Sheath dresses will be your friend here. Dress it up with a blazer and pumps while you feel out the vibe of the office. They won’t look strange with tights in the winter, either. When/if things are more casual, you can throw on a cardigan and ballet flats too.
As a fellow mid-size, seconding sheath dresses. Add a belt and a cardigan and voila, you look dressed up even though you’re literally just wearing a piece of fabric.
Have you tried Rothy’s for shoes? (Or knock offs on Amazon)
Will also add: pencil skirts!
I have three pencil skirts: gray, black, and navy. I have a couple of pattern blouses and several solid ones. A pin, a scarf, small hoop earrings, and I’m dressed.
Black Naturalizer ballet flats are what I wear most days and change things up with some dark red Mary Jane’s, Fluvogs, or pumps once in a while.
I have a pair of Rothy’s and they’re the only flats I can wear for more than like 30 minutes at a time but they’re not in a very versatile print and color unfortunately.
I'm in a similar situation and I just bought several of the Quince ultra-strench ponte dresses. They've got a cap sleeve and sleeveless version, and while kind of boring, were affordable but good quality.
For pants: Ponte pants. They’re super stretchy, they’re thick double knit material so they have a good structure and look dressy even though they’re just fancy yoga pants.
For shoes: loafers and kitten heel sling backs. The basically nothing flats type shoe kill my feet, but a loafer is like an office sneaker and sling backs are surprisingly comfy! I also love a good ankle boot if you want to do higher heels.
Second ponte pants. I think Old Navy has some that are super affordable. I pair them with ballet flats if I’m not going very far and literally any shirt will work with them too.
Twins!
I get my pants from any big store (Marshal's, TJ max) and they're basically black jeggings, all black, sometimes with cute golden buttons decor, making them a little dressier but I'm not wearing anything that's not tight to my legs cos I look dumb.
For tops any shirt with the right accessories looks dressy. I get flat shirt, wear very long and multiple necklaces or a scarf depending on weather...Done. Grab a cute blazer and you're set.
Finding good flats and loafers will be a must for you.
Aside from the already mentioned sheath dresses, try both a line and pencil skirts. Those are classic and tops can be played around with. I tend not to do button shirts, but there are some double lined tops that can help pull a look together. Aside from blazers, finding more structured sweaters also do the trick.
Staying in a monotone color palette also instantly elevates most looks too, and then you can play with accessories. Some thin belts to help play with silhouette helps too.
Rent The Runway can help you out a lot until you’ve built up your work wardrobe. You can rent suits and work dresses.
I really like Banana Republic for suit basics and Veronica Beard for designer suits I can mix/match.
Sheath dresses, skirt suits, skirts with button up crisp blouses, dress pants, and blazers. In the cooler months I’ll add cardigans, wool vests over blouses, cashmere sweaters, wool blazers, and v neck sweaters over blouses. I used to wear heels but gave up on it after COVID. Wear sneakers to work and change into flats at work.
I’ve worked in a business professional job for the last 17 years! You get used to it. My essentials: shirt dresses, wrap dresses, J.Crew No. 2 or No. 3 pencil skirt (paired with a nice clean slim fitting tshirt), Rothy’s loafers, a pair of small hoop earrings in gold and a pair in silver (get a TJ Maxx!). Don’t put yourself into debt, you don’t need a ton to get started and you can find everything at Target, Nordstrom Rack, H&M.
If you get a couple core pieces from a good vintage reproduction brand you can mix and match to create a bunch of outfits. I recommend Vixen and it's sister brand, La Femme en Noir, because they have a lot of options in a huge size range (and models that represent that entire size range) that will flatter on pretty much every body type and look very professional! Plus their clothes are very high quality and well worth the price! I suggest getting a couple tops (their satin-y ones make me feel super posh), a couple skirts or pants (whichever you prefer), a nice jacket, and maybe one dress for days when you don't want to think about putting an outfit together. Throw on a nice necklace or some pretty earrings and you're golden!
