Taking Up Space: Being a Plus-Size Woman in the Workplace

Being a plus-size woman in the workplace can be complicated.

Not because we aren't capable.

Not because we aren't qualified.

But because we're often navigating expectations that have nothing to do with our actual job performance.

For as long as I can remember, I've been aware of my body in professional spaces.

Will this chair fit comfortably?

Does this outfit look professional enough?

Am I being taken seriously?

Do I look "put together" enough?

These are questions many people never have to think about. But for plus-size women, they can become a constant background noise.

Then there's the challenge of dressing for the office.

For years, plus-size professional clothing felt uninspired. The options were often limited to black slacks, flowy tops, cardigans, and clothing that seemed designed to make us disappear rather than stand out.

It felt like the message was clear: look professional, but not too fashionable. Be confident, but not too noticeable. Take up space, but not too much.

And honestly, I bought into that message for a long time.

I wore clothes that felt safe.

I stayed quiet when I should have spoken up.

I worried more about how I was perceived than the value I was bringing to the table.

The irony is that confidence has very little to do with clothing size.

Some of the most powerful moments in my career happened when I stopped focusing on shrinking myself and started focusing on showing up.

Showing up with ideas.

Showing up with opinions.

Showing up with expertise.

Showing up as myself.

Today, I still love professional fashion. In fact, I probably enjoy it more now than ever before. I love finding colorful blazers, statement pieces, and outfits that make me feel confident walking into a meeting.

Not because the clothes make me more qualified.

But because they remind me that professionalism and personality can coexist.

Being plus-size doesn't make me less professional.

Wearing pink doesn't make me less capable.

Loving fashion doesn't make me less intelligent.

And taking up space doesn't make me less deserving of being there.

If anything, I've learned that the workplace needs more people who show up authentically.

More people who challenge outdated expectations.

More people who recognize that talent, leadership, and expertise come in every size.

So here's my reminder to every plus-size woman walking into an office, classroom, conference room, or Zoom meeting:

You belong there.

You don't need to make yourself smaller to make other people comfortable.

You don't need to hide your personality behind neutral colors.

You don't need to wait for a different body before you feel confident.

Take up space.

Share your ideas.

Wear the outfit.

Apply for the promotion.

Speak up in the meeting.

Because your value was never determined by your size.

And the room is better because you're in it.