We recently had a reader request for women’s plus size clothing outfit inspiration, and I was excited to start putting looks together. However, before I dive in, I want to acknowledge an unfortunate reality that the fashion industry has a long way to go when it comes to size representation. On a positive note, some of our favorite brands at MCO do offer a good selection of plus-size apparel – but we all must continue to advocate for better size representation throughout the industry and at popular retailers. To help aid in your search for quality pieces, I’ve put together some chic plus size outfits for work and play, featuring our favorite size-inclusive brands!
1. blazer + scoop-neck tee + trousers + loafers
Madewell offers a great selection of workwear pieces when it comes to plus size women’s clothing. If you love a combination of classic and trendy pieces, Madewell is a one-stop shop for quality, elevated pieces. Plus, they offer frequent sales which means that you can score some great deals with a little patience!
Start this first look off with a pair of wide-leg trousers. They feature defined pleats, and an adjustable back slider tab for a cinched look (perfect for waist defining!). And speaking of waist definition, try adding a ribbed short-sleeved sweater tee on top. You can tuck it into the high-waisted pants to elongate the appearance of your legs. This is an especially flattering look if you want to balance a longer torso with shorter legs (I use this technique all the time for my own proportions).
Finish the look off with an academia-aesthetic blazer, croc-embossed loafers, and a brown leather belt. A gold watch ties it all together!
2. wrap dress + crystal earrings + sheer tights + slingback heels
A classic wrap dress is one of the universally flattering pieces that will complement any body type! Whether you’re an hourglass body shape, an inverted triangle body shape or maybe a pear body shape, the construction of a wrap dress will highlight your best features. I also love the versatility of this piece. You can easily style it for the office or your next holiday party (like I’ve shown above).
Add a pair of sheer tights for extra coverage if you desire. Next, try a pair of slingback heels for a leg-lengthening look. Crystal droplet earrings finish the look off with a bit of drama!
3. striped sweater + corduroy pants + leopard flats
Don’t be afraid to mix and match prints for a fun, interesting look! Prints can help to give your look depth and personality. Pair leopard print Mary Jane flats with a striped crewneck sweater for a chic outfit for weekend errands. Cozy sweaters are the perfect style for a fall or winter casual look.
On the bottom, try wide-leg pants in one of this season’s trending colors: chocolate brown. Corduroy is also making a comeback, and this is the perfect way to integrate the fun fabric into your wardrobe. Finish the look off with a Longchamp Le Pliage tote bag in medium.
4. fair isle sweater + pleated leather mini skirt + scarf + tall boots
Here’s a fun twist on the “après-ski” aesthetic – French for “after ski.” Cozy up in the lodge with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine in this next outfit. First, start with a classic Fair Isle sweater (when I think of a cozy sweater for Christmas, this is the first print that comes to mind). Next, add a bit of edge with a leather pleated mini skirt. Pair it with tall leather boots to help provide additional coverage – you could even add a cozy pair of over-the-knee socks for warmth, or just sit closer to the fire.
Have I set the scene yet? Can you tell I’d rather be indoors than out on the slopes? Well, if I haven’t convinced you yet, add a fringe scarf from J.Crew for the finishing touch. Grab your favorite book or a friend and you’re in for the perfect winter afternoon.
5. fair isle sweater + wide-leg jeans + shearling-lined clogs
Fair Isle sweaters are not only a classic winter wardrobe essential, they’re also trending this year. So, I couldn’t resist creating a second look inspired by this style from J.Crew! This time, we’re keeping things casual with a pair of wide-leg jeans in the perfect light-medium wash.
Mix in new textures with a suede handbag from Madewell, and shearling-lined Boston Birkenstock. A cozy pair of ribbed socks complete the look.
6. button-down shirt + topcoat + burgundy flats + dark-wash jeans
Mango is another brand that not only features a great selection of inclusive-size tops and pants but also a good number of coats of different sizes for special occasions, ensuring you have the perfect fit for the holiday season. This wool top coat by Mango will go with everything and is a great piece to wear for work or fun.
Pair it with a classic foundation – dark-wash jeans and a black top. This satin Dolman style button-down will feel so luxurious and will layer well underneath a sweater tied over your shoulders, or even a long duster cardigan. Add a pair of burgundy ballet flats and a black leather belt to tie it all together.
7. contrasting trim shirt + pleated midi skirt + black ballet flats
Neutral pieces make getting ready for work a breeze. There’s nothing worse than running late and then frantically stumbling around in the dark trying to find two things that go together. With a capsule wardrobe full of neutral items, you can easily mix and match styles for the perfect look – every time.
Do you live in a warm climate? No sweat! (Literally.) This short-sleeve sweater with contrasting trim is an elegant, work-appropriate piece for a warm climate (or an office that cranks the heat every year). Pair it with a pleated maxi skirt for a flattering look. The vertical pleats and maxi length will help your legs appear longer, and it’s a fun take on a classic style.
Accessorize with gold studs for an understated but luxe look, a gold bracelet watch, a leather shopper tote, and ballet flats.
Need another reason why we love a capsule wardrobe so much at MCO? Check out our free resources here and fall in love.
8. short-sleeved sweater top + crop jeans + mary jane flats
Here’s another workwear-inspired winter outfit for those who live in a warm climate (or a thermostat-happy office). Pair a knitted short-sleeved cardigan with black kick-out crop jeans from Madewell for a look that perfectly balances “business” and “casual.” Accessorize with a large Longchamp Le Pliage tote, it’s also the perfect laptop bag. Finish the look with a pair of Greta ballet flats from Madewell, and a gold bracelet watch.
