathable fabric so you can wear them even on hot days.
9. Tummy control office pants
If you are a plus-size woman, you need to get tummy-control pants. High-waist pants are the best because they’ll snug your midsection.
Office Dresses for Plus Size Women
10. Short sleeve sweater dress for the fall season
Sweater dresses are good for the fall season and they can be very flattering for chubby girls. Since sweaters are made with thick fabric, they hug the curves of plus-size women without showing imperfections. You can also get a fitting short sleeve sweater dress for the fall season.
11. A-line dresses with frill skirts for concealing a tummy
You can wear an A-line dress as a plus-size woman as long as you choose the right height. Opt for a knee-length one so that you can show off your lower legs. A dress with a frill skirt is the best because it will conceal the tummy fat. My chubby friends have voted the Agmibrelr Women’s Plus Size Flutter Sleeve A-Line Swing Midi Dress as one of the best. It has a defined waist to flatter your body but it still has frills to cover your tummy fat and thighs.
12. Peplum dresses
The slimming design of a peplum bodycon dress is an excellent choice for women who are looking to accentuate their curves.
You can never go wrong with this LALAGEN Women’s Plus Size Long Sleeve Peplum Tie Neck Bodycon Pencil Midi Dress. Its asymmetrical peplum makes it less noticeable that you’re heavy in your midsection. The plus size dress is a perfect match for your sexy curves and it’s also suitable for daily life, work, club, party, and other occasions. This can also be a perfect maternity formal dress for all seasons.
13. Dresses with hourglass patterns
Some formal dresses have patterns that create the illusion of a curvier waist or an hourglass body. Here is a good example of such a dress.
14. Dresses with vertical stripes
When you’re chubby, the goal is to create the impression that you are taller and leaner. You can do this by playing with the textures, colors, and patterns. The best way to do it is to opt for clothes with vertical stripes as opposed to horizontal ones.
Vertical stripes have an upward and downward effect on the eyes, so wearing vertical stripes makes you appear taller and slimmer. When choosing dresses, pants, and tops, ensure that you always consider the print design. Anything that makes the eye move up and down is always a good choice.
15. Dresses with floral prints
Dresses with floral prints are not only flattering but also visually busy, so no one will easily notice your lumps and bumps as a chubby babe.
16. Tie waist dresses
Some front tie dresses such as MUXXN Women’s Vintage Faux Wrap Dress are simply gorgeous and actually having an accessory around your waist is the ideal thing for making a chubby midsection less pronounced.
17. Wrap dresses
A front tie is not the only style. A dress can also have a front wrap design which makes it drape almost over your whole torso. The Oten Women’s Deep V Neck Ruffled Dress has a faux wrap front and a V-neckline that make it sexy and perfect for styling a plus size chubby figure.
Shirts and Tops for Plus Size Chubby Ladies
18. Pleated top blouses
The neckline here is pleated and the folds drape over the tummy thus disguising any pot belly. The hemline is loose to create plenty of room for all body shapes.
These blouses have a relaxed fit and go well with jeans, leggings, tights, slacks, skirts, and shorts, and are particularly suitable for the warm and hot spring and summer months.
19. Slit hem business-casual shirts
An asymmetrical shirt such as this LYANER Women’s Collar V Neck Slit Hem Shirt would do wonders to flatter your silhouette in a business-casual look.
It shows a little bit of cleavage but it still has that clean polished look that you get from a classic office shirt. Apart from wearing it with a pencil skirt, you can dress it down with dress pants, jeans, or shorts.
20. Turtleneck poncho
Turtleneck ponchos are great work wear for chubby ladies when the weather starts getting cold. A turtle neck poncho will keep you warm but at the same time, it will hide any flaws you may have. It is loose fitting so it will act as a top and it’s also a good cover-up.
21. Peplum tops
Having a belly pooch should not prevent you from being fashionable. Peplum tops are made to hide the chubby midsection and also keep you looking good.
They flow around the waist to the tummy area and they are also versatile to style with a skirt or pants. You can try Agnes Orinda Women’s Plus Size Peplum Top which is specifically designed for curvy girls. It is fairly long so it will cover your entire tummy down to the waist area.
22. Flowy tunics
A flowy tunic top is plus size ladies’ favorite. Tunic tops are usually flowy around the tummy area so they’re ideal for belly fat. They are also fairly long so if you are wearing jeggings or tight pants they give you more coverage.
The ALLEGRACE Women’s Plus Size Short Sleeve Flowy Tunic for Leggings can be worn with office pants or a straight skirt. The upper part is tight-fitting for a tailored look but it flows below the waist. This top can also double up as maternity wear.
