I truly don’t get the fashion industry’s lack of respect for women who fall into the plus size category. More than half of us are defined as plus sized so there is no logical reason for the lack of plus size business clothes for women.
Have you tried finding plus size business clothes – or any plus size clothes lately at your typical department store in the mall?
If you’re a woman with curves – and you’re lucky – you’ll be able to find the plus size woman’s section tucked away and out of sight. That tiny corner will contain a few casual items, a few formal items and a few outfits suitable to wear in a business situation. That means you’ll have to shop several stores just to find a reasonable selection of business clothes for your wardrobe.
If you’re a full figured woman searching for work wear for the office, save yourself the frustration of shopping in the mall and search online.
Online Shopping Options for Plus Size Business Clothes
Lane Bryant “gets” plus size women. They understand that we’re women with curves and who enjoy living our lives.They are one of the few retailers who seem to understand that size doesn’t keep a woman out of the board room – however business attire is affordable so you can look like you’re ready for the CEO promotion without spending a CEO’s salary.Their high quality affordable business attire makes this retailer your first stop – online or offline – for professional business attire for the plus size woman.
Their online selection is great – plus you can score some great deals by shopping online.
While every woman can benefit from the proper “foundation” garments – working mothers (a.k.a. women who have given birth) must make this a top priority in their wardrobe. For more information on this subject- check out Before You Begin Shopping: What Every Plus Size Woman Must Know.
I particularly like Lane Bryant’s high quality “foundation garment” selection. Their online selection of body shapers, bras and other support garments is first rate. If you don’t own a body shaper yet – order one – wear it – and see what a difference in makes in how your clothes look. ‘Nuff said.
With all of this praise, I will heap a few burning coals on Lane Bryant for this reason only – the presentation of the clothing is often lacking. By that I mean that many of the images on their website don’t present the clothes in their best light. This is where the online experience for Lane Bryant gets a thumbs down. The models are wearing poorly fitted clothes and therefore – it’s hard to tell how they will look on you when they do fit correctly.
Proper fit is essential to everyone – but especially for plus size women. Not too big – not too small – but just right is our goal. You won’t see clothing presented well in many of the images on the Lane Bryant site… so remember that as you’re shopping with them online. In other words, its one of the few times the WORST case scenario is presented via the images on the site.
Jessica London loves your curves – and they offer clothing in sizes 12 – 32 to accommodate and accentuate those lovely curves. They offer career, casual and special occasion fashion, plus classic, easy-to-wear separates, comfortable lingerie and sleepwear to women sizes. Oh – and because plus sizes can sometimes extend all the way to your toes – they also offer shoes up to a size 12.
One Stop Plus not only offers women’s sizes 14- 44 – they’ve also got clothes for big and tall men as well. They carry top brand names like Gucci, Liz Clairbourne and Jessica London.Check out their 80% Outlet center for great steals and deals.
Many of the fashions offered at One Stop Plus will literally make you do a double take. If you’ve ever leafed through a magazine, seen an outfit you love only to discover it’s only offered up to a size 12 – then you’ll love One Stop Plus.
When you browse the site, you’ll literally be thinking, “I can’t believe they have THAT darling outfit in my size!”
Curvety.com is an online retailer dedicated exclusively for full figured women. The site offers an amazing selection of plus size women’s clothing in sizes 16 to 36.
If you’re part of the majority and wear a size 14 or larger, you’d better get used to shopping online to find plus size business clothes for women. If you’ve found a great shop online – feel free to let us know about it in the comments section below.
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I had already checked most of your sites without much success. The others you listed have some nice clothes, but nothing I would wear to a job interview. I’m not a church lady or hot mamma.
Penny –
I feel your pain. I’ll keep searching for quality links to PROFESSIONAL business suit options!!!