Old Navy is one of the places I send plus-size clients first when the budget is tight, because the range runs from office blazers to loungewear in sizes up to 4X, and sale prices can drop very low. The catch with any budget brand is that fit and fabric vary piece to piece, so you have to shop with a plan. Below are twenty complete outfits built from the kind of pieces it carries, for work, weekends, events and travel, with notes on what to check before you buy. Use them to refresh your daily rotation or to put together one outfit for a specific day.
Ordering Online Without a Pile of Returns
Most budget plus-size shopping now happens online, and sizing varies between styles even within the same store. I ask clients to measure once and keep the numbers on their phone.
- Measure bust, waist and the fullest part of your hips with a soft tape, over the underwear you'll wear.
- Compare each number with the size chart for that specific item, and order by the largest one. A waist can be taken in; a tight hip or bust usually can't be let out.
- Check the inseam on trousers and jeans. If it's listed, compare it with a pair you already love.
- Read the fabric content. A small percentage of spandex or elastane in a woven gives comfort; a thin knit with lots of stretch shows every line.
When you're between sizes on something important, ordering both and returning one is often cheaper in time than a second round of shipping. Try everything on the day it arrives, with the shoes you'll wear, and sit, bend and reach before you cut any tags.
1. Plus Size Old Navy Work Outfit Blazer and Trousers
A suit set is the fastest way to look ready for a meeting. I'd pick a crepe blazer that ends at the hip with matching wide-leg trousers that skim the floor, in black or navy so the two pieces read as one. Stretch woven suiting is the reason this works at a lower price: it moves when you sit and reach, where a stiff, non-stretch suit pulls at the button. Check that the blazer closes flat across the bust before anything else. A silky cami or light crewneck underneath, pointed flats or low block heels, a watch and a laptop tote finish good plus size workwear.
2. Plus Size Old Navy Casual Jeans and Tee Outfit
Jeans and a tee only look intentional when the jeans fit. Extra-high-waisted straight-leg jeans in a medium indigo sit above the belly rather than cutting into it, and that's the detail that keeps a tucked tee smooth. Tuck in a slightly oversized white crewneck and add a thin leather belt. White sneakers, big sunglasses and a canvas tote cover errands and coffee. Roll the hem once if the jeans touch the floor. I'd check the back rise when you bend over; a low back is the most common fit problem on curvy hips.
3. Plus Size Old Navy Summer Maxi Dress Outfit
A ribbed maxi in a cotton-spandex blend is about the easiest summer dress there is: one piece, no ironing, and it moves with you. The ribbing has a trade-off, though. It follows every line of the body and of your underwear, so a smooth slip or no-show shapewear underneath matters more than with a woven dress. Look for a fitted bodice that opens into an A-line skirt rather than a straight tube. Flat leather sandals, a straw bag, small hoops and a light cardigan for the shoulders suit brunch or a market; add a wide-brim hat in strong sun.
4. Plus Size Old Navy Fall Sweater and Jeans Outfit
An oversized crewneck in caramel or olive feels right the minute the air cools, but on a fuller body the volume needs a counterweight. Dark skinny or slim straight jeans give it that. Tuck just the front of the sweater into the waistband so it shows where your waist is. Budget knits pill, especially under the arms and where a bag strap rubs, so I'd choose a blend with some cotton or wool over pure acrylic if you have the option. Tan stacked-heel ankle boots, a cognac crossbody and a light wool scarf make it work for a casual office day or apple picking.
5. Plus Size Old Navy Winter Puffer Coat Outfit
A long puffer can turn a curvy figure into a sleeping bag, so choose one that skims instead of puffing out evenly. A gently shaped hem and a cinching detail at the waist both help, and a water-resistant shell keeps snow from soaking through. Mid-calf length keeps your legs warm and gives a long line. Under it, a fitted turtleneck and fleece-lined leggings stay smooth. Lug-sole waterproof boots grip on icy sidewalks. Add a thick beanie and touchscreen gloves in a matching neutral.
6. Plus Size Old Navy Activewear Gym Outfit
For workouts or a Saturday of errands, a matched activewear set looks put together with no effort at all. High-waisted ⅞ leggings with a hidden pocket, like the PowerSoft line, pair with a longline sports bra and a cropped zip-up jacket in the same color family. I always tell clients to do a deep squat in front of a mirror before buying leggings, because thinner fabrics go see-through when stretched. Platform sneakers, a high ponytail, small studs and a belt bag across the chest make it work well outside the gym, which is the point of good plus size activewear.