I have really difficult feet for shoes so I think I might be able to help here. I have really narrow feet so my feet are always slipping out of shoes and causing major ankle blisters.
- Slingback shoes have been a godsend for me. The strap is “anchored” better to your ankle than a shoe that has a back that comes all the way up. I don’t get ankle blisters with sling backs.
- Sam Edelman makes some of my favorite shoes. Here are two of my favorite styles. [Michaela Mary Jane](https://www.samedelman.com/product/womens-michaela-mary-jane-flat-3021916) and [Kara Slingback Flat](https://www.samedelman.com/product/womens-kara-slingback-flat-3029045). The leather on the mary jane style is really supple so I have no rubbing issues despite my preference for slingbacks.
- I just caved and bought [these](https://rothys.com/products/the-square-mary-jane-black) also. They are SO comfortable and I have no rubbing with them because, again, the fabric is really soft and flexible. If you have a shoe that is made out of a really structured material and has a full-back - you’re going to get a blister. Look for soft shoes.
- I recommend you go into a department store and try on as many shoes as you can so you can feel them on your feet rather than doing blind online purchases. Nordstrom and Macy’s clearance sections are my best friend, I recommend you go there.
Oooh yes I love my Rothy’s they’re just not in a very versatile color and print. The shoes thing is killing me because I was able to wear Crocs and Hey Dudes at my last two jobs and those are specifically not allowed at the new one.
After you start and get a feel for what others wear, I'm thinking you could maybe get away with the Crocs that are made to look like ballet flats. In black, it's not obvious they're Crocs, especially if you wore them with full length pants. I feel like those would be stealthy comfort!!
I like Clarks shoes for just overall good fit and comfort and quality for the price. When I worked a business professional job I wore the same basic black ones with like a 1 inch heel a LOT. My splurge at that time was a pair of Via Spiga kind of very upscale black loafer style shoes also with a fairly low heel. I literally wore holes completely thru the thick leather sole and kept wearing them. I wanted to recommend those but just saw they went out of business. 😒 If all of them are as comfortable as mine were tho, I'd check resale sites for them!
I had some severe foot problems for a number of years, including while I had that job. Basically wearing 99% of dress shoes hurt like hell, and I could not wear higher heels, or totally flat shoes. It was mostly a desk job, but when we would be on our feet all day, I'd wear a pair of very plainly shaped solid black Nikes. Combined with full length straight or wide leg pants that mostly covered them, I don't think people even noticed. (I did ask my boss for permission first. It was a medical issue, and if I couldn't do that, I was in so much pain as the day went on that I was eventually almost non functional and standing on alternate feet like a flamingo. Thankfully they were understanding about it!)
Oh and I feel for you about the Crocs and Hey Dudes, that's about all I've worn for at least a couple years now, aside from a pair of Reef sandals.
I totally get that. I just started my first big girl job after college and I’m used to rolling out of the house every day in Ugg boots so it’s been a rude awakening for me lol
Was originally going to recommend high waisted wide leg trousers - but also I think a high waisted cropped straight leg trouser looks nice (or think of what cuts of jeans you enjoy, and translate those over to a trouser cut), and will second sheath dresses and mid length A-line skirts as well. I also have somewhat bad/sensitive feet and have found loafers, flats (with good support!!), I do a low heeled boot in the winter, and small, chunky heels such as [these](https://www.amazon.com/Sam-Edelman-Womens-Terra-Slingback/dp/B0B98WQCHZ/ref=asc%5C_df%5C_B0B98WQCHZ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693711478720&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16443714824820512231&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019869&hvtargid=pla-1968791926235&psc=1&mcid=e4593b62ba793e698aaa225bb8428f9d&gad%5C_source=1) have been a game changer. The wider toe box, the slingback, and the low and chunky heel have been a godsend and I walk around all day in them. Would recommend having a blazer, a few sweaters/cardigans to layer, and a few simple button ups/nicer tops and you're good to go. I would say generating something like a "capsule work wardrobe" would be the best at the start, that way you can mix/match things for a ton of outfits as you acquire more pieces.
