'I just started a job at Mamamia. Here are my 7 tips for nailing a casual corporate wardrobe.'

Everyone at some point has muttered the oh-so familiar question, “Do you think this is work appropriate?” 

If you haven’t, you must be one wildly assertive human being, and as an overthinker I'm both jealous and in awe of you.

When I first got my job offer at Mamamia I was excited, but stumped about what to wear. I know the pandemic has really changed the way people dress in a corporate workplace, but you never quite know what the vibe will be until you actually rock up.

In retrospect, I now know that Mamamia has a relaxed dress code that brings out all-round outfit slays. Exhibit A:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by What Are You Wearing? (@mamamia_style)

Nonetheless, before starting, my family told me to avoid anything form-fitting or short. Not to mention pieces that draw attention to my chest. So practically my entire wardrobe. Great.

So I did what any distressed 20 something year old would do: I complained and overshared on the internet.

I turned to TikTok to document my struggles and triumphs in finding big bust-friendly work 'fits and as a result got lots of insightful recommendations and inspiration.

TikTok helped coin my style as a “casual corporate girlie,” and it’s been good fun ever since. So with that said, here are my top tips for nailing that casual corporate aesthetic, and none of these will tell you to download an outfit planning app.

1. Stay true to your personal style.

If you’re a self-proclaimed fashion girl like me, you would be familiar with the financial sting that comes along with it. So as someone who spends a ridiculous amount of moolah on clothes, one of my mantras is that if I’m pulling out the big bucks, I’m going to re-wear the sh*t out of it - both in and outside the office.

This capsule wardrobe mindset has given me an excuse to identify the styles that bring me joy, and the ones that simply don’t.

This has meant me parting ways with fitted blazers, cropped blouses, camisoles and v-neck t-shirts. I’d always find these pieces made my bust look bulky, yet I would continue to wear them because I felt like I "had to." 

As an alternative I’ve opted for boyfriend blazers, turtlenecks, crew neck tees and oversized shirts. These selections feel a lot more “me” and are pieces I will actually reach for, even on weekends. 

My latest purchase that I’ve welcomed into my capsule wardrobe is a grey boyfriend style cropped blazer from the label Djerf Avenue,  with a matching mini skirt. This set is so comfortable to wear to the office with a shirt and pair of loafers, but come Friday night I'm styling these exact pieces with a corset and sneakers. Balance.

@laraseverinoo size 12 @Djerf Avenue unboxing and try on!! casual corporate girlies this one is a must 🤌🏼 #djerfavenue #workwearstyle #djerfaveangels #djerfavenueunboxing #midsizefashion ♬ Sex and the City (Main Theme) - TV Sounds Unlimited

2. Create your own fashion starter kit.

I am a Rachel Green from Friends stan. Miss Green is the blueprint for chic, comfortable and fun corporate looks. The biggest style lesson I learnt from watching her on screen is to invest in your favourite line-ups that you can wear on rotation. Almost like a personalised fashion starter kit. Think of it like this: if you were a TV character, what key pieces would viewers always associate you with?

My starter kit includes:

• An oversized boyfriend blazer
• High-waisted and wide leg pair of pants
• Straight leg pair of denim jeans
• Slip maxi dresses
• Boxy white shirts and baby t-shirts
• Colourful vests
• White sneakers and loafers

@laraseverinoo work fit rotation 🎧 #workwearstyle #rachelgreen #midsizefashion ♬ original sound - Phoebe

A lot of my starter kit pieces are from Australian brand Thrills, who create vintage inspired streetwear that still holds a place in corporate attire. I love coupling their blue Clyde knit vest with a trusty oversized button up - this is a look I restyle at least once a fortnight. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by lara 🌶 (@carbsmakeitokay)

For my baby t-shirt obsession, Realisation Par takes the cake. Not only are they big bust friendly, but they always look so effortless to take from day to night, no matter the occasion. For more affordable options, Uniqlo has almost identical dupes of the iconic SKIMS cotton tees.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by lara 🌶 (@carbsmakeitokay)

3. Transeasonal pieces are a slay.

It’s a universal fact that it’s hot to care about the environment. So by default, that means it’s hot to want to extend the life of your clothing. It’s pure science.

And what better way to do this than by investing in transeasonal pieces? Buying clothing that works in any weather is the key to building a strong wardrobe.

I’m personally obsessed with my trench-style mushroom-coloured coat from Uniqlo. I don't know what kind of wizard sorcery is in this material, because this coat goes with practically anything: jeans, pants, maxi dresses, mini skirts with stockings - it's a forever staple. Bonus points as well because it’s super lightweight and sweat proof. 

@laraseverinoo BESTIES THIS TRENCH FROM UNIQLO IS SO CUTE and goes with everything!! #workwearstyle #uniqlo #midsizefashion ♬ original sound - ٴٴٴٴٴٴٴٴٴٴ

4. Thrift your workwear.

Fun fact: on my first day at Mamamia I practically wore an entirely thrifted fit. Here's the proof:

@laraseverinoo first week at my dream job!!! shes now a @Mamamia girlieee!!!! 💕🎧 15 year old me is so flipping out 🥹 #workwearstyle #socialmediamarketing ♬ Sex and the City (Main Theme) - TV Sounds Unlimited

My sweater vest was old Nasty Gal I scored at Glebe markets, my white shirt was my mums, and my Italian leather jacket was a 90s vintage Depop find.

