I have addressed the steps a full sized woman can take to look good every day. This time I would like to talk more specifically about business clothes.

The key to a good business wardrobe is proper fit.  You want to compliment your body, not hide it.

Button front blouses: Though these tops will make you look the most put together (for a casual look) fitting these items can be very tricky. If they are, too tight they will gape open between the buttons, and if they are too big, they will end up too creased and wrinkled from normal movement. My trick is to purchase the smallest blouse I can get into and make sure they have a tiny bit of Lycra mixed in with the fabric content. In between, the buttons may gape a bit when you move about, but it there are no gaps when you are standing still in the dressing room mirror and there is no bulging visible under the shirt, you have the right size. The key to working with this blouse is to turn it inside out prior the first wear and insert a safety pin (so that it is not visible from the front) in between each button. I usually start from the third button so I can put the shirt on and take it off by pulling it over my head.

Other blouses with no buttons: For shells and simple blouses, they should be big enough to give you about an inch of space inside the shirt. Trying this top on over a close fitting t-shirt will ensure you have a proper fit.

Suits: Buy cheap and have it tailored. This is a trick many men employ in order to have a varied wardrobe. When purchasing clothes, especially online. It is important to buy big. Make sure you will fit into the outfit with a few inches to spare. This way you can go to your local tailor or drycleaner and have it altered for a perfect fit. Well fitted clothes actually make you look and feel slimmer than even black clothes.

Dresses, skirts, and separates: Stop buying moo-moos! Your dress should fit your body and accentuate your best feature. If you have a nice bust, wear a dress with a lower neckline. Perhaps a long tunic dress will work well for you. If you have an hourglass shape, your dresses should have a defined waist. If you have great legs, then either shorten your hemline, or wear buy items with slits to show off your legs.

Once you have selected and fit your clothing to your body, you must coordinate it. Of course, having the “mandatory” all black wardrobe makes it easy for the larger girl to hide herself. However, it is time to buy some color. Dabble in brown, and navies. Throw in a few reds and bright blues. Soften your look with yellow and pink. A little diversity in your wardrobe goes a long way. If you are uncomfortable purchasing your main pieces like pants, dresses, and jackets in color, then use your blouses, belts, purses and other accessories to add some pizzazz to your style.

As women, we need to pamper ourselves a bit. Get a hairstyle that is easy to maintain, but is sophisticated and age appropriate. Purchase a bit of makeup, and start wearing a foundation, if for no other reason than to protect your skin from the elements. Add a little mascara and some tinted lip-gloss or lipstick, and you are ready for the average work day.

Be on the lookout for part three of this article where I will discuss  dressing well for formal events.