Dressing For Success Tips
Read these 10 Dressing For Success Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Plus Size Womens tips and hundreds of other topics.
Bootcut Is Best
Bootcut trousers are the best cut for plus-sizes. When pants taper in at the ankle, they can have a disproportionate effect on your midsection, making it look fuller.
Instead, opt for the straight, sleek line of a bootcut. It is also important not to go too baggy with trousers; this will only make you look bigger.
Get pants tailored to fit properly to create a smooth contour. For plus-sizes with a thicker midsection, wear a thinner belt with trousers to avoid drawing attention to your midsection.
The Truth About Suits
Most women know that a good suit can make you feel --- and look --- like a million bucks. However, it is so important to consider the fit and style of a suit before you buy. Even the most expensive suit can look downright dowdy if it does not fit right.
For plus-sizes, avoid double-breasted suit jackets -- they only make you look wider. Instead, opt for a single-breasted style for a smoother look. Go for longer-length jackets that give you a leaner look. Shorter, boxy styles tend to make plus-sizes look wider.
Skirts should fall over the contours of your body (without clinging) and look best when they hit right above the knee. If you find that your suit fits well in the waist, but droops everywhere else, get it tailored to fit your shape.
A Professional Wardrobe Begins At Home
When putting together a professional wardrobe, start at home. Clean out your closet: before you add to clothing, it is a good idea to take stock of what you already have.
You might be surprised to learn that you already own a few timeless pieces that are great for the workplace. Give pieces you no longer wear to charity or a friend.
With your closet under control, it is time to go shopping. Before you actually purchase new pieces, look around --- both online and in your favorite boutiques. Check out large, name brand, plus-size retailers online if they are not located in your town.
Take stock of the latest trends and retailers that carry classic pieces. Remember, you are not looking for seasonal separates --- you want to purchase clothing that will wear well several seasons from now. You are also looking for clothing that will wear well through a workday. Comfort is a big factor here.
Don't Forget Your Blouse
When wearing a suit, beware of what's underneath.
The type of top you are wearing is important because it has an effect on how the suit looks overall, and will have to carry the outfit should you take your suit jacket off. Short-sleeved, silk or knit shells look great on full-figures and do not cling to your hotspots in an unflattering way. Long-sleeves are also a good option, but only in cooler weather. Your top should not be too tight or low cut; the style should fall within the overall parameters of your office dress code.
Accessorize Your Workwear
Accessories are super important when it comes to professional fashion for plus-sizes. Scarves, for example, are a great way to dress up a suit. Short scarves tied around the neck or longer scarves around collar and lapel of the jacket can add color or an interesting pattern to your suit.
Chunky gold or silver jewelry is also a great way to accessorize a work wardrobe. This kind of accessory looks chic and sophisticated. Stay away from too-trendy baubles, as they will make your outfit look less professional.
Handbags should also be professional. Stick with classic colors like black, grey, deep red or navy; they go with just about any outfit.
Choose a medium size handbag for the office. Too small and everything will burst out every time you go to get a pen; likewise, if your bag can hold an entire change of clothes, it is likely too large for work.
Casual Officewear Dont's
When working in a office with a casual dress code policy, it's hard to know what kind of clothing is okay and what is just too-casual. If you get too laid-back with your wardrobe, you run the risk of being seen as a person who does not take their job seriously enough. Here are ten no-nos for office fashion, even in a casual environment:
- Sweatpants (of any kind, fabric or color)
- Jeans with holes, frays, patches or loud embellishments
- Long, baggy t-shirts
- Midriff-baring shirts
- Short shorts
- See-through or mesh anything
- Dirty, raggedy sneakers
- Miniskirts
- Extreme cleavage baring tops
- Tube tops (or any other strapless top) without a jacket
Essential Professional Wardrobe Ideas
There are ten pieces you need to own to have the quintessential professional wardrobe. They include:
- The Perfect White Shirt
- Lightweight Knit Sweater
- All-Purpose Handbag
- Power Suit
- Everyday Jacket
- Sexy Flats
- Dark Trousers
- Red Accessories
- Pencil Skirt
- Closed-Toe Pumps
Dos And Don'ts Of Workplace Fashion
Your reputation at the office is important and let's face it --- wearing the wrong thing can bring about bad word of mouth --- which can unfortunately have an effect on your career regardless of your potential. Here are some dos and don'ts for the office so you can look --- and perform --- your best in your professional life.
DO dress to blend. If everyone in your office comes to work looking uber-professional, do not show up in slouchy jeans and a tank top. In turn, if your office is very laid-back, dress accordingly --- meaning casual, but neat.
DON'T bring the club to work. Just about anything you would wear out for a night of clubbing is not a good idea for work --- no matter how cute it is.
DO have confidence in yourself --- professionally and personally. Your wardrobe is a reflection of how you feel about yourself. Work it accordingly!
DON'T be afraid to wear bold power suits or incorporate funky trends into your workplace fashions. You are full-figured and have the ability to be as fashionable as the next person has. Tell yourself that and learn to believe it!
The Trick To A Good Button-Down Fit
Button-down shirts are one of the staples of professional wardrobes. However, for fuller figures, they can be tricky to wear. It is important that your button-down top fit properly, otherwise you could end up with unsightly openings between buttons or an ill-fitting, clingy look.
The key to wearing a button-down shirt properly is to make sure it fits loosely enough to drape over your curves. It should be roomy in the bust area so the buttons do not strain.
Avoid tucking it into your pants unless it falls past your zipper area. A button-down shirt can make you look very professional, when worn correctly. Fit is everything --- so be sure you try it on before purchase.
Work Attire Should Combine Comfort And Style
All too often, when we are caught up in trying to stay stylish, we negate the comfort factor of an outfit. This is especially true when it comes to footwear. Go for comfort.
You can be trendy, cute and comfortable by investing some time and effort to find three main pairs of shoes for work: amazing stilettos, mid-range pumps and a sexy pair of flats.
Reserve stilettos for those days when you need an extra dose of confidence – such as a presentation or a meeting with a new client. Only wear them if you plan to keep your movement to a minimum to avoid soreness at the end of the day.
The mid-rage pump should be your everyday shoe. A chunky heel is usually best as it offers your foot added support. Choose a neutral color that goes with most of the items in your professional wardrobe. If need be, add a gel insert into your shoe for extra comfort.
Save your flats for more casual days or trendy outfits. They will likely be more comfortable, so wear them on a day when you need to do a lot of walking or moving around the office.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Lynda Moultry |
