Our appearance gives others an instant impression about us—and this is especially true in the workplace. Opinions are formed about our capabilities, status and intelligence—before we’ve even said a word. It’s important to ensure that the first impression is a good one, and a solid career wardrobe accomplishes just that.
A great wardrobe doesn’t have to fill three closets. Several well-chosen pieces can be cleverly mixed, matched and accessorized to give you a professional and flattering ensemble every day of the workweek. Here are your wardrobe must-haves:
1. A Classic Jacket
Jackets convey authority like no other garment, so make sure your career wardrobe contains at least two classic jackets. Here are a few buying tips:
For the plus size woman, a lightweight, loose-fitting, tailored jacket is ideal. A neutral or dark solid color will offer the most mix-and-match options, so gray, black or navy are all good choices.
The hemline should hit anywhere from mid-hip to the top of the thigh. The jacket waist should be at your natural waistline, and the buttons should fasten easily with no gaping.
A comfortable, well-made and well-fitting jacket will give you good service for years to come.
2. A Classic Blouse
A basic white or off-white blouse is not just nice to have, it's a career wardrobe essential.
Ideally, the blouse should be long enough to be tucked in. White or off-white should be your first purchase, with pastels like blue, pink or yellow also in the running. For a little more drama, black and red are perennial career favorites—then buy the latest color trends after that.
One caveat: remember that the more skin you show, the less professional the outfit may appear, so avoid sleeveless styles for the workplace. Short, long or three-quarter sleeves are the way to go. A basic career wardrobe of 5 blouses is a must-have for every woman’s closet.
3. Classic Skirt and/or Pants
A basic A-line skirt in a neutral or dark color can take you anywhere you need to go. Neutral or dark-colored pants work just as well.
Money-saving tip: Black pants are the career woman’s best friend, slimming, classy and always appropriate. A mix of 4 or 5 pant or skirt selections is a great beginning for a working wardrobe—and as for those black pants, you can never have too many pairs!
4. Accessories
The right accessories can change an outfit from routine to fabulous in an instant.
Wear jewelry that flatters, but does not overwhelm. If it jingles or jangles, save it for the weekend.
Scarves can make an instant impact. Tied loosely around the neck, a scarf draws attention to your face—and that’s where the attention should be.
A word about shoes: Make your first purchase a closed-toe black pump (1.5”-2” heel). These seasonless must-haves will work with your entire business wardrobe, with either skirts or pants. Buy the best quality you can afford—their comfort and durability makes the best use of your fashion dollars.
In Summary:
- Always opt for mix-and-match separates. Five classic blouses plus a pair of pants and a skirt will give you ten outfits.
- Find a few colors that you like and that look good on you, and build your wardrobe around them. Solid colors mix-and-match more easily than prints. They’re also less distinctive, which will make it seem as though you have a lot more clothes than you do!
- Buy the best quality you can afford. The clothes will last longer, wear better, and save you more money in the long run.
- Buy classic styles that stand the test of time. You can wear them now, or five years from now, and you’ll still look great!
For the must-haves we’ve mentioned, and all other
career styles, your first stop should be
Catherines!
Our Career Collection is like no other: blouses, skirts, pants, jackets,
dresses, accessories and more, all custom-designed with the plus-size
figure in mind!
Did you know that today’s woman is about 5’ 4” and a size 14?
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If you are a plus size woman, you can
feel left out in the cold after seeing all those
skinny girls on the TV, bill boards etc.
Starting loving your curves is easy look at these suggestions/tips:- 1. They say retail therapy works a treat and it sure does - take some time for you and pamper yourself!! Get a few of your girl friends, have shopping spree, lunch and a treatment – go on a new hair cut or a manicure makes you feel brilliant. 2. Do some exercise and have fun - enjoy yourself – I’m sure the dog will love you been taken out for a long walk (just wrap up warm in the cold weather and take a drink of water in the hot weather), make new friends by visiting your local gym and see what classes are available! You’ll soon see you energy levels and vitality grow. 3. One of the best ways to increase your own self confidence is sexy underwear. treat yourself with a sexy, new full figure bra and matching briefs. Indulge yourself in a new, sexy bra and matching panties. Since self image is all about loving yourself, how better to love yourself than to treat yourself to gorgeous lingerie? 4. Show off your best bits, whether it’s your bottom, cleavage, shoulders, curves or legs – look at the stars to see how they work it – seemingly effortlessness!! Take Beyonce, Cameron Diaz or Penelope Cruz – they all know which lingerie works for them and how to work it. 5. Let go of dieting and surround yourself with friends who are interested in whom you are rather than what dress size you are. Embrace your curves and love you voluptuousness – let the world open up for you. 6. The London Marathon has given many of us some incentive to get active – not only to give us that ‘good feeling’ but to also improve our fitness levels. Doing 30 minutes a day brisk walking is fantastic exercise and this is the best time of year to start – what beats going for an early morning or evening walk in the spring time? 7. Why not treat yourself to a special pamper day with friends? Check out any special offers that your local spas and retreats may be running – what could be better than steaming in the sauna, receiving a full body massage, relaxing by the pool side followed by a mouth watering meal with your dear friends – you’re worth it! 8. It’s time to start shaping up for your summer break – not only will you feel better but you’ll look FANTASTIC – try exercise that it enjoyable and fun such as family game of cricket, bike riding with friends or taking part in a Charity Fun Run/Walk. 9. Part of improving your self image and embracing your body is being proud and showing yourself off. Learn which styles flatter your best features - remember, finding the right clothes is never about the size, it’s about measurements and cut. 10. Ensure you are wearing the right size bra, so that you get excellent support and an impressive flattering shape. 11. Stick to smooth bras for wearing under fitted or sheer tops as these are best for not showing through these colored tops. 12. Wear streamline or fitted shapes - more flattering than baggy clothes. Choose tops with seams or darts under the bust - these will define your waist and make you look slimmer. 13. Stretch fabrics like knits and cotton Lycra are great if you want to emphasize your shape, but remember to wear a plain or smooth bra underneath tighter tops. 14. It is important to choose round, scooped and V-necklines as they tend to be more flattering for bigger boobs than high necklines.
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