7. Plus Size Old Navy Loungewear Sweatsuit Set
A matching sweatsuit you can also wear to get coffee is worth owning. A microfleece crewneck and joggers in heather gray or oatmeal look tidy because they match. Add a long sleeveless quilted vest over the top; it falls in a straight line and gives the outfit shape. A half-tuck at one side shows the waist. Microfleece does pill and attract lint over time, so wash it inside out. Plush slides or platform shearling clogs keep it comfortable all day.
8. Plus Size Old Navy Dressy Occasion Outfit
Special events don't need a big spend. A satin cowl-neck top tucked into a high-waisted taffeta midi skirt looks dressier than its price, and the taffeta makes a little sound when you walk. The cowl drapes in soft folds across the bust, which is kinder to a fuller chest than a tight, high neck. Satin shows sweat and creases easily, so steam it before you go and test it with your arms raised. Nude strappy sandals, a velvet clutch, crystal drop earrings and a low bun make it ready for a cocktail party or birthday dinner.
9. Plus Size Old Navy Wedding Guest Midi Dress Outfit
A fit-and-flare sleeveless midi is my pick for a wedding guest look on a budget. The smocked back panel stretches to fit, which matters on a bust-to-waist difference that standard bodices rarely match, and side pockets are welcome all day. Check that the pockets lie flat over the hips; some add width once you put anything in them. Metallic low block heels, a light shawl or cropped bolero for the evening, a chain bracelet and pearl studs keep it right through ceremony and dancing.
10. Plus Size Old Navy Spring Cardigan and Jeans Outfit
Spring mornings start cold and end warm, so a light open cardigan over a tank is the easiest way to adjust. A pastel rib-knit cardigan over a white ribbed tank, with the tank tucked into light-wash high-waisted wide-leg jeans, is my go-to version. Leave the cardigan open so its two edges make vertical lines down the body. Roll the sleeves when the afternoon warms up. White canvas sneakers, a woven belt bag worn crossbody and small gold hoops finish it.
11. Plus Size Old Navy Denim Jacket Over a Dress Outfit
A denim jacket over a floral midi takes the dress from sweet to casual in one move. The jacket needs to be cropped at the natural waist; a hip-length one covers the tie waist and hides the dress shape you chose it for. Medium wash works with almost any print. Wedge espadrilles, a mini rattan bag and a silk scarf on your ponytail or bag handle make it right for a backyard barbecue. One honest note: a stiff, non-stretch denim jacket can bind across the upper back on a broad frame, so reach forward when you try it.
12. Plus Size Old Navy Wide Leg Jumpsuit Outfit
A wide-leg jumpsuit is a whole outfit in one zip, and the stretchy woven ones are comfortable for a long day. Look for a defined waistband or self-tie belt and a V-neck. The fit point to check is torso length: if the crotch hangs low or the waist sits under your belly, size up or look for a longer cut. Throw on a cropped denim jacket or a lightweight duster cardigan on cool days. Pointed mules, a structured mini bag and a long pendant make it sharp. The single color from neck to floor gives a long, clean line.
13. Plus Size Old Navy Vacation Beach Coverup Outfit
For a beach trip, I like a cover-up that can also go to lunch. A sleeveless knit maxi in a bold stripe or a bright color, worn over a one-piece, does both. Cotton-spandex knit dries fairly quickly and doesn't crease in a suitcase, which a linen cover-up will. Flat jeweled sandals, a wide-brim straw hat, round sunglasses and a mesh tote take you down to the sand. For lunch, add a denim jacket and swap the sandals for espadrilles. Rinse it after a salt-water day so the fabric doesn't stiffen.
14. Plus Size Old Navy Wide Leg Pants and Bodysuit Outfit
This one is all proportion: wide-leg linen pants with a lot of movement and a fitted ribbed bodysuit that keeps the top smooth. The bodysuit matters because a tucked tee in linen pants bunches at the waistband. Linen will crease as soon as you sit, which is part of its charm, but if that bothers you look for a linen-viscose blend. Thin-strapped heeled sandals add height, and resin hoops with a cuff bracelet finish it. A structured blazer in a contrast neutral makes it work for a dinner reservation.