23. Front tie blouses
Front tie blouses are the best for chubby girls because they define the waist. The tie around the waist flatters the waist to highlight the curves. They are also easy to style with pants or a pencil skirt.
The Romwe Women’s Plus Size Floral-Print Belt Tie Peplum Blouse has a front tie which gives it a peplum look. Since it’s floral, you can style it with matching pants. Overall, this is a versatile outfit for both casual and official wear.
24. Plus size women’s shirts
You can wear a shirt even as a plus-size woman. A unique three-quarter sleeve shirt is one of the best for office wear. The Riders by Lee Indigo Women’s Plus Size Easy Care ¾ Sleeve Woven Shirt is an excellent formal shirt for women of size.
It is tailored but loose-fitting at the same time. If you are looking for something comfortable then this woven shirt will give you the polished look and comfort you need for someone serious about climbing the corporate ladder.
25. Plus Size Blouses with Bow Neck Tie
A bow-neck tie is always a good addition to any formal outfit. Instead of wearing the normal boring blouses, find one with a bow tie attached. It gives the outfit an upgraded look without adding too many accessories.
The IN’VOLAND Plus Size Blouse for Women with Bow Neck-Tie comes with matching strips and an attached bow-neck tie. It is easy to style for the office and also for casual looks.
26. Low necklines to draw attention away from your midsection
V-necks, round neck, and square neck tops help to draw attention away from your chubby areas and overall silhouette. These necklines are also great for creating the impression of height because they make your neck appear taller.
27. Layered tank tops
In a layered plain tank top, the lower layer is longer and flares to cover the bum and hips while the upper layer is shorter and flares to disguise a bulging belly.
If a flattering and no-see-through top that you can wear any day every day from the office to the cocktail dinner is on your wish list, then Floral Find Women’s Chiffon Layered Tank Top needs to be in your wardrobe.
It’s a solid-colored and double-layered tank top perfect for pairing with either solid-colored or printed bottoms.
The backline is a little higher than the neckline and the good thing about this summer tank top is that you can reverse it front-to-back to raise or lower the neckline.
Its material looks more expensive than its $19 price and there is a size for everyone, from small to extra-large.
Best Skirts for Chubby Women
28. Elastic waist A-line ruffle skirt
Ruffle skirts are ideal for every body shape. If you are a plus-size woman with chubby thighs, such a skirt will conceal your lower body. A skirt with an elastic waist is good for defining your waist and it hugs your body without making you feel uncomfortable.
The Belle Poque Women Plaid Skirt Vintage High Waist Pleated Skirt with Pockets comes in a vintage look and is easy to style. It has an elastic band at the back for comfort.
29. Mermaid skirts
Mermaid skirts are a top choice of plus office attire for chubby ladies because they contour and flatter curves instead of trying to deny that you are curvy. If you are tired of the normal pencil skirts, it’s time to try out a mermaid skirt.
The MakeMeChic Women’s Plus Size Ruffle Hem High Waist Bodycon Mermaid Skirt is the best for showing off your silhouette. It is a high waist so it keeps the tummy snug and comfortable. The ruffles at the bottom help you bring out the right balance to your outline.
High-Waist Plus Size Shapewear
30. High-waist shapewear
Every plus-size girl knows the power of high-waist clothing because if you’re chubby, you probably have some tummy fat. A high waist body shaper will hide the belly while at the same time defining your midsection.
FAQs on Plus Size Office Outfits
What should you not wear as plus size?
1. Loose-fitting clothes with many accessories
If you are a chubby girl, avoid clothing that adds bulkiness to your body. Loose-fitting clothes with too many details and accessories only make you appear bigger than you are.
2. Tight clothing with thin fabrics
These are also not recommended since they show all the curves and edges of your body. If you decide to wear tight-fitting clothes go for bulky knitted fabrics that give your skin good coverage.
3. Large prints and horizontal stripes
It’s also advisable to stay away from clothes with large prints and horizontal stripes. Horizontal strips make you appear wider than you already are.
Conclusion
If you’re plus-sized and chubby, you don’t have to feel like you’ve been left out of style and comfort in formal wear because there is an endless list of outfits that properly fit women of size.
From our tests and buyer feedback, some of the plus size office attire for chubby ladies that we would recommend include this Marycrafts Women’s Business Blazer Pant Suit for its affordability, Lee Women’s Plus Size Flex Motion Regular Fit Trouser Pants for their sense of class, and Floerns Short Sleeve Plus Size Business Pencil Dress for its beauty.