What to wear to work. Alison Gary of Wardrobe Oxygen tackles all your questions about corporate fashion. What to wear to an interview, how to pack for business travel, how to look polished and professional on a budget, ways to dress when you walk or bike to work, how to look professional and stay warm in the winter (or cool in the summer), and much more. With decades of working in offices with a broad range of dress codes, Alison understands the unique sartorial needs of Corporate America.
After years in different jobs in the corporate arena, I have learned to have a staple career wardrobe. These are pieces that are versatile, work with one another, and have me ready for whatever my job throws my way. Below I address three common work situations and what to wear for these events. You’ll see… Continue Reading What To Wear: Interviews, Conferences, Business Trips
Dear Allie: I am getting back into the workforce after five years as a SAHM. I’m really excited, but am having a hard time finding nice work clothes. I am a size 18, 5’5” and an apple and all I seem to find are lowcut dresses and polyester pants. Do you know where I can… Continue Reading Plus Sized Work Attire Options
Whether you are starting a new job, changing offices, or beginning an internship on the Hill, it’s important to start your new position on the right foot. While it is important to be yourself, there are some things you just should not wear the first week on the job, no matter where you are working.… Continue Reading What Not to Wear Your First Week of Work
I can’t help but think of the jingle for for the now-defunct Citizen’s Bank of Maryland when I see today’s evening for day fashion trends. Daytime, nighttime, Saturday too… current trends are encouraging fabrics and embellishments that had previously been reserved for after 5pm. How does one wear evening fabrics for daytime without looking inappropriate?… Continue Reading Nightime to Day: How to Wear Formal Fabrics Before 5pm
Hi Allie, I’ve just started an internship in the technology section of a large investment bank and have been wrestling with what to wear. Do you think that colourful clothes are acceptable in a business environment if the silhouette and material is formal? The dress code for my team is fairly business casual. However, we… Continue Reading Ask Allie: Going Corporate With Color
Hi Allie, I’m in desperate need of stocking up on new work-appropriate sandals for summer and am not having luck. Any suggestions? My office is business casual/jeans on Fridays. Typical D.C. area gov’t office. I like my feet to be comfortable but don’t want to look too fuddy-duddy (I’m 31). Stylish and comfortable and work-appropriate?… Continue Reading Ask Allie: Work Appropriate Sandals for Spring
Many readers write to me, stating that my staples and many of my posts do not work for them because they either work from home, or are stay at home mothers or wives. As someone who never did work from home, I would always respond back that there is life outside of your house and… Continue Reading What to Wear When Working From Home
Allie:Do you have any suggestions about working in a freezing office and looking professional? Right now I’m wearing a heavy hoodie on top of a cardigan…and unless I have to go to a meeting, that’s how it will be all day. I was thinking about a long sweater, but they vary widely…are they ever ok?… Continue Reading Ask Allie – Fighting That Office Chill
I know you readers have my mantra memorized – Quality, not Quantity. Quality can come at any price range, and appropriateness can too. Often times we confuse a high pricetag with formality. Just because a frock is designer (or at a designer price) it does not mean it’s always the best choice for an event.… Continue Reading Expensive Doesn’t Always Equal Appropriate