Plus Size Interview Options
I am interviewing for a VP role and need to be dressed professionally. aka a suit. Sadly the COVID19 has settled around my middle aged waist and my suits are both too tight and out of season, I have never apparently interviewed in the middle of summer. Everything I see online either looks like Barbara Bush would wear it or its for TikTok. Any suggestions for a summer suit for a 48 year old aspiring exec? I am a size 22 and pear shaped so skinny legs are not an option nor are skirts.
Rae
Just a 30 something grad student trying to ADULT
198
07/13/20 at 4:35PM UTC
I would walk into a Nordstroms Rack. I find they always have great plus size professional wear there. Being plust size myself that is my go-to place especially in an area where plus size is not common i find the clothes to be great prices!!
Anonymous
07/28/20 at 3:25PM UTC
I so agree!
Amy Sorensen
76
07/11/20 at 5:14PM UTC
Macy's has some not-terrible Calvin Klein options. For online shopping Eloquii has some nice suiting with blazers and pants sold separately, their fit is pretty true to size but I find if I'm unsure I end up happier sizing up and having them tailored. It's not super expensive but you'll have to find out if tailors are open in your area! Also check ASOS.com , they have some less-traditional options plus petite AND talls (great for me)
Anonymous
07/28/20 at 3:26PM UTC
Love Asos and you're right, Calvin Klein is a good choice for quick, professional looks. :D
Abbey ThompsonSr. Knowledge Management & Research Specialist
87
07/10/20 at 6:17PM UTC
Oooh, great thread! I'm also in my 40's, so I get where you're coming from as far as wanting items that are age-appropriate but not frumpy. I highly recommend Eloquii - they have some fantastic suiting separates that range from classic to funky, depending on your spiciness-level when it comes to work attire. Their pieces usually have good stretch to them (a MUST in plus size suits is having stretch in the fabric. If it is non-stretch, it isn't going to fit well off-the-rack, simply because fat bodies don't move and shift the way thinner ones do, and we really need that stretch to accommodate that.
If you want to expand past the traditional suit, my other faves for nicer-looking work separates (from most favorite to least favorite but still decent) are:
Kiyonna
ModCloth
Torrid (it's not just like the fat-girl version of Hot Topic anymore, I promise)
Lane Bryant
Avenue
Yours (they're kind of like the Lane Bryant of the UK - just know that their sizing might be a bit smaller than standard American sizing).
Another great option is getting made-to-order pieces from Eshakti, where you can get all kinds of incredible styles all made to your exact measurements for a small up-charge, as well as modify things like necklines, sleeves, lengths, etc.
One more unconventional option is a really amazing plus size consignment/resale shop I love called The Plus Bus. They're in Los Angeles, where I live, so I discovered them in-person - but they do TONS of online sales via sites like Poshmark, etc., and at least 1 or 2 times a week they do live-sales on Facebook. You watch along as they try on items and describe them, etc., and the first person to claim them in the comments gets an invoice, then the item is mailed to them. I've gotten some incredible steals there of top-brand items for half off or more. They even get pieces from plus-size online influencers sometimes! I have one or two pieces from the closet of @itsmekellieb on Instagram, one of which is an incredible silky dark green suit with cream-colored pinstripes. Very chic and I get compliments every time I wear it.
For the record, I'm kind of a middle-aged fashionista these days and love clothes, makeup, and such SO MUCH MORE now than when I was younger, mostly because when I was younger there wasn't this much cute stuff to wear! It was almost all frumpy-dumpy or shapeless black pieces back then, and my self-confidence was in the toilet. I'm fatter than ever now, but dress a million times better and it's boosted my confidence so much! Wear clothes that make you happy and love yourself!
AngelaULead Process Analyst in Cincinnati
85
07/13/20 at 5:58PM UTC
I second the recommendation for Eshakti. For just $10 above the list price, you can customize a garment and have it made to fit your measurements.
As for professional suiting / interview style in the summer heat, I recommend a simple A-line dress paired with a lightweight jacket. You want the dress to have a tailored look - A-line will accomplish this. The jacket will give it the extra professional polish the company is requesting. Add a simple pump and classic jewelry to finish the look. Good luck!
Carrie HeltonGen-X Career Coach
52
07/10/20 at 3:10PM UTC
If you need a fairly conservative suit, try Talbots. Their plus sizes max out at size 24, so you should be able to find a well-fitting jacket and pants, as well as a sleeveless blouse. If you want something a little less conservative but still polished, try Eloquii (which goes up to size 28).
WendyRMCareer change hopeful.
934
07/10/20 at 2:11PM UTC
Have you tried Jessica London? They are an online shop and carry suits all year round. My sister has that type of corporate dress code and she uses them. I want to say they have suit separates. I know the carry jacket dresses.
Angela N.Continuous transformation leads to success
16
07/09/20 at 7:23PM UTC
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/09/best-womens-business-suits/#10b8066797af
Stephanie BeckHelping others be their professional best selves
242
07/09/20 at 12:55PM UTC
Check out M.M. LaFleur. I am up in down in size, 50 but still like to be a bit funky. I found their clothes appropriate for the work place while still having a little fun. Not cheap but a few key pieces could be good staples in your wardrobe.
Good luck in the interview!
EventDivaEvents,
Programs,
Vis. Design,
Hist. Preserv.
16
07/09/20 at 12:46PM UTC
I had the same issue! I got some nice separates (skirt, jacket) at Torrid. I find they do great plus size that still looks tailored and has shape instead of just being huge and voluminous.
Leiska Evanson
35
07/09/20 at 3:37PM UTC
Agreed, I use Torrid for the pants and jackets, NY&Company for inners and the occasionally maxi dress.
LISA MCCARTNEYDegrees in Business Management and Marketing.
300
07/08/20 at 5:02AM UTC
Are the stores open near you? Macy's or Dillards might have something. (I prefer Dillards). Also depending on the Lane Bryant in your area separates sound like the perfect way to go. I would also try Avenue.com. maybe for statement tops or jewelry. Good luck on the interview.
Anonymous
07/08/20 at 11:29AM UTC
Stores are open but Macy’s and Lord and Taylor had nothing yesterday for suits. I didn’t see anything at LB, the clerk said they usually don’t get suits in summer. We don’t have Dillard’s. I will keep looking!
Barb HansenStartup Product, Growth & Strategy
9.66k
07/08/20 at 2:48AM UTC
I like funky unique clothes -- I am a COO/co-founder in a tech startup and I've worked in tech for the last twenty years. Tech startups have a few "uniforms":
- super casual for workers
- all black (including a black turtle neck, thanks Steve Case and Elizabeth Holmes)
- and funky clothes (for designers)
I'm a huge fan of super casual (when working from home).
And I used to be big fan of the black dress code but man it gets boring fast, so I wear jeans (yeah! startups), or black dress pants with a funky shirt/tshirt (summer) or duster/sweater (winter) with color blocking, polka dots, hounds-tooth patterns), and unique shapes (think Japanese cotton dresses/jackets) or I wear all black with a great pair of shoes (which will not work for a zoom call unless your interview has a "show us your great shoes" show 'n' tell section :)
I like these stores:
- khangura
- loft
- eloquii
Anonymous
07/08/20 at 4:05AM UTC
Thank you, this is a button downed fortune 100 company, suits are the recommended attire and my interview will be in person believe it or not, they have assured me we will be in a large space in their HQ.
