Congratulations – you’ve just landed that new job or promotion. This may be the start of your corporate climb to the top. But, there is just one potential problem – you need to build a more businesslike wardrobe. How do you do that without breaking the bank? Fortunately, there are a lot of options for plus size apparel that will help you create a foundation for your business wardrobe.

You can start your business attire with just a few selections from the many plus size apparel options, and then, as you have additional opportunity and money, you can gradually add more. But to begin with, you’ll have a starter wardrobe that will see you through your work week.

Fundamentals Of A Business Wardrobe

Whether your business environment is formal or casual, there are some basics that everyone should have. Check out a plus size apparel site for the following:

Blazer – A nicely tailored blazer is a must – you can find a variety of colors: black, navy, brown, gray. If you have a color preference, go with the color that will match most of your other clothing. If not, think about choosing navy as your primary color. Navy works with a lot of other colors – different shades of blue, tan or khaki, gray, and white. It also is a great complement to several colors – like pink, certain shades of green and yellow (ideal for shirts under the blazer). You can find fairly inexpensive blazers and customize them by changing out the buttons with more expensive, designer buttons.

You may find that most plus size apparel stores offer some very nice three piece suits. For a little bit more money you can buy a blazer, skirt, and slacks all in the same color and fabrics. Look for a-line cuts, not pencil skirts which aren’t flattering to plus size figures.

Slacks – Another great foundation piece is to purchase some nice, classically tailored slacks. Look for one pair in the same color as the blazer, and another in a complementary color (like khaki or gray). Look for pants that have a flat front (instead of pleats which add bulk) and straight legs, not tapered. Straight legs add to the illusion of length and don’t draw attention to your hips.

Again, if you aren’t interested in a three piece suit, you might look for some inexpensive pant suits, which allows you to easily find matching pants and jackets.

Shirts – Look for two tailored, button down blouses. If you can only buy one, make it a plain white cotton blouse – if you can afford more, buy a light blue blouse. If you can afford another blouse, find another simple cotton blouse in a complementary color to the blazer. Look for tops with three-quarter length sleeves, they work well under a blazer but are still warm to wear without a blazer.

Twin Set – Another great option is a twin sweater set. Again, this is a very versatile piece of apparel. You can wear the set with slacks, you can wear the shell under a blazer, and you can wear the cardigan alone over a blouse or dress.

Dress – A simple nicely tailored dress is a great addition to your business clothing. You can wear the dress by itself, with the blazer, or with the cardigan sweater.

Shoes – Add a pair of nice, plain pumps and a pair of boots, with a low heel. You can wear the pumps or the boots with just about everything, and it’s good to have variety to change from day to day.

Changing your plus size apparel wardrobe to include professional clothing can be a little intimidating at first. But it doesn’t need to be incredibly expensive. Just find some staples in basic colors and add accessories to brighten up your look.

Stylish accessories can include a pair of nice earrings, some colorful scarves, a bracelet or brooch, even a shawl worn over a blazer. All accessories add to your overall professional appearance – of course you want to use accessories that are simple and elegant, but you can add color to your look with a few simple items and change the look of your apparel dramatically.

As you buy more things over time, think about how each piece will work with the rest of your plus size apparel wardrobe. Always buy items that blend in and complement your other pieces. Before long, you’ll have a wardrobe that can take you from business meetings to a nice dinner on the town; and a tailored business look that guarantees you a successful and happy career.