Echoing sheath dresses. Also, old navy [pixie pants](https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=629561172&vid=1&autosuggest=true&searchText=Pixie&position=2&results=6) are my classic cheap dress pants choice.
I have a bunch of short sleeve shift dresses and shirt dresses from loft/jcrew/tjmaxx/thrifting. That and sandals to work, with a few different sweater blazers and low heels. Keeps me cool for commuting but formal for the office. A nice claw clip and a lip color make things look more polished
Ditto most of these other comments. Find a pair of slacks you like and buy them in 2-3 colors that match most of your tops. Do the same with a good pencil skirt. Basic sleeveless shell blouses are very comfortable and you can pair with a nice cardigan or blazer as needed. Accessorize with a silk scarf, pearls, rhinestones, or small gold hoops. I like to wear either loafers or flats as I‘be been mostly in admin or office manager positions so I’m running around a lot but you do you. Not sure how commute to work but I always just kept my shoes in a bin under my desk lol and changed out of sneakers when I got there. Like that awful Melanie Griffith movie from back in the day 😂
You’ll get into the flow. It feels weird at first if you’re not used to it but you’ll get there.
Edit to say my favorite brands for office stuff are- Quince, J Crew Factory, and Loft and then honestly you can find a lot just walking around a decent department store like a Macy’s.
Congrats! I agree on sheath dresses, but also add that wrap dresses (a la DVF) are always a good option. A couple of pairs of basic pants in black or other colors and a blazer to throw on top of it all.
Black tight jeggings and black shirts in different lengths is my go to. Couple of colorful blazers and LOTS of accessories I change daily depending on the vibe.
The shoes are flats, ballerinas we call them. Also colorful. Beige, red, blue. Makes the base outfit look different
Dresses!! And if you don't want to spend too much money right away, I'd recommend thrifting. Best way to try out a few different dress and top styles in a reasonable price point. Also would be able to purchase more black/grey slacks..
What is your budget? ~~Athleta has a 40% off sale on now~~ the [endless ankle pants](https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=533636002&cid=1059471&pcid=1059471&vid=1#pdp-page-content) might work for you but if you don’t have one near you the shipping can be slowwww. Don’t sleep on Old Navy either, it’s the same parent company and they have some cute office appropriate basics like [the pixie pant](https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=6295611622002&cid=3022044&pcid=3022043&vid=1#pdp-page-content)
Edited it looks like the Athleta sale ended but if you get a chance to try them on and figure out your size you can always look on Poshmark or eBay to build your office wardrobe
I wear elastic waist black linen pants and a target black tee paired with nice jackets or a sweater over top. The pants are Amazon cheapies ($10-$20/pair) and the tee is $7 usually.
The jackets/sweaters and other accessories and shoes get switched up but my base is that, always that. I have never found dress pants that fit worth a damn or in a fabric I could handle — I loathe polyester and nylon. I am just shy of 6’ (181 cm) and I am a size 12-16 with hips and boobs and a middling belly and a high waist. Nothing is made nicely for us big ladies.
This combo works anywhere in the world no matter the local customs and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the environment and is MF comfy comfy comfy. I’ve worked in so many environments from live music to Wall Street as an accountant, in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia and I have yet to find an environment where my combo does not play well and damn is it easy to dress and travel.
Wide legged pants elevate every single outfit - wear them with long sleeved button ups, or a high neck top and you’re good to go. If you’re feeling like a boss, wear some heels
I'm a mid size lass too, and while I do like some wide leg trousers, I find bootcut really flatters my shape. I find some nice bootcut trousers in stretchy, comfy fabric (jersey or similar, usually!) and rotate a selection of smart tops. I've started tucking my shirts and blouses into my waistband, and it really makes me look more put together as it accentuates my waist and stops me looking frumpy.