15. Plus Size Old Navy Plaid Blazer Set Outfit
A plaid blazer and miniskirt set makes fall events easy, and you can wear the two pieces separately the rest of the season. The oversized blazer balances the short skirt. A black fitted turtleneck underneath, opaque black tights and chunky lug-sole loafers make it wearable in the cold. Opaque tights with a good waistband matter here; cheap ones roll down under a fitted skirt, so I'd go for a high-waist or plus-size specific pair. A burgundy or deep green leather crossbody picks up the plaid.
16. Plus Size Old Navy Midi Skirt and Knit Sweater Outfit
A satin or taffeta midi skirt is less formal than it sounds once you pair it with a chunky cable knit. Tuck just the front of a cream sweater into an elastic-waist skirt in blush or champagne. The contrast of the soft knit with the shine of the skirt is what makes it interesting. Elastic waists are comfortable, but a very wide one can add bulk at the middle, so a front tuck that covers it helps. Pointed slingback flats, a top-handle bag, pearl studs and a fine bracelet suit an office holiday party or family brunch.
17. Plus Size Old Navy Shirt Dress Outfit
Cotton poplin shirt dresses are cool to wear and skim instead of clinging. A solid neutral or a fine vertical stripe goes with the most shoes and jackets. Roll the sleeves and open a few buttons at the neck. A thin leather belt marks the waist. Before you buy, sit down in it: if the buttons pull open across the bust or hips, size up and belt it in. White sneakers for day, heeled mules for dinner, plus a woven crossbody and tortoiseshell sunglasses, and it's a very fast outfit.
18. Plus Size Old Navy Barrel Jeans and Henley Outfit
Barrel jeans curve out through the leg and taper at the ankle, which adds volume at the knee and gives a fuller figure a softer outline than skinny jeans. They take some getting used to. I'd try them with a cropped or tucked top first, because a long top over a wide leg can make you look square. Here, an oversized waffle henley with a half-tuck and a leather belt works. Low-heel ankle boots, a slouchy hobo bag, thin gold rings and layered chains suit casual Fridays.
19. Plus Size Old Navy Matching Knit Lounge Set Outfit
A matching knit set does the thinking for you. A wide-leg knit pant and a short-sleeve knit top in dove gray or espresso look polished just because they match. Knits like this can stretch out at the knees and seat after a day of sitting, so look for a denser knit and fold them in the drawer rather than hanging them. Cushioned platform slides, a long pendant down the center, a quilted shoulder bag and round sunglasses make it travel-ready or good for a casual weekend.
20. Plus Size Old Navy Barn Jacket and Boots Outfit
A canvas barn jacket in tan or olive is a light outer layer for cool fall afternoons. The canvas is stiff at first and softens with wear, so give it time. Layer it over a striped long-sleeve tee and dark straight-leg jeans. Brown leather ankle boots, a chunky beanie and a plaid blanket scarf keep you warm as the sun drops. Check the shoulders when you buy: boxy work jackets can be tight across a full upper arm, so reach and cross your arms in the fitting room. A roomy canvas tote finishes it for a market or outdoor fall festival.
Making Budget Denim and Knits Last Longer
Inexpensive clothes can last for years with a little care, and most of what wears them out happens in the wash and the dryer.
- Stretch jeans: wash cold and inside out, and skip high heat in the dryer. Heat breaks down the elastic fibers, which is why jeans go baggy at the knees and seat.
- Sweaters and fleece: turn them inside out, wash on a gentle cycle and dry flat. Pills can be removed with a fabric shaver.
- Ribbed knits and knit sets: fold, don't hang. Hangers stretch out the shoulders.
- Satin and taffeta: steam rather than iron, and if you must iron, use a low setting and a cloth between.
I also look at the seams before buying anything I plan to wear often. Pull gently at a side seam: if you can see gaps between stitches or loose threads, it will open at the first stress point, usually the inner thigh on jeans or the underarm on tops. A store that sells at low prices will still have well-made pieces mixed in, and that two-second check is how you find them.
Getting Twenty Outfits Out of One Budget Store
Affordable plus size fashion works best when you treat it as a set of building blocks. A good pair of high-waisted jeans, wide-leg trousers, a suit set, a few knits and one or two dresses cover most of the outfits above, from a work meeting to a beach week. Buy the pieces that fit at the bust and hip first, check the fabric in your hand, and add accessories that feel like you. Getting dressed gets much easier once your basics fit.
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