Have you visited the denim shop? Silhouettes.com has a whole section devoted to flattering plus-size jeans. Jeans are an essential part of almost any wardrobe. Dress them up, dress them down …they work for whatever you need!

The control-fit jean sits just below the waist and has a power-mesh panel that helps with tummy control. Five pockets, indigo wash, and a bootcut style make these plus-size jeans a great choice for running around town or heading out for the evening.

Wide-leg jeans are the perfect option for pear-shaped women, because the wide legs help create a long line that takes the eyes away from the “bulges” around the hips and thighs. These plus-size jeans have a traditional five-pocket style and fun embroidery on the back pockets.

Relaxed jeans are loose and comfortable, but flattering at the same time. These are a nice weekend jean—you can wear them without thinking about them, but they still look great!

Trouser jeans are relaxed jeans that look more like trousers—but still with that casual denim feel. They help de-emphasize wide hips and make for a smooth, sleek silhouette.

No matter how hot it is outside, some offices keep the air conditioning at sub-arctic levels. If that’s the case where you work, you probably want to wear something a tiny bit warmer inside—and something that you can shed quickly when you walk outside.

I found some plus size coordinates recently that work really well for office layering. Like the lace trim cardigan and lace trim tank. The ribbed fit of the tank is slimming, and the length and coverage of the cardigan makes it professional enough for work. Plus it’s got a really pretty lace embellishment and a fun swing style.

The other set of coordinates is the peachskin tank and peachskin big shirt combo. The brushed and sueded soft texture makes these two pieces amazing. You can wear the tank on its own, or throw the big shirt over it (or any other shell) for a warmer feel and layered look.

If you need more ideas for cardigans to wear in your super-cold office, check out the options on the Plus Size Sweaters and Cardigans page.

I was just poking around in the “New Arrivals” section of Silhouettes (because I love new clothes) and found a couple of things that I almost ordered right on the spot…and so I decided to immediately blog about them.

First, check out this plus-size plaid gauze shirt. It’s so cute! (And it’s available in sizes up to 6X.) I can’t wait to wear this over some cuffed jeans with a couple of bangle bracelets. Right now I’m leaning toward the green version, but I might change my mind and go with magenta instead. I really love everything about this shirt: the ruffles, the cut and style, and more.

Next on my “to buy” list is the ruffle-trim tee. This shirt will look great with cuffed jeans, too. Since I like the t-shirt look but I also like to spice it up, this shirt, with its ruffles and some interesting textures, is perfect.

And finally, I was so excited to see this plus size linen tank dress. It’s linen, which I love for summer, and it’s a cute dress (and I’m always on the lookout for more of those). I can’t wait to wear it with some fun shoes (I’m thinking the orange asymmetric sandal). The empire waist is really flattering, too.

Now…enough writing. I’m off to go shopping!

Wearing business casual clothes to work is great, and a common dress code in a lot of office settings.

So the rule for shirts (for women) is nothing too revealing and nothing TOO casual. Tank tops, etc. are out. Shirts with collars are good, but you don’t have to stick to collars, since there are lots of dressy shirts that don’t have them. (Your mileage may vary, of course. Check with HR to be sure.)

Here are a few great plus size shirts that fit under the umbrella of “business casual.”

The embroidered mandarin collar blouse. This pretty, feminine shirt is great for work, and it’s a little bit different, too. Loose fitting, comfortable, and still business casual—and the embroidery is a nice touch.

The embellished Gillian Grey linen tunic works well over a pair of business casual pants. It’s washable, too, which is always great for work clothes, and the embellishments make things pop.

The pullover buccaneer top comes in some really fun colors: raspberry is my favorite, but the blueberry and lime are so much fun, too. Easy-fitting, cotton voile, and washable, this shirt will (almost) make it fun to go to work in the morning!

Make sure to investigate some of the other plus size shirt and blouse options to brighten up your work wardrobe.

A friend of mine just got a new job, and the dress code is “business casual” (or as we love to call it “biz cas”). But what exactly does that mean? I mean, she’s out looking for clothes: what does she buy?

I did some investigating and then emailed her some ideas for business casual clothes she could use for work—she’s a plus size girl, too, so it wasn’t hard—I knew exactly where to look.

One rule for business casual clothing (for women) is skirts of a reasonable length. (In other words, no minis.) Save your mini skirts for nights out on the town! So for my friend, I suggested this plus-size floral skirt and this contrast ruffle skirt. Both are long enough to be business casual, and fun and pretty at the same time.

Pants are also acceptable business casual clothing, as long as they aren’t jeans. Silhouettes.com has tons of plus size pants appropriate for business casual office wear. Some good choices are the mélange drawstring pants or either of the Gillian Grey drawstring pants.

As for shirts, well, stay away from t-shirts (plain is okay), tank tops, and anything that bares your midriff. But you still have tons of choices! (And I’ll address those options in my next post. Stay tuned!)