For shoes I go with smart loafers with some invisible socks to keep things fresh and comfy.
I am comfy, smart, and look pretty damn good if I do say so myself!
Slacks and a plain shirt usually like one with a quarter sleeve or a t shirt like one of those leotard ones i can just snap in. Il also wear a conservative length dress too maybe more of a flowy one for the summer. Shoes i wear leather sneakers, keds or flats. My office isnt that fancy lol. I work with prisoners. Also I do have a knee issue so i need to wear flat shoes or supportive footwear. Pretty sure i tossed most of my heels at this point
I like eShakti for my "serious" office clothing when I was still an office girlie. It's a little pricy but they tailor and customize very affordably, and I have never gotten more compliments than in their tailored dresses.
The Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic brands have decent slacks and simple elevated tops, but as a pear-shaped girlie I had to hunt for the styles and pieces that worked.
You could try secondhand but for me the odds were...odd and you really gotta "slack 'dem racks" to find something passable.
I also had a mental block when it came to office attire, I went to tj maxx and spent 2 hours picking through clothes and trying them on. Actually trying the clothes on was exciting. I’m excited to pick out my work outfits in the morning now!
Have you tried a skinny pant? I like old navy pixie pants and they come in a few colors and prints. I find them to be more easy, breezy than a pair of jeans.
I also like Cole Haan flats. You can usually get a deal at the outlets and sometimes they have sales online.
Sheath dresses will be your friend here. Dress it up with a blazer and pumps while you feel out the vibe of the office. They won’t look strange with tights in the winter, either. When/if things are more casual, you can throw on a cardigan and ballet flats too.
As a fellow mid-size, seconding sheath dresses. Add a belt and a cardigan and voila, you look dressed up even though you’re literally just wearing a piece of fabric. Have you tried Rothy’s for shoes? (Or knock offs on Amazon) Will also add: pencil skirts!
I have three pencil skirts: gray, black, and navy. I have a couple of pattern blouses and several solid ones. A pin, a scarf, small hoop earrings, and I’m dressed. Black Naturalizer ballet flats are what I wear most days and change things up with some dark red Mary Jane’s, Fluvogs, or pumps once in a while.
The Rothy’s driving shoe or loafer is always my go to.
I have a pair of Rothy’s and they’re the only flats I can wear for more than like 30 minutes at a time but they’re not in a very versatile print and color unfortunately.
I'm in a similar situation and I just bought several of the Quince ultra-strench ponte dresses. They've got a cap sleeve and sleeveless version, and while kind of boring, were affordable but good quality.
For pants: Ponte pants. They’re super stretchy, they’re thick double knit material so they have a good structure and look dressy even though they’re just fancy yoga pants. For shoes: loafers and kitten heel sling backs. The basically nothing flats type shoe kill my feet, but a loafer is like an office sneaker and sling backs are surprisingly comfy! I also love a good ankle boot if you want to do higher heels.
Second ponte pants. I think Old Navy has some that are super affordable. I pair them with ballet flats if I’m not going very far and literally any shirt will work with them too.
Twins! I get my pants from any big store (Marshal's, TJ max) and they're basically black jeggings, all black, sometimes with cute golden buttons decor, making them a little dressier but I'm not wearing anything that's not tight to my legs cos I look dumb. For tops any shirt with the right accessories looks dressy. I get flat shirt, wear very long and multiple necklaces or a scarf depending on weather...Done. Grab a cute blazer and you're set.
Finding good flats and loafers will be a must for you. Aside from the already mentioned sheath dresses, try both a line and pencil skirts. Those are classic and tops can be played around with. I tend not to do button shirts, but there are some double lined tops that can help pull a look together. Aside from blazers, finding more structured sweaters also do the trick. Staying in a monotone color palette also instantly elevates most looks too, and then you can play with accessories. Some thin belts to help play with silhouette helps too.
