Work clothes for the not-thin? Trying to avoid dowdy . . .

[Anonymous]

I would like to step it up but have trouble with fit for many upscale brands. Right now wearing a lot of Banana Republic, Talbots. Size 14 with some squishy bits and imperfect figure. I'm a lawyer - don't need a suit every day, not that conservative of an environment.

For shoes, I've had knee/heel problems (high arches) so I need to wear comfortable shoes with heels (not too high). I've found Ecco, Cole Haan, Clarks Artisan to be pretty comfortable and still be fairly stylish/work-appropriate.

Any suggestions/help? Favorite stores?

[Anonymous]

OP here . . . is this search so hopeless? No replies?

[Anonymous]

Well, this might not be helpful for your office environment, plus I mentioned this on another thread recently, but what the hell:

I recommend the Victoria's Secret Christie pant and the Liz Claiborne Slender Trouser. Both have a higher waist that hides a muffin top.

[Anonymous]

I am a size 14 and have had good luck with Elie Tahari and J Crew for suits or separates. I am also a lawyer and tend to wear suits for outside meetings, otherwise a lot of skirts and sweaters/tops. I am really into pencil skirts and sweaters now and tailored dresses for summer. Still do Banana and Ann Taylor for some tops, as well as Boden.

[Anonymous]

The Limited's plus-size line, Eloquii, has some cute dresses and skirts.

[Anonymous]

Nordstrom has a great plus sized department. Macy's also...pretty much all department stores. Stay away from places like Lane Bryant...stuff looks cheap.

[Anonymous]

Size 14 is not plus size.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Size 14 is not plus size.

We size 14ers have the luxury of shopping in both regular and plus stores.

[Anonymous]

I shop at Nordstrom and Saks and Neiman Marcus for Plus size career attire...if anyone needs quality materials and clothing it is us larger ladies

[Anonymous]

Brooks brothers makes nice lined pants in size 14, which helps cover things up. Make sure the cuff is long enough - too many older women wear pants cuffs that are a little short (frumpy) looking. Jackets are more challenging since they can look too boxy or tight - I was at an event where back fat rolls were showing through a too tight jacket - not a good look.

Basically I think cut and fit are very, very important.

[Anonymous]

You might find a good tailor even more valuable than a different brand of clothes. I hate having things tailored b/c of time and I feel like with even a 3 pound weight swing that my shape varies too much. But it might help take a so-so fit to fabulous.

You might search the archives of Corporette, too. That is a very active site and I think they have touched on favorite brands for different shapes and sizes.

And WardrobeOxygen recently mentioned a service you can subscribe to that will send you loaner clothes from a bunch of different designers. Gives you the chance to try things for a reasonable outlay of cash. I think they only serve size 12 and up (although I could have that size range wrong).

[Anonymous]

i know you said you don't like suits, but i truly believe a nice structured jacket (on the short side) can do wonders to make lumps look smooth and make a waist look smaller. it doesn't have to be a suit jacket, but try out some corduroy or wool jackets too.

[Anonymous]

Go to a department store (Bloomingdales, Saks or Neiman) and ask a stylist to fit you for one week (they will give you mix and match ideas as well). You will not only know what brand, style.... fit you, but what basic alternations needed for your body type. You do not have to buy all at once - pick them up later, one day at a time, maybe on sale, maybe similar items somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

Ladies, OP is NOT plus size!

OP - I'm a 14 who has had good luck at The Limited, Ann Taylor, LOFT, Boden, and many brands at Nordstrom (I like Halogen the best). My favorite comfy shoes are actually Calvin Kleins - they have cushioned soles and are very stylish.

[Anonymous]

PP Here - I use the limited for pants, skirts, and jackets. I think their tops are trashy.