Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Select the best workplace essential for your body type, and you may never fear what to wear for a big meeting ever again.
Your curves were practically made for filling out a column-shaped pencil skirt. But, don’t stick to doing it with the boxy, blah skirt that looks like half of the first interview suit you bought after college.
Instead, hug your curves in a slim-fit pencil number with a graphic pattern. It can be something minimal with pops of color or an all-over pattern. Look for a hemline that comes to or past your knees; the elongated shape feels much more modern than the post-grad one you have.
Forget tiny polka dots — just two strategically placed spots make a huge impact.
For busy days when you're definitely not off the grid.
The oxford can be any working lady’s best friend: It’s a great layering piece; its collar makes everything look polished; and it can be dressed down for any non-work-related occasions, as well. But, your shape is optimal for making the most of this classic cut.
While the buttons might gape on a woman with a fuller bust, on you they’ll lay clean. That’s not to say you should play it safe. We say go for the not-so-average oxford: ones with the most eye-popping patterns; ones that draw attention to the buttons (in an HR-appropriate way); and even ones that get a little weird with layering.
We kind of love when a shirt does the layering for us.
This shirt strikes the perfect balance of professional and quirky.
A sheath dress can be the girl boss' easiest throw-on-and-go necessity, and one that’s slightly boxy is instantly flattering for an apple shape. Opt for the all-over print, which will help disguise your largest measurement. If you feel like you need something a bit more corporate, add a fitted blazer on top and you're golden.
Office florals that are polished, but not prim.
The cool shoulder detail will instantly draw all eyes up.
Florals and stipes (and employment) forever!
The wide-leg pant has always been your power piece. It has both movement and structure, accenting your shape in a not-too-revealing way. For a pear, this cut is all about your curves.
Choose a weightier fabric or one with pleating and a strong shape; anything too loose or stretchy should be left for after-hours.
Who knew a simple row of buttons could make such a difference?
A steely gray pant can replace your average black pairs any day.
As far as we're concerned, navy is a neutral.
The trick to dressing a long torso (and short torsos, too!) is choosing silhouettes that don’t blatantly mark where your waist is. Anything with an adjustable belt can do the trick, but shirt dresses are especially prime for the office. Find one with a sash around the waist, which you can tie a bit higher to balance the lengths of your upper body and legs.
If you're a minimalist, a micro-print may be your cup of tea.
This, on the other hand, is a maximalist's dream.
How easily will this shirtdress transfer from office to the weekend?
For busty girls, fastening that top button of a blazer can be an infuriating feat. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter if the jacket fits well everywhere else; a well-endowed chest will make buttons gape. A long-lapeled, straight-lined option makes a great sartorial solution.
Not only are streamlined silhouettes that elongate the torso great for flattering a chesty frame and creating balance, but choosing a design that only buttons near the navel avoids all that awful, awkward gaping to begin with.
This is how you do athletic accents at the office.
This swingy blazer is perfect for the busty lady who hates tight silhouettes.
A turtleneck sweater dress may not be the most obvious office essential, but for ladies who are tall and slim, the similarly shaped silhouette makes for an excellent choice. The high neck follows your own and the slim-fit cut will show off your commanding stature. In addition, try selecting one with a subtle print rather than a complete solid — this will help break up your frame a bit without cutting off your height.
What's white and black and chic all over?
This turtleneck dress gives a nod to mod.
Just a few simple stripes break up the length of this daytime dress.
Ruler-shaped ladies have tons of options when it comes to dressing — you can choose to play up the feminine vibes in order to fake curves on your frame, or borrow heavily from the boys and embrace some badass androgyny. A double-breasted blazer is a girl-boss essential that can cater to either choice.
With its cropped-at-the-hips length and prominent pockets, a double-breasted blazer adds volume to your upper body while the tailoring accents a strong shoulder. It's a base item on which any outfit can be built: A fuller silhouette on the bottom veers ladylike and a slim pant will channel menswear.
The extra pocket on the chest will add even more dimension to a straight-lined frame.
How can you not feel like a boss in a blazer this crisp?
For a petite boss like yourself, choosing workday pieces is not always easy. Go too tiny or short and you'll err on the side of inappropriate; too large or oversized and you begin to feel like you’re playing dress-up in your mom’s closet. We love a great in-between staple: the wrap miniskirt. Sure, it's a short hem, but not unreasonably so. Furthermore, the wrapped waistline will help define your midsection, and the uneven hem will elongate the line of your legs.
A luxe touch of print that your boss will totally notice.
This understated design is subtle but far from plain.
If you're cut like a carrot, your shoulders are your most prominent feature — they're wide and command attention. That means slim legs in comparison, and we say play up your bottom to match your top.
Your faithful work piece is a crisply tailored and printed pair of trousers. Checkers, stripes, or side panels will highlight your legs, bringing more attention to your lower half so you feel powerful head to toe.
Choose a timeless pattern but in an unexpected color scheme.
Don't be fooled by the front. These babies have white and green side panels, too.
A nautical design that's fitting for the boardroom.
A sleeveless vest is a 9-to-5 essential that works especially well for the short-torsoed bunch. You've got a petite upper body and legs that look longer in comparison. Because of this ratio, the length of the vest will make it appear as though your torso is longer, but the extra fabric won't overwhelm your lower half. To further disguise the height of your waist, keep the outfit beneath your vest monochrome.
The skirted shape of this vest makes it especially elegant for the office.
Here's a white wardrobe staple that you can wear in winter and summer.
No short torso required: This timeless, tailored vest is a power piece across the board
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
Work Clothes For Your Body Type