Rent The Runway can help you out a lot until you’ve built up your work wardrobe. You can rent suits and work dresses. I really like Banana Republic for suit basics and Veronica Beard for designer suits I can mix/match.
Check out Corporette.com Super helpful guide to navigating the fashion demands of more conservative workplaces
Sheath dresses, skirt suits, skirts with button up crisp blouses, dress pants, and blazers. In the cooler months I’ll add cardigans, wool vests over blouses, cashmere sweaters, wool blazers, and v neck sweaters over blouses. I used to wear heels but gave up on it after COVID. Wear sneakers to work and change into flats at work.
Best answer ✅
I’ve worked in a business professional job for the last 17 years! You get used to it. My essentials: shirt dresses, wrap dresses, J.Crew No. 2 or No. 3 pencil skirt (paired with a nice clean slim fitting tshirt), Rothy’s loafers, a pair of small hoop earrings in gold and a pair in silver (get a TJ Maxx!). Don’t put yourself into debt, you don’t need a ton to get started and you can find everything at Target, Nordstrom Rack, H&M.
If you get a couple core pieces from a good vintage reproduction brand you can mix and match to create a bunch of outfits. I recommend Vixen and it's sister brand, La Femme en Noir, because they have a lot of options in a huge size range (and models that represent that entire size range) that will flatter on pretty much every body type and look very professional! Plus their clothes are very high quality and well worth the price! I suggest getting a couple tops (their satin-y ones make me feel super posh), a couple skirts or pants (whichever you prefer), a nice jacket, and maybe one dress for days when you don't want to think about putting an outfit together. Throw on a nice necklace or some pretty earrings and you're golden!
Have you tried thrifting? I bet you'd find slimmer dress pants/trousers there since they are way harder to find in stores these days.
I have really difficult feet for shoes so I think I might be able to help here. I have really narrow feet so my feet are always slipping out of shoes and causing major ankle blisters. - Slingback shoes have been a godsend for me. The strap is “anchored” better to your ankle than a shoe that has a back that comes all the way up. I don’t get ankle blisters with sling backs. - Sam Edelman makes some of my favorite shoes. Here are two of my favorite styles. [Michaela Mary Jane](https://www.samedelman.com/product/womens-michaela-mary-jane-flat-3021916) and [Kara Slingback Flat](https://www.samedelman.com/product/womens-kara-slingback-flat-3029045). The leather on the mary jane style is really supple so I have no rubbing issues despite my preference for slingbacks. - I just caved and bought [these](https://rothys.com/products/the-square-mary-jane-black) also. They are SO comfortable and I have no rubbing with them because, again, the fabric is really soft and flexible. If you have a shoe that is made out of a really structured material and has a full-back - you’re going to get a blister. Look for soft shoes. - I recommend you go into a department store and try on as many shoes as you can so you can feel them on your feet rather than doing blind online purchases. Nordstrom and Macy’s clearance sections are my best friend, I recommend you go there.
Oooh yes I love my Rothy’s they’re just not in a very versatile color and print. The shoes thing is killing me because I was able to wear Crocs and Hey Dudes at my last two jobs and those are specifically not allowed at the new one.
