If you’ve ever struggled through your 9-5 with hemlines that you need to keep tugging, or waistbands that pinch, you’ll likely agree that a great professional wardrobe needs to be more than simply “office appropriate”; it should be a source of confidence, comfort, and self-expression. For plus-size women, the right pieces can help you feel perfectly put-together while leading a meeting, attending a client dinner, or travelling for business. It’s a little extra dose of confidence that puts an added spring in our step, no matter what the day has to offer!
At Scarlett & Jo, we believe your clothes should move with you, flatter your shape, and feel as good at 6pm as they did when you first stepped into them at 6am that morning. In this guide, we’ll explore the wardrobe essentials every professional woman should have – whether that’s to stand under the spotlight delivering a keynote speech at an industry event, giving an important sales presentation, or meeting with valued clients.
The Foundation of a Professional Plus Size Wardrobe
The best professional wardrobes are built on versatile, high-quality pieces you can rely on day after day. That means finding clothing that delivers on fit, comfort, and style – pieces that feel like “you” while still meeting the many demands of your role.
Our customers tell us they want clothing that:
● Feels comfortable during long days, including travel and commutes
● Flatters their figure without feeling restrictive
● Transitions easily from day to evening events, so you can head straight out after work without needing to carry around another full outfit
● Works with their existing accessories and layers to offer choice and versatility through the seasons
Scarlett & Jo’s plus size clothing collections are created with these priorities in mind - with thoughtful tailoring, clever fabric technology, and timeless silhouettes. Whether you’re drawn to the drama of a gorgeous printed plus size midi dress or the elegant clean lines of a chic plus size wrap dress, your wardrobe should help you feel capable and confident.
Fabrics and Fit: Why They Matter
Professional clothing needs to keep up with you, and that means fabrics that breathe, move, and hold their shape. Scarlett & Jo’s designs use carefully chosen blends, often with a touch of stretch for all-day comfort.
Our POWERFIT® mesh technology, for example, gently smooths without restricting, making it ideal for long days when you want to look polished without feeling squeezed. When it comes to fit, our Size Guide offers detailed measurements to help you find the perfect match!
Essential Dress Styles for Professional Settings
Plus Size Maxi Dresses
A plus size maxi dress can be a surprisingly versatile professional piece when styled correctly. The length adds elegance, while the right fabric and neckline can make it work for both office and evening - making them the perfect choice for business dinners!
Our Isabelle Collection is a perfect example. With its wrap-effect neckline, float sleeves, and POWERFIT® mesh, Isabelle combines comfort with polish. In darker solid colours – think navy, burgundy, or black – it’s an ideal option for presentations, awards dinners, or client receptions. And if the situation is informal enough, you may even dare some floral prints!
For cooler months, pair with a structured blazer and block-heeled boots; for summer, let the sleeves do the talking and add a simple pendant necklace.
Plus Size Midi Dresses
When it comes to everyday office wear, plus size midi dresses strike a great balance. The hemline sits below the knee, making it formal enough for boardrooms while still allowing ease of movement.
Scarlett & Jo’s Victoria Collection offers midi dresses that flatter every curve without clinging. The style can be adjusted for comfort throughout the day. These dresses feature angel sleeve designs that make an entrance without sacrificing comfort! Choose subtle prints for a softer look or bold jewel tones to make a confident statement.
Statement Occasion Dresses for Professional Events
Every professional wardrobe needs one or two “wow” dresses for conferences, awards nights, or company galas. With elegant tailoring and beautifully cut lines, the Verity Collection is one of Scarlett & Jo’s most refined silhouettes. Available in some of the most gorgeous prints and solid colours we’ve ever created, it’s the perfect example of how a plus size occasionwear can deliver both formal drama and day-long comfort.
For business events, select Verity in a deep jewel tone or classic neutral. Pair with a soft blazer and mid-heel for a polished daytime look. For a conference dinner or awards night, let the full length and beautiful drape speak for themselves with nothing more than statement jewellery and a clutch. You may opt for rich tones like teal or deep plum for evening events, and pair with understated jewellery to let the dress shine!
Building Your Professional Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re starting from scratch, aim to assemble a core set of pieces you can mix and match! Here’s a possible checklist to get started:
Two Plus Size Maxi Dresses - One in a solid, neutral colour for formal events, and one in a print or seasonal shade for variety.
Two Plus Size Midi Dresses - One classic wrap, one shift or fit-and-flare.
A Tailored Blazer - Works over dresses and with separates! Speaking of which…
Separates - A handful of comfortable blouses, skirts, trousers, and tunics to mix and match for days when you need a break from dresses!
Layering Pieces - Cardigans, soft knits, or a lightweight trench for transitional weather.
Comfortable, Stylish Footwear – Mid-heels, wedges, or polished flats.
By choosing high-quality, well-cut pieces in complementary colours, you can create dozens of outfits without feeling like you’re repeating yourself by wearing the same things over and over!
From Office to Evening: Styling Tips
One of the smartest moves you can make is choosing dresses that transition easily from day to night. Here’s how to adapt a professional look for after-hours:
Change Accessories – Swap a work tote for a clutch, add statement earrings, or switch from flats to heels.
Layer Smartly – A structured jacket for the office can be replaced with a soft shawl or wrap for evening.
Adjust Makeup – A quick swipe of bolder lipstick or a touch of shimmer on the eyes can make your look event-ready.
A plus size maxi dress in a darker colour can be worn to both daytime business functions and formal evening events with just these small adjustments.
Confidence: The Best Accessory
Clothing has the power to change how you feel about yourself and how others see you. At Scarlett & Jo, our mission is to help every woman feel poised, elegant, and ready for whatever her day brings.
Whether you’re walking into a high-stakes meeting, presenting at a conference, or networking over dinner, the right dress can give you that extra boost of confidence. It’s why we design with real women in mind, offering UK sizes 12 to 32, and why we’re always here to help with any questions you may have!
Invest in quality, choose styles that make you feel at your best, and remember: your wardrobe should work for you, not the other way around.