The Suit That Changed My Client’s Career
She walked into my Baltimore styling studio looking exhausted. A nonprofit director preparing for a major funding presentation. She had a closet full of “plus-size” blazers that pulled, gapped, or made her feel invisible. Three hours later she left wearing a suit that made her stand taller and speak with more authority.
That day reminded me why I do this work.
Hi, I’m Tessa Brenner — former Torrid buyer and current stylist for professional plus-size women — and today we’re talking about the holy grail of plus-size wardrobes: the power suit.
The body’s not the problem. The pattern is.
What Makes a True Plus-Size Power Suit
A power suit for plus-size women isn’t just a smaller suit blown up. It needs intentional design that respects larger bodies while projecting confidence and competence.
Key elements I look for:
Fabric That Performs
Ponte knit with structure (not the thin floppy kind)
High-quality wool blends with stretch
Textured fabrics that don’t cling
Good drape without wrinkling easily
Avoid anything too shiny, too thin, or overly stretchy without recovery.
Construction That Holds Up
Proper shoulder construction with some padding or structure
Well-set sleeves with functional armholes
Reinforced seams in high-stress areas
Quality lining that doesn’t bunch
Fit Details That Matter Most
Shoulder width that balances your frame
Armholes that allow movement without restriction
Bust shaping that accommodates without gaping
Length that flatters your proportions
My Go-To Power Suit Formula
After dressing dozens of lawyers, professors, and executives, here’s the combination that consistently works:
The Jacket Formula:
Single-button or open-front styles often work best
Slight peplum or straight cut depending on body shape
Mid-hip or slightly longer length for balance
Notch or shawl collar for strong vertical lines
The Pant Formula:
Wide-leg or straight-leg trousers with stretch
Higher rise that sits comfortably
Flat front with good back coverage
Quality fabric with some weight
The Dress Formula (Alternative):
Sheath or fit-and-flare with structured fabric
Strategic seaming for shape
Sleeves that flatter arms
Brands That Don’t Phone It In
From my years of testing and client work, these consistently perform better:
Eloquii – Strong construction in suiting separates
Universal Standard – Excellent fabric quality and thoughtful sizing
Certain Torrid pieces (yes, I’ll call out the good ones)
Independent brands focusing on professional plus-size
I always recommend trying multiple sizes and considering tailoring for that polished finish.
Real Client Success Stories
One lawyer I worked with went from wearing ill-fitting jackets to a custom-altered navy power suit. She told me opposing counsel became noticeably more respectful during negotiations. The suit didn’t change her intelligence — but it removed one more barrier to being taken seriously.
Another nonprofit director closed a major grant after we perfected her presentation outfit. The confidence boost was visible from across the room.
These aren’t superficial changes. When you feel good in your clothes, you show up differently.
Building Your Own Power Suit Wardrobe
Start with these investment pieces:
One perfect neutral jacket (black, navy, or charcoal)
Matching or coordinating trousers
A versatile sheath dress
A few quality shells or blouses
Mix and match to create multiple outfits from few pieces. Focus on quality over quantity.
My personal rule: Buy fewer, better pieces and have them tailored. A perfectly fitted suit in good fabric beats five mediocre ones.
Practical Shopping Tips
Always check shoulder fit first
Test movement thoroughly (sit, stand, reach)
Bring the shoes you’ll actually wear
Consider a tailor as part of your budget
Look for brands that offer petite and tall options in plus sizes
The Bigger Picture
Professional plus-size women shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and authority. You deserve clothing that makes you feel powerful in rooms where decisions are made.
The industry is slowly improving, but we’re accelerating that change by voting with our dollars and sharing real feedback.
My six-year-old daughter Nia already understands the concept of “clothes that help you do big things.” She picks her outfits with confidence before preschool. We deserve that same unapologetic approach to professional dressing.
Your Next Step
Take inventory of your current work wardrobe. What’s working? What’s causing frustration? Start with one key piece — perhaps a great blazer or pair of trousers — and build from there.
You belong in every room you enter. Your clothes should remind you of that.
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