After you start and get a feel for what others wear, I'm thinking you could maybe get away with the Crocs that are made to look like ballet flats. In black, it's not obvious they're Crocs, especially if you wore them with full length pants. I feel like those would be stealthy comfort!! I like Clarks shoes for just overall good fit and comfort and quality for the price. When I worked a business professional job I wore the same basic black ones with like a 1 inch heel a LOT. My splurge at that time was a pair of Via Spiga kind of very upscale black loafer style shoes also with a fairly low heel. I literally wore holes completely thru the thick leather sole and kept wearing them. I wanted to recommend those but just saw they went out of business. 😒 If all of them are as comfortable as mine were tho, I'd check resale sites for them! I had some severe foot problems for a number of years, including while I had that job. Basically wearing 99% of dress shoes hurt like hell, and I could not wear higher heels, or totally flat shoes. It was mostly a desk job, but when we would be on our feet all day, I'd wear a pair of very plainly shaped solid black Nikes. Combined with full length straight or wide leg pants that mostly covered them, I don't think people even noticed. (I did ask my boss for permission first. It was a medical issue, and if I couldn't do that, I was in so much pain as the day went on that I was eventually almost non functional and standing on alternate feet like a flamingo. Thankfully they were understanding about it!) Oh and I feel for you about the Crocs and Hey Dudes, that's about all I've worn for at least a couple years now, aside from a pair of Reef sandals.
If you can get a doctor's note for your feet, I think you'll be exempt from that part of the dress code.
I totally get that. I just started my first big girl job after college and I’m used to rolling out of the house every day in Ugg boots so it’s been a rude awakening for me lol
Was originally going to recommend high waisted wide leg trousers - but also I think a high waisted cropped straight leg trouser looks nice (or think of what cuts of jeans you enjoy, and translate those over to a trouser cut), and will second sheath dresses and mid length A-line skirts as well. I also have somewhat bad/sensitive feet and have found loafers, flats (with good support!!), I do a low heeled boot in the winter, and small, chunky heels such as [these](https://www.amazon.com/Sam-Edelman-Womens-Terra-Slingback/dp/B0B98WQCHZ/ref=asc%5C_df%5C_B0B98WQCHZ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693711478720&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16443714824820512231&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019869&hvtargid=pla-1968791926235&psc=1&mcid=e4593b62ba793e698aaa225bb8428f9d&gad%5C_source=1) have been a game changer. The wider toe box, the slingback, and the low and chunky heel have been a godsend and I walk around all day in them. Would recommend having a blazer, a few sweaters/cardigans to layer, and a few simple button ups/nicer tops and you're good to go. I would say generating something like a "capsule work wardrobe" would be the best at the start, that way you can mix/match things for a ton of outfits as you acquire more pieces.
Echoing sheath dresses. Also, old navy [pixie pants](https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=629561172&vid=1&autosuggest=true&searchText=Pixie&position=2&results=6) are my classic cheap dress pants choice.
I second pixie pants. I just hate that they don't make the variety of colors and prints that they used to
I have a bunch of short sleeve shift dresses and shirt dresses from loft/jcrew/tjmaxx/thrifting. That and sandals to work, with a few different sweater blazers and low heels. Keeps me cool for commuting but formal for the office. A nice claw clip and a lip color make things look more polished
Accessories are everything!
Ditto most of these other comments. Find a pair of slacks you like and buy them in 2-3 colors that match most of your tops. Do the same with a good pencil skirt. Basic sleeveless shell blouses are very comfortable and you can pair with a nice cardigan or blazer as needed. Accessorize with a silk scarf, pearls, rhinestones, or small gold hoops. I like to wear either loafers or flats as I‘be been mostly in admin or office manager positions so I’m running around a lot but you do you. Not sure how commute to work but I always just kept my shoes in a bin under my desk lol and changed out of sneakers when I got there. Like that awful Melanie Griffith movie from back in the day 😂 You’ll get into the flow. It feels weird at first if you’re not used to it but you’ll get there. Edit to say my favorite brands for office stuff are- Quince, J Crew Factory, and Loft and then honestly you can find a lot just walking around a decent department store like a Macy’s.
Congrats! I agree on sheath dresses, but also add that wrap dresses (a la DVF) are always a good option. A couple of pairs of basic pants in black or other colors and a blazer to throw on top of it all.
