Some plus-size shoppers report that workwear options can feel limited in both fit and style. Some feel color options are limited and outfits can feel styled to be "office-appropriate" instead of trendy and current. 

The result can be clothing that meets workplace requirements but doesn’t reflect a shopper’s preferred style and preferences. A good strategy is to buy from brands that treat plus size workwear outfits like real fashion. Meaning modern silhouettes, color options, and pieces that fit with the rest of your closet. 

These pieces from Universal Standard are both office-appropriate and on-trend:

• Palais Wide Leg Ponte Pant: Wide leg trousers are the most popular silhouettes, and many plus-size workwear collections continue to emphasize traditional trouser silhouettes. The Palais brings the trend-forward shape to a fabric that actually works for the office.
• Beas Ponte Blazer: Cut slightly longer than a standard blazer for a more modern silhouette — the elongated line is everywhere in workwear right now. Soft, stretchy, and structured at the same time.
• Elbe Stretch Poplin Shirt: A clean, classic button-down that works tucked in for polished looks, with hidden snaps between buttons to prevent gaping, or worn open for the layering trend that's been on every street style account for the last two seasons.
• Odeon Stretch Poplin Shirtdress: Shirtdresses are a workwear staple, a classic style that never goes out of fashion. The Odeon works on its own, belted, layered over pants, or open as a tunic — four different on-trend silhouettes from a single piece.
• The Tee Rex: A heavier-weight tee that holds its shape under a blazer. The "structured tee under tailoring" remains a popular styling choice.

Five pieces with endless outfit options.

Some brands stop their full assortment at a size 14 or 16, then carry a smaller, more limited plus range with fewer styles, fewer colors, and noticeably less fashion ambition. If you've ever wondered why some plus size sections feel dated, that's why.

At Universal Standard, every piece in the collection is available in sizes 00 to 40, in the same place, at the same price. The pieces are designed from a size 18 sample, which falls within the commonly cited average U.S. women’s size range (16–18), so the proportions tend to work on a plus size body from the first pattern. 

Universal Standard is frequently considered by shoppers looking for plus-size workwear because they nail three things that many shoppers prioritize:

1. The assortment is complete: Some brands that claim to carry plus size only carry a small subset of their workwear collection in extended sizes. For example, dresses might go to a size 28, but the blazers stop at 16. With Universal Standard, every style offered is available in sizes from 00 to 40. 
2. The fit is engineered for plus size bodies from the start: Some apparel brands develop garments from smaller fit samples and then grade those patterns across the size range. This is why you sometimes see shoulders pulling, waist gapping, etc. Universal Standard starts the design process on a size 18, which falls within the commonly cited average U.S. women’s size range (16–18), so the proportions tend to work across the entire size range.
3. A great return/exchange policy: If your item is part of the Fit Liberty collection, you have a full year to exchange any piece for a different size or style, with no restocking fee. That helps get the exact size you want in case you don’t get it right on the first purchase. All other styles have a 30-day return policy.