Madewell is known for its denim, so I’m glad that they offer a good selection of jeans of different sizes beyond the less-inclusive standard sizes on the market.
9. red cropped jacket + ecru high-waisted pleated trousers + gold flats
Don’t let anyone ever force you into a box when it comes to plus size fashion! Have fun with the pops of color in this next look. Pair a festive red cropped jacket with high-waisted cream-colored trousers for a cheery office outfit – it could double as the perfect outfit for your office Christmas lunch. You can add a black or white tank underneath for coverage, just in case.
A snake-embossed leather purse and a black leather belt add contrast to the light pants. Shine in gold Mary Jane flats, and gold stud earrings.
10. sweater blazer + v-neck tank top + wide-leg jeans + leopard print flats
Wear this look to your next casual holiday gathering or cookie-baking day. Start with a v-neck knit top – the v-neck silhouette is flattering in terms of opening up your chest area! On top, add a cozy sweater – like the sweater blazer from J.Crew. There are so many ways to style this wardrobe essential in other outfits as well – if you don’t believe me, check out 12 chic sweater blazer looks here.
On the bottom, try a pair of vintage-wash wide-leg or bootcut jeans. Add a leather belt and trendy (and classic) leopard print Mary Jane flats to finish the look!
11. striped crewneck sweater + trench coat + dark-wash jeans + ankle boots
We love Parisian-inspired looks here at MCO, and up next is a perfect example of how the French do casual chic. First, start with a striped crewneck sweater (it may look familiar). Next, add a pair of dark wash wide-leg jeans (Parisians avoid holes and rips!). On top, you can’t forget a trench coat. It’s the perfect way to elevate your casual fall and winter outfits. Finish the look with a pair of black leather ankle boots.
Parisian street style is our equivalent to fashion’s little black dresses, and you can find more inspiration inspo from the streets of France here.
12. black midi dress + burgundy button-down + slingback flats
You want your wardrobe to work for you – not the other way around. One of the keys to solving this issue is learning how to mix and match pieces to create new looks! Let’s go back to little black dresses. You can easily make the midi dress above appropriate for the office or cold weather wear by layering a button-down underneath! Instant professional upgrade (pro tip – choose a style in a thinner fabric like satin or silk to avoid a bunched look underneath your dress).
Add slingback flats, a classic black handbag, and crystal-studded gold hoops to finish out the look.
13. vest top + wide-leg trousers + slingback heels + shopper tote
You can modernize workwear by playing around with proportions. For instance, deconstruct a classic suit for this next look. Black tops are a great choice for neutral office attire. Try a vest top for a new take on the age-old three-piece sets. Pair it with wide-leg trousers to balance out the close-fitting top. Add slingback heels for a more comfortable version of a pump. Accessorize with a shopper tote, and a gold bracelet watch.
14. cream halter top + top coat + satin midi skirt + slingback heels
Need some inspiration for your next holiday party or dinner? Look no further! You can’t go wrong with an elegant pairing of black and white. Start with the halter top – this one drapes beautifully for a sophisticated and flattering look. Pair it with a satin midi skirt for an elevated style. On top, try a wool top coat.
Accessorize with slingback heels, a snake-embossed accordion bag from J.Crew, and a gorgeous pair of gold droplet earrings.
Related: Be the Best Dressed Guest With These 12 Dinner Party Outfits for the Holidays
15. sparkly v-neck sweater + white tee + dark-wash jeans + ballet flats
If your family is more “white elephant gift exchange” than “black tie soiree,” you can still feel festive in comfortable, casual wear with this next look. Pair a sparkly v-neck sweater with dark-wash jeans. If you like a little additional coverage underneath the vee, you can always add a white t-shirt – they add great contrast.
A black leather hobo-style bag from Madewell is perfect for transporting your hostess gift, and you can finish off the look with chic (but also comfy) black ballet flats.
16. turtleneck sweater + wide-leg jeans + clogs
If you would describe your style on the side of “minimalism,” here’s a no-fail outfit inspiration for you. Start with a quality turtleneck – I love the interwoven colors here that add texture and interest. Next, this pair of wide-leg jeans – you’ve seen them multiple times on this list because I think the vintage wash is perfect for so many types of looks!
Add a pair of clogs for a cozy winter shoe that’s easy to slide on and off. Finally, a Coach 28 bag (a great Christmas wishlist item) and a pair of round sunglasses complete the look. The reflection of a bunch of white snow is no joke, so these are essential!
Chic Looks with Size-Inclusive Pieces
Shopping for plus size outfits can be, sadly, a very frustrating journey due to the limited options available. And if you’re reading this, I’m so sorry if this has been your personal experience. Clothing size should in no way dictate what you can and cannot wear. As I said before, the fashion industry has a lot that it needs to improve on when it comes to plus size clothing offerings, but I hope that this list has perhaps opened your eyes to a new retailer or two where you can find clothes that you feel chic in – after all, that’s what we’re all about!
Want to learn more about what winter trends are on the horizon? We’ve covered a few in this list, but you can find more here: 7 Winter Fashion Trends You’ll See Everywhere This Season 2024
Thank you so much for this wonderful issue featuring plus size. It’s the first time I’ve seen so many beautiful options in my size. It actually made me realize I have some of the items already, but had not really thought to combine them. When we talk about plus size people don’t realize that over 50% of women technically fall into that category.
Thank you again for including us.
I’m so happy to hear this was helpful! If we can inspire outfit ideas and confidence, then we feel like we did our jobs 🙂