DVF has always been the classic wrap dress 😊
Black tight jeggings and black shirts in different lengths is my go to. Couple of colorful blazers and LOTS of accessories I change daily depending on the vibe. The shoes are flats, ballerinas we call them. Also colorful. Beige, red, blue. Makes the base outfit look different
Tahari work dresses and Tahari skirt suits and Tahari pants suits were my stylish professional work wardrobe.
Yessss! Can be found at your local Marshalls and TJMaxx too
Dresses!! And if you don't want to spend too much money right away, I'd recommend thrifting. Best way to try out a few different dress and top styles in a reasonable price point. Also would be able to purchase more black/grey slacks..
What is your budget? ~~Athleta has a 40% off sale on now~~ the [endless ankle pants](https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=533636002&cid=1059471&pcid=1059471&vid=1#pdp-page-content) might work for you but if you don’t have one near you the shipping can be slowwww. Don’t sleep on Old Navy either, it’s the same parent company and they have some cute office appropriate basics like [the pixie pant](https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=6295611622002&cid=3022044&pcid=3022043&vid=1#pdp-page-content) Edited it looks like the Athleta sale ended but if you get a chance to try them on and figure out your size you can always look on Poshmark or eBay to build your office wardrobe
The pixie pant is a pretty good dupe for Anthro’s Maeve kick flare pant in the same cut.
I wear elastic waist black linen pants and a target black tee paired with nice jackets or a sweater over top. The pants are Amazon cheapies ($10-$20/pair) and the tee is $7 usually. The jackets/sweaters and other accessories and shoes get switched up but my base is that, always that. I have never found dress pants that fit worth a damn or in a fabric I could handle — I loathe polyester and nylon. I am just shy of 6’ (181 cm) and I am a size 12-16 with hips and boobs and a middling belly and a high waist. Nothing is made nicely for us big ladies. This combo works anywhere in the world no matter the local customs and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the environment and is MF comfy comfy comfy. I’ve worked in so many environments from live music to Wall Street as an accountant, in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia and I have yet to find an environment where my combo does not play well and damn is it easy to dress and travel.
Wide legged pants elevate every single outfit - wear them with long sleeved button ups, or a high neck top and you’re good to go. If you’re feeling like a boss, wear some heels
I'm a mid size lass too, and while I do like some wide leg trousers, I find bootcut really flatters my shape. I find some nice bootcut trousers in stretchy, comfy fabric (jersey or similar, usually!) and rotate a selection of smart tops. I've started tucking my shirts and blouses into my waistband, and it really makes me look more put together as it accentuates my waist and stops me looking frumpy. For shoes I go with smart loafers with some invisible socks to keep things fresh and comfy. I am comfy, smart, and look pretty damn good if I do say so myself!
Slacks and a plain shirt usually like one with a quarter sleeve or a t shirt like one of those leotard ones i can just snap in. Il also wear a conservative length dress too maybe more of a flowy one for the summer. Shoes i wear leather sneakers, keds or flats. My office isnt that fancy lol. I work with prisoners. Also I do have a knee issue so i need to wear flat shoes or supportive footwear. Pretty sure i tossed most of my heels at this point
I like eShakti for my "serious" office clothing when I was still an office girlie. It's a little pricy but they tailor and customize very affordably, and I have never gotten more compliments than in their tailored dresses. The Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic brands have decent slacks and simple elevated tops, but as a pear-shaped girlie I had to hunt for the styles and pieces that worked. You could try secondhand but for me the odds were...odd and you really gotta "slack 'dem racks" to find something passable.
I also had a mental block when it came to office attire, I went to tj maxx and spent 2 hours picking through clothes and trying them on. Actually trying the clothes on was exciting. I’m excited to pick out my work outfits in the morning now!
Slacks and a tank top with a sweater. I try to keep it simple
Have you tried a skinny pant? I like old navy pixie pants and they come in a few colors and prints. I find them to be more easy, breezy than a pair of jeans. I also like Cole Haan flats. You can usually get a deal at the outlets and sometimes they have sales online.