Plus Size on a Budget - Summer Business Casual

Two plus size summer business casual outfit ideas for my “plus size on a budget series!”

Plus Size on a Budget – Summer Business Casual

My “Disclaimer”

I want to prevent some anticipated feedback. So please keep these things in mind:

“Budget” is relative. Some people easily spend $300 on sunglasses, while other people allocate $300 for their annual clothing budget.
You may be able to find these items elsewhere for less. These are just some “budget-friendly” finds I have come across. And I typically don’t link to clearance items because they sell out and then people are disappointed. Also, I have no way of linking to thrift stores, but obviously, if you want to check out your local thrift stores, I think that is a great idea!
Recycle & reuse. As with all of my posts, I hope that you can use the pieces you already have in your wardrobe. Additionally, I assume that you can reuse all of the pieces below in other combinations with things in your closet to create a variety of looks. Meaning, I think it is unfair to judge the expense of one outfit as though that is the only way to wear the pieces.

Life is Short, Wear Stripes

I often hear “Should plus size people wear stripes?”

If you’re unsure about stripes, please read this post “Are horizontal stripes REALLY making you look fat?,” written by Melissa at Suger Coat It.

She explains, “No, horizontal stripes won’t make you look fat. Only being fat makes you look fat. And you know what, that’s okay.”

I think Melissa does a fantastic job of breaking down this outdated “rule” regarding plus sizes and stripes.

Outfit 1 Details

Both of these outfit ideas feature this plus size navy and white striped short-sleeved sweater.

So cute and so affordable! Plus, it’s a cotton/viscose blend, so it should keep you cool,.

And for the first look, I paired this striped sweater with a paid of red cropped pants.

These capri pants with a 19″ inseam are made from a cotton twill so they will also keep you comfortable on hot days.

Yesss!

Accessories

I kept things neutral by adding a beige tote bag (one of the blog’s longtime bestsellers) and some beige pointed-toe flats.

Shop your closet for anything in a neutral color: tan, brown, camel, etc. will work.

Top the look with some inexpensive sunglasses that look a lot like designer shades.

Jewelry

For jewelry, I went with some affordable and classic gold pieces.

Starting with these cable hoop earrings.

Then I added one of my favorite bracelet that fits my slightly-wider-than-average wrist.

And it looks so much more expensive than it is!

Lastly, a gold dome ring finishes the look.

Jewelry Care

The aforementioned beauties are gold plated, so you might need to “baby” them for longevity.

Avoid the obvious: showers, pools, hot tubs, spraying your wrist with perfume while wearing them.

Store them in air-tight plastic bags, if possible. This will keep the gold plating from damage and tarnishing.

Beauty

Throw on a classic red lip if you want.

As for the perfume, it’s my longtime “signature scent.”

I have been in love with this fragrance, Vera Wang, since college.

II always get compliments on it.

And the best part is that now it’s inexpensive!