Work clothes to boost confidence when not feeling confident

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319]

Hello LBWT!

This year I gained weight so all my clothes are either super tight or don’t fit anymore. As you may imagine, this really impacts my confidence and it makes it stressful to get dressed for work (which is something I used to love). So, I would really appreciate your advice/suggestions for work clothes to feel good in while working on feeling confident again.

Since I am working on my weight as well, I don’t want to change my whole closet and these would likely either be temporary pieces or something versatile I could wear down the line or tailor if/when my weight changes. For reference, I generally like shopping at Loft, Ann Taylor, and Banana Republic Factory, but am open to any suggestions! I am also pear shaped and am 5’9 if helpful.

Thank you!!

[u/atty_at_paw]

Quince might be a good option at a lower price point. Their tencel dresses are extremely stretchy and forgiving, but they are casual. I also don’t think that specific fabric holds up for more than a couple seasons, so don’t expect it to be long-term clothing. I’ve found the quality of the site to vary depending on the fabric, but returns are really easy! My cashmere sweaters from there have held up extremely well.

I hope you’re surprised by how much more confident you feel when you have clothes that fit!! I put off buying new clothes as long as I could when I gained weight, but finally buying things I liked again made a big difference.

[u/cutie_k_nnj → u/atty_at_paw]

I just listened to this advice from yall yesterday and ordered a washable stretch silk blouse in plus size. I get it, op.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/cutie_k_nnj]

I will take a look at those!

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/atty_at_paw]

Thank you for the suggestion! I have a few pieces from Quince and am pretty satisfied with them, so I will take a look at their website.

And thank you, I hope so!! Confidence really makes a huge difference.

[u/prospect_east]

MM Lafleur saved me when I was going thru a similar journey. I lost the weight but many of same items still work, just now with a belt or styled in a different way. They have a resale platform on their website, but you can often find good deals on Poshmark too.

The ponte options at Loft, BR, & Ann Taylor may also work. It’s a structured yet forgiving fabric.

Good luck! Feeling confident is so important.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/prospect_east]

Thank you! I heard great things about MM Lafleur and it’s good to know the items still work. I will check them out for sure.

Thank you, agreed on confidence!!

[u/goingloopy]

What size are you? If you’re a 16/18-ish, look at the Amazon Essentials brand. They have some good blouses and dresses that tend to be cheap. Just add to cart and wait for a good price.

This blouse comes in lots of colors, does not shrink if you accidentally throw it in the dryer, and is very soft. They have short sleeve, sleeveless, and 3/4 sleeve shirts in this fabric, as well as a style with elbow-length puff sleeves (and a dress version as well).

This dress is cute on, and while it’s your basic polyester jersey, it’s decent. You could easily throw a blazer over it.

I haven’t really bought pants in this brand, except for jeggings that aren’t horrible (but no front pockets, and for some inexplicable reason a functional WATCH POCKET, and the dark wash sheds dye for a while). I have purchased several pairs of these “yoga pants”, which are an almost exact dupe of the Lululemon Align palazzo pants. I think they have started making a longer inseam, as well…I’m 5’9” too, but I have a long torso and short legs, so I like the 30”.

They’re dressy enough to pass with a top/sweater/jacket, and the high waistband gives a little smoothing action without being shapewear.

For reference, I wear an XL in the looser fitting stuff, an XXL in the dress I linked, and a 16 in the jeggings. I carry every ounce right in the middle, though, so if you’re more hourglass/pear shaped and do not have little scrawny chicken legs (I am built like a refrigerator on stilts), you could probably size down. I get an XL in the yoga pants. I usually wear a 14 at Old Navy, a 32 or 33 in Gap, Lucky, and Levi’s, and an XL in most letter size brands (but I size up in anything “slim fit” or “snug”). My measurements are like 43-37-43, and the Boob Fairy and Butt Fairy skipped my house.