So if you can’t already tell, I love to thrift workwear. It’s both an environmentally and budget-friendly way to stay up to date with the latest fashion trends. 

Take the recent explosion of minimalism that's got a chokehold on everyone's Pinterest feeds. Fashion It-girl Matilda Djerf plays a huge role in this, with her brand Djerf Avenue selling out within minutes of drops. As mentioned, I have purchased from the queen herself, and while the quality is beautiful, it really is nothing new. 

You can find similar pieces at your local second-hand stores. Just head straight to the men’s section - I guarantee you will find a gem (eventually).

While I do still purchase items brand new, I recommend thrifting if you want to experiment to see if a trend suits you, without committing to the hefty price tags.

Here's me in the wild wearing one of my favourite black thrifted blazers from the men's section:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by lara 🌶 (@carbsmakeitokay)

5. Comfort is key.

If you think I'm willing to venture into the office with blistering feet, ferocious underwire marks or skinny jeans suffocating my stomach, think again. This chick right here is all about comfort.

I am a big advocate for plisse sets. There’s just something about a matching number that automatically makes it look like you have your sh*t together.

My tried and tested plisse recommendation is Showpo’s Becca plisse set, which comes in every colour under the sun. I have one in bright orange and one in black, and love that it gives off elevated pyjama energy. It also happens to be my go-to period office outfit, because it has an elasticised waistband, so there are no rude buttons digging into you.

When it comes to tailored pants, my comfort-first pick would be Princess Polly’s Archer trousers. I own these babies in black, brown and slate grey. From sprinting for the bus, to sitting in on client meetings, to going out for work drinks - these pants are 10/10 on the comfort scale.

@laraseverinoo big bust appropriate work fits i have been wearing to my new job!! (more on the casual side) 🍒 @PrincessPollyy DC: LARALOVES 🤍 #workwearstyle #princesspolly #archerpants #midsizefashion ♬ Vegas (From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS) - Doja Cat

6. Ditch the underwire.

Speaking of comfort, it’s no surprise that I have a vendetta with underwire. For us big busted gals, not only do they make life unnecessarily more painful, but they have the audacity to sabotage the overall look of a killer 'fit.

If you’re like me, I found the answer to this dilemma was to get myself a seamless bra. I love Calvin Klein’s invisible lined v-neck bralette; it is literal magic. A fellow big bust creator Cassie Brim, who swears by it, influenced me.  

@caseebrim Reply to @caseebrim_ this bra hack is life changing 🙌🏼 #seamlessbra #wrapdresshack ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE - Queens Road, Fabian Graetz

This bralette can go with dresses, tops of all cuts and gives the girls so much support, whilst smoothing out lumps and bumps. It really does give off high end shapewear without the price tag attached.

Anyway, I can confirm #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt and I have not one single regret. 

7. Tie everything together.

I’m a proud lazy gal, so naturally I love any shortcut that is going to make my mornings easier. I’ve found that some super low effort touches have the ability to elevate and tie together an entire look. My honourable lazy gal mentions are:

• Gold hoops for class: You will never catch me without a pair of gold hoops. Work is no exception. I approve of anything from Reliquia; they have gorgeous sizes and widths that just add a whole level of class to any look. 
• Beaded and pearl necklaces for personality: For pops of fun I always reach for my necklaces from Australian small business Notare The Label. Their chilli necklace is a staple of mine that I often layer with gold chains. I also love the fact that chillies are an omen of good luck in some cultures. So big yes to that.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by lara 🌶 (@carbsmakeitokay)

• White sneakers for crispiness: Puma Slipstreams and New Balance 990s are my current sneakers of choice to make any outfit look crisp AF. If I have to opt for a dressier shoe, loafers are my next bet. Although ballet slippers are making a steady comeback and I won’t lie, I’m getting tempted… 
• Slicked bun for channelling inner boss: Possibly one of my favourite hair hacks I’ve learnt from TikTok is that when your hair is due for wash day but you just can’t be arsed, pop a hair mask on to create an effortless looking slick bun. No one will ever know.
• Work bag for the cherry on top: The hunt for the ultimate work bag is difficult, but once you find a bag you adore, the world is a happier place. Oroton has some great neutral, timeless options. For more colour, Poppy Lissiman tote bags are my pick.

Image: Instagram @carbsmakeitokay. 

If you made it this far, I hope this article has helped. If you're ever needing more inspo or assistance when it comes to shopping for a casual corporate wardrobe or anything in between, never hesitate to reach out to me. 

Signed, your big busted internet bestie xx

Lara Severino is a content creator and Mamamia's Content Manager for Squad. For more, follow her on Instagram and  TikTok.

Feature Image: Instagram @carbsmakeitokay/Mamamia.

Want $100? Tell us about your body-changes and go in the running to win one of 3 $100 gift vouchers.