A tiny collection of plus size summer business casual outfits for my “plus size on a budget series!”
Four plus size looks with for heading into the office this summer.
All with a very affordable price tag.
My “Disclaimer”
I want to prevent some anticipated feedback. So please keep these things in mind:
1- “Budget” is relative. Some people easily spend $300 on sunglasses, while other people allocate $300 for their annual clothing budget.
2- 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!
3- 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.
Outfit 1 Details
The first outfit idea is a mix of rust brown and black. A favorite neutral combination!
The rust top has the comfort of a short-sleeve t-shirt but with pointelle stitching detail and trendy puff sleeves which make it office-appropriate.
It tops some simple black dress pants that have some stretch.
Seriously, you’ll look completely put together in this outfit but feel like you’re wearing pajamas!
Is there anything better than that?
Opt for some basic black flats since we’re all about comfort! If your office dress code allows open-toed shoes or sandals, which are considered a bit more casual, try a nice flat slide (woven).
Accessories & Jewelry
Throw on your favorite work tote or try this one which is shockingly just $11!
As I’ve talked about before, I love these sunglasses that look quite similar to some far pricier ones.
For jewelry, I chose some classic gold pieces like these small but thick hoop earrings.
I actually own them in the two larger sizes. They’re made by PAVOI, from Amazon, and must say the quality is really great for the prices!
You can check out some more of my picks in my Amazon store.
Then a long basic necklace that will go with everything and a stack of link bracelets complete the look.
Plus Size on a Budget – Summer Business Casual Outfits 1
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Outfit 2 Details
The second outfit has a little more interest with an animal print blouse.
Wear it over the same combination of simple black dress pants and black flats.
The accessories are also the same except for the necklace.
I switched things up a bit and added this neutral link necklace from Target.
Plus Size on a Budget – Summer Business Casual Outfits 2
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Outfit 3 Details
The third look might be my favorite. I took the same comfortable rust top from Look 1 but made it pop by adding a long fuchsia necklace and coordinating earrings.
Want to learn more about making pieces “pop” with color? Check out this post.
Again, sticking with neutrals, I paired the top with a khaki or bone color linen pant with a straight leg.
Linen is just a classy fabric. Period. It drapes in a lovely and unmistakable way.
And linen is a natural fiber known for keeping you cool in hot weather. Yes!
That’s because linen breathes and absorbs moisture.
Wearing Linen
Linen might seem difficult to deal with, but it’s actually quite easy. And it’s machine washable!
As I’ve said, people often ask me how to keep their linen clothes from wrinkling.
For one, linen is always going to wrinkle. Always.
And really, that is part of “the look.” You know, that rich b!tch bougie look that I love so much!
Two, a linen-blend will wrinkle less. The featured plus size pants are a blend.
And three, if you iron with starch, linen will wrinkle slightly less. But, I say, just let it go!
Plus Size on a Budget – Summer Business Casual Outfits 3
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Plus Size Rust Top (similar, similar or here)
Outfit 4 Details
The final outfit idea pairs the animal print blouse with the khaki linen pants from Look 3.
Using the same accessories as the other looks, including the statement necklace from Look 2.
Plus Size on a Budget – Summer Business Casual Outfits 4
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So which is your favorite look? Let me know in the comments below!
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For more outfit inspiration check out my Pinterest boards and my Instagram! Oh and please “like” my blog on Facebook!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on or purchase through certain links, I may receive a small commission.
I love the all so much,it almost makes me wish I were back working… Seriously though you have the best taste! I so admire the way you come up with these very polished looks at such great prices! By the way,happy very belated birthday.
Aww, thank you so much, Laurie!!! ❤
Hi Alexa,
I Love these work outfits!! Just what I needed for work! The colors work so well together, I really like the accessories as well!
Thanks so much, Trisha!
Hi Alexa,
I love all of these. My employer recently incorporated denim into our dress code. Each of these would be perfect with white denim or traditional denim.
You are so amazing at pulling together great outfits. Thank you.
Oh sounds perfect, Karen. And how lucky to get to wear jeans to work! That’s my dream! LOL.
These outfits are so amazing, but I wish the pieces were in stock. I know that has nothing to do with you, but the animal print top, black flats, and black pants are all out of stock. So sad!
Hi Becky,
Things sell out very quickly. Especially late in a season like this. I have a couple of thoughts though.
First, I wanted to make sure you’ve subscribed to receive my posts by email? This will always give you the best chance or “first dibs” for any items that interest you.
Second, I appreciate you letting me know these items have sold out so quickly. I am going to update the post now with some alternatives. So check back in just a bit for more options!
Thanks so much for reading!
– Alexa
Thank you for your response! I do receive your posts by email, so I usually am looking at pieces fairly quickly. I wonder if there is a difference depending on location. It always seems strange to me that most of what you post from Walmart particularly is almost always sold out when I look at it.
I bought the brown sweater after seeing this post. 2 comments: I would recommend sizing up, and this pointelle pattern is a little see-through. I’d recommend a cami underneath.
Hi, where did you buy the sweater?
It was from Walmart last fall. I don’t believe they still have it.
Thank you so much for sharing your outfit ideas and doing all the footwork to help us find similar styles (esp those of us who are fashionably challenged)! Could you please share more business-casual (late summer-early fall) outfit ideas? I’m starting a new job and have no idea what to wear. It’s an administrative assistant position. Thank you so much!
Cute and classy, as usual! You really are a talented stylist. The linen pants from WW are still available. So is the pointelle top (also other colors) and the tote. I hope you are doing well. I am trying to find a bright coral orange in your fave bougie lipsticks. Have you found any shades like that? Thx.
Hi Carole,
Thank you! ❤ My fave bougie lipsticks are on sale today here (Buy 1, Get 1). Check out 14 – Corail Marrakech and 46 – Orange Perfecto.
I love the outfits you create!
Thank you!