Mary Lou Andre

Fashion Q & A: Keeping Warm at Work Q: I am always cold in my office. Is it appropriate to wear ponchos, shawls and wraps while I am working? I’ve been wearing these for a while and have been getting some weird looks! A: Although the layering looks you are describing are indeed warm and fashionable, they are still considered outerwear and are not the best choice to help keep you warm indoors, especially in professional business environments. If you have a job that requires you to interact with others, you want to select apparel that instantly communicates that you are focused on your job and the work at hand. Wearing any kind of outerwear all day long does not set a business tone and can be distracting to others. Since many do not consider this type of clothing to be appropriate, you also risk alienating people you work with or having them question your judgment. Clothing that wraps around your body like a blanket can also look sloppy and can pose safety issues as anything that drapes and falls can get caught in a variety of machinery and office equipment. To keep warm, think layering traditional office attire — knit tops under blazers, cardigan sweaters over shirts and blouses. We’re also big fans of silk underwear and tights as both provide a thin, warm layer that does not create any extra bulk. Good luck!

Q: When I wear khaki pants and black shoes, what color socks should I wear? My shirt or sweater may be white, black or another color. Sometimes, I wear socks to match my pants and sometimes I wear socks to match my black shoes and black belt. I am not sure that either one looks right. Maybe I shouldn’t wear black shoes with khaki pants! What advice can you give me about pulling together the right look?! A: Black loafers work well with khaki pants, especially in the cooler months. Since the pants are light in color and fabrication, black shoes ground the look while helping you to look seasonally appropriate. Black shoes are also the most fashion-forward choice to wear with the outfit you are describing. Black socks are the correct choice to wear with this outfit