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Looking for professional attire, as a plus size person working in government and politics? Struggling to find plus size professional clothing as a person who works on “The Hill”? Finding professional outfits as a plus size person can be tough, so in this blog post i’m going to share plus size outfit ideas for folks who want to look sharp, and who also have to dress a bit more conservatively.

While I don’t work in politics, for the government [def not conservatively dressed spaces lol], many of my coaching and consulting clients do! I have helped a good number of my clients find professional plus size clothing ++ build their respective wardrobes!

[Also, shoutout to my boyfriend, who works on The Hill, for giving me the idea to write this post specifically for plus size folks who work on The Hill, in Washington D.C., and/or in politics!]

Heads up, this blog post was originally published on February 7, 2022. It was last updated on August 3, 2023.

This blog post is all about plus size professional outfits for working in government and politics.

Plus Size Outfits for Working in Government & Politics

When it comes to creating a professional wardrobe for a job in the federal government, local government or in an org that is involved in politics [lobbyists, NGOs, consultants, etc], there’s a very important point to know here:

You have GOT to get a tailor.

This is non-negotiable.

Plus size clothing is not going to fit as well as *YOU* need it to. We know that fit matters, especially in these spaces.

A tailor will check for fit in:

• Shoulders, waist and hem for blazers and suit jackets
• Waist and hem fit on skirts
• Strategic fixes for gaping buttons or issues
• The hem and waist fit on trouser and slacks

Ok, now that I’ve shared that key point, let’s get to plus size outfits for folks working in politics!

#1: Plus Size Outfits for Politics | Universal Standard

Universal Standard is my go-to recommendation for people who work in more conservative environments [politicians, lawyers, finance professionals, etc]. The brand was started by two women who worked in finance, and couldn’t find the clothing they need – so this plus size clothing brand GETS what plus size people in politics are looking for.

There clothing using classic silhouettes, while adding *just* enough oomph to be visually interesting – and show you have good taste. Universal Standard is a higher end plus size professional brand, with clothing starting at around $150.

Sizing

• Universal Standard makes clothing in sizes 0 to 40. Sizes past a 32 usually go fast.

I’ve shared some of my favorite plus size politics outfits from Universal Standard below, and you can also shop the brand here!

#2: Plus Size Outfits for Government – Eloquii

Next up on my guide to plus size outfits for working in government and politics, we have Eloquii! This plus size fashion brand that does a GREAT job of creating bold statement making clothing – as well as plus size professional workwear!

I adore their plus size slacks and plus size blazers, because they retain body and structure – while also stretching. Eloquii is a great shop for plus size political staffers who need to look sharp – while running all over the place!

Sizing

• Eloquii pieces start at a size 10 and go up to a size 32.

As you scroll down, I’ve shared some plus size government outfit ideas. I encourage you to check out all of the Eloquii plus size professional offerings HERE.

#3: Plus Size Outfits for Politics – Luxury with 11 Honore

Ok, so 11 Honore is a fabulous plus size brand for folks who work in politics – and are looking for high end and luxury clothing. 11 Honore partners with different well-known fashion designers, to manufacture their designs in plus sizes.

Sizing

• Most 11 Honore clothing stops at a size 20, and you’ll need to send your measurements to their styling team to find your size.

Below, I’ve shared some of my favorite plus size politics outfits from 11 Honore, and you can also shop the brand here!

#4: Plus Size Outfits for Government – Woman Within

Ok, so – a lot of plus size professionals don’t know about Woman Within – which is a bummer!

I had been modeling + working in plus size fashion for *years* before I found the brand! They have an incredible number of options – in a lot of sizes, one of the most size inclusive brands – buuuut they don’t use plus size models for their clothing.

Facepalm.

Sizing

• Woman Within carries up to a size 40, but not in all pieces. Use the search filters to narrow your results by size

Further on down, I’ve shared some plus size government outfit ideas from Woman Within! I encourage you to check out all of the Eloquii plus size professional offerings HERE.

This brand goes up to a size 40, but they don’t use plus size models.)

Plus Size Outfits for Government

#5: Plus Size Outfits for Politics – Ulla Popken

Next up, I’m excited to share an international brand – Ulla Popken! I really wish this brand would hire plus size models, so I could see what I would look like in their dang clothes, lolol!

Sizing

• Up to a size 36/38

Shop plus size outfits for government here!

#7: Plus Size Outfits for Government – Lane Bryant

Ok, BEFORE YOU SCROLL AWAY, hear me out!! Lane Bryant’s offerings vary wildly in-store across the country, because the brand is VERY good at stocking their store shelves with what people buy.

And online?! It’s a whole other world.

I love to order from Lane Bryant online, get it shipped to my local LB (for free!) and then try clothes on in-store. I can then return any items that don’t work (spoiler alert, few go back, lolol). I am in LOVE with the construction of their blazers – they’re my go-to brand for plus size blazers as an apple shape (full review here)!

Sizing

• Some Lane Bryant items go up to a size 40, and some stop at a size 28! I recommend using the filters on the side to narrow your selection!

Shop plus size outfits for government here!

#8: Plus Size Outfits for Politics – City Chic USA

Following those options on plus size outfits for politics, we have City Chic USA! This is an Australian based brand, and most of their clothing is more dressy casual – good options for more relaxed professional workplaces.

But, they do have some pretty great options that fit our mission to find plus size outfits for people who work in politics!

Sizing

• City Chic USA makes plus size clothing in up to a size 24!

Keep on scrolling to see a few plus size outfit ideas for politics! You can shop their website here!

This blog post was all about plus size professional outfits for working in government and politics.

Plus Size Outfits for Government

I hope that this my fashion guide helped you find some new plus size outfits and brands to check out!

Here’s what to read next:

• 13+ Plus Size Workwear Brands to Shop
• Where to Buy Plus Size Suits for Women – And Everyone Else!
• My Favorite Plus Size Blazers
• Plus Size Formalwear Guide
• How to ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn

More Plus Size Tips & Career Moves

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