Reader Question - Plus Size Work & Date Night Wear

First, just let me say I love your blog. I check daily to see what you are wearing or what kind of tips you have to share. Secondly, I'm in desperate need of some major advice. The last couple months I've really started getting into fashion but I've discovered that I'm still totally hopeless. And with the cooler weather about to arrive I am seeing it as a chance to make some additions to my closet. I am hoping that you can share some of your wisdom with me and start to direct me in the right path. I wear a size 22/24. And because of you I've recently developed a love for dresses. Before I would maybe only wear a dress a couple times per year. I've just graduated college in May so I'm definitely on a tight budget. I work in an office. The dress code isn't super strict but I still want to look professional. Also, maybe a couple ideas for what to wear when going out with friends or on a date? Thank you!
Natalie

Thanks so much, Natalie! So glad you are enjoying FFUF and have found a love for dresses. Below I have come up with 20 pieces for around $465 that create 40+ outfits and that my dear, works out to be less than $12 an outfit!

The Goods:

Top Row Left - Right:
Button-Front Dress Shirt - Old Navy, $24.50
Kimono Sleeve Babydoll Top - Old Navy, $29.50
Swingy Smocked Tee - Walmart, $10
3/4-Sleeve Ruffle Henley - Walmart, $10
Essentials textured woven tunic - Fashion Bug, $24.99

Bottom Row Left - Right
Swing Cardigan - Fashion Bug, $13.99
Roll-Up Wrap Sweater - Old Navy, $39.50
Tailored Denim Vest - Fashion Bug, $17.49
Belted Jacket - Fashion Bug, $34.99

Dresses Left - Right:
Smocked Jersey Border-Print Dress - Walmart, $18
Side Button Dress - Fashion Bug, $39.99
Faux-Wrap Dress - Old Navy, $36.50

Bottoms Left - Right:
Double-Weave Pencil Skirt - Old Navy, $29.50
Glen Plaid Flat-Front Trousers - Walmart, $18
Wide-Leg Pinstripe Trousers - Old Navy, $36.50
Tummy Control Modern Bootcut Stretch Jeans - Walmart, $18

Necklaces Left - Right:
Cage Sphere Chain - Forever 21, $6.80
Pear Shaped Collar - Forever 21, $8.80

Heels Left - Right:
Tweed High-Heel Mary Janes - Walmart, $20
Vassie Snip-Toe Pumps - Target, $29.99

You will need a couple of pairs of tights also as the temps drop and don't forget you can always add a scarf or belt to a lot of these outfits to add a little extra punch.

The Looks:

You can't go wrong with a slim black skirt as a major go-to. Just look at all of these possibilities.

While the weather is still warm you can stop with just the first layer shown, but as temps drop in the coming months you can add a cardi or vest as an extra layer. Plus, both pairs of shoes can be worn with any of the combinations given their neutral color palette.

Also, you can swap the skirt out with either pair of trousers with any of these looks!

This side button dress has a bit of a Mad Men Joan vibe about it. Wear it alone, with a cardigan layered over it or any of the tops layered under it for a colorful pop!

These dresses are great on their own or layer a cardigan or vest over them to create a fun new look.

For date night or a night out with your girls, you can almost never go wrong with a pair of dark denim. Just check out these fun, fashionable looks.

Natalie, hopefully you see a few things here that you could see making their way to your closet soon! Have fun shopping and prepping for fall!