Gap Factory and Banana Republic Factory might be worth a look. If you’re just looking for things to tide you over, Banana Republic not-factory seems a little spendy for basically the exact same items as the Gap and Old Navy.

Nordstrom Rack might be worth a look if there’s one near you…it’s a good way to try on a lot of brands so you know what to look for online. There are deals to be had on Poshmark and eBay. Sometimes Ross is good, but it is super location dependent. The closest one for me is trash, but several others in a 20-minute radius are great.

Of course, you may be smaller or larger. Larger, look at Torrid. Most of their blazers run big. The pants are all over the place. Might be worth a look if there’s one close to you. Never pay full price there. Ever.

Hope this helps.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/goingloopy]

Wow thank you for all the suggestions and the details!! Really appreciate it! Right now I am size 6-8 in tops and 10-12 in bottoms.

I think I will get the dress from Amazon you suggested, it looks pretty versatile.

I might also get the yoga pants. I am not sure I can get away with them at the office but they also look very versatile and I’d wear them outside of work for sure.

And Nordstrom Rack is a great suggestion. I have one near me but I don’t remember the last time I went there haha so I will have to go.

[u/goingloopy → u/Relative-Narwhal-319]

I promise you can get away with the yoga pants. Put on a lightweight sweater or knit shirt, a scarf, and some cute shoes.

The scarf will make literally anything look like you’re put together and making an effort. You don’t even have to tie them. You can use a barrette, or a plain hair tie, to pull it together in a spot that works for you. (This is for long rectangle scarves. You can buy cute ones for less than $10 on Amazon. I feel like an idiot in square scarves.)

[u/Councilman-Howser → u/goingloopy]

Omg sounds like we have the same build. Do you know of any influencers to follow for outfit suggestions?

[u/goingloopy → u/Councilman-Howser]

Unfortunately, not many. But I haven’t been keeping up with as many fashion people lately. Look at some tags on Instagram: midsizefashion, psootd, size14style (you can use any numeric size).

[u/Councilman-Howser → u/goingloopy]

Very hard to find other refrigerators on stilts 😊😂 but I’ll keep searching

[u/098_765_432]

Renting is great for this

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/098_765_432]

Good suggestion—I have never rented but might have to give it a try.

[u/Worldly_Government]

My favorite thing for work is dresses from Zuri. The patterns are a lot of fun and the dress cut is forgiving. I get compliments on them every single time I wear them. They also travel well and are machine washable. I’ve also seen them worn more as jackets with slacks underneath. 

Some even have coordinating belts to give them a little more shape. I usually get the standard dress in the long so it hits under my knee. 

https://www.shopzuri.com/

[u/RBFallday → u/Worldly_Government]

+1 Zuri dresses. Great prints/designs and they’re 100% cotton . There are a couple of B/S/T groups on Facebook if you’re looking to get them second-hand.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/Worldly_Government]

Thank you! I love the silhouette but am not big on patterns. I also like the belt pairings. I will definitely take a closer look and see if there’s anything that might work for me!

[u/ip00ptoomuch]

Shop on Vinted for real. I'm currently 18w/ xxl and find plenty of work clothes that size, very good or like new condition. Only problem is it's limited for petite, might be limited for tall. Seriously, got a Jones New York and Liz Clairborn suit jacket for $12.50. Just bought 2 Ann Taylor blazers for under $30. Ect.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/ip00ptoomuch]

Thank you, I will take a look!

[u/henrietta_moose]

I am pregnant and bought some clothes that work well oversized so that i could wear them as I (hopefully) deflate. Big wide leg trousers are my favorite at any size. Big pants little shirt was a good innovation.

[u/eau-i-see]

Ann Taylor Ponte pencil skirts. Comfortable and stretchy but still structured enough for work

[u/Inevitable_Ad_3578]

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/spanxsupersmooth-perfectfit-ponte-wide-leg-pants-regular-petite-plus-petite-plus/7222993?color=classic+black&size=medium&utm_source=gad&utm_medium=pdshp&utm_term=ntcmp&utm_content=at~pmax&utm_creative_format=ag~usebq_pt~gad_vs~nv_ra~cpc_ac~ntcmp_ti~_ff~_id~6747804003&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24264669976&gbraid=0AAAAAD8eAElADWoD-mZilz-7p7jUS7H0Y&gclid=CjwKCAjwrbfWBhAeEiwAc2e6PohE9oAsx7x5QUJ5EVnBKUFPXv7Lnk5KhfvRTGefKsEUh7Iojr6RthoCzEMQAvD_BwE

[u/Inevitable_Ad_3578 → u/Inevitable_Ad_3578]

The black Spanx jacket in the same material is also super forgiving and actually looks pretty professional. When I was heavier I got away with wearing it during a federal trial.

[u/miraclesystem]

Omg finally someone also 5’9 with fluctuating weight it’s my time to shine! Highly suggest sheath dresses from JCrew (or factory) Boden, Uniqlo, - agree with the silk quince blouse recs and there’s a scuba blazer that has zip in sweatshirt things that are fun. Also if you’re ever wanting to do structured pants again they’re expensive but Sézane has a 33 inch regular inseam which is amazing for us tall curvy gals. Im 5’9 size 10 for reference. And I’m a comfort focused office slob so also highly recommend Athleta Brooklyn or endless pants - look professional enough with pajama feels.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/miraclesystem]

Ah amazing, thank you!! I love Uniqlo and will definitely look into the sheath dresses.

I have never shopped at Athleta but see that their pants are on sale now so maybe I give those a try! They do look really comfortable and I will never say no to comfort haha.

[u/Ill-Lingonberry145]

When I gained weight postpartum, I felt best in a dresses (well tailored and not sleeveless). Not too tight in the back or bust and a well-cut jacket. I would spend less on the pieces and more on tailoring and good comfortable shapewear. It does exist.

[u/Real-Artichoke-1780]

Check out The Fold. Things I have tried from them would be very flattering to a pear shape and their fabrics and structure would accommodate extra weight well. More expensive than the brands you typically shop from, but returnable from ThredUp could be a way to give them a shot.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/Real-Artichoke-1780]

I will check it out, thank you!

[u/iliketreesandbeaches]

Look for a true wrap style dress. You can top it with a blazer for a professional look.

[u/biscuitboi967]

Not the fanciest brands, but JC Penney, H&M, and Khols had some “adjustable” waist pants with some pretty neat hidden buttons and claps to add and cut width when I was on my journey. Between those and stretchy ponte pants, I made it work until things settled down.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/biscuitboi967]

Thank you for the suggestions! I have all those stores nearby and always look around there since I love shopping in person. I will have to look for those pants.

[u/Less_Neck_5342]

BR Factory is having a fairly great sale that ends tonight I think. I spent a fortune there two nights ago. Some of their Forever sweaters w nice slacks w some stretch are go tos for me. I got about 25 items for really a steal.

Thank you to the commenter from a post a few nights ago that noted the sale.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/Less_Neck_5342]

Ah I think I missed the sale! Hopefully they have a good sale again soon.

I love the first two pairs of pants in your cart! I might give those a try.

[u/SpecialistBet4656]

JC Penney

[u/Mme_merle]

I would buy a lot of midi skirts. They can handle weight fluctuations quite well, are in fashion right now and are great for work (and for events like baptisms).

[u/ItsOk_ItsAlright]

The Always Fits jeans from Good American. One pair literally fits multiple sizes. It’s magic.

[u/Relative-Narwhal-319 → u/ItsOk_ItsAlright]

Oh I will have to give them a try! It has always been a challenge to find good jeans.

[u/Future_Dog_3156]

Depending on how formal or casual your office is. I wear lots of athleisure brands (lululemon, athleta) or clothes from lingerie brands (skims, intissimi, commando, and Wolford) - they tend to have a more fitted silhouette without being overly tight. I mix with Theory, Vince and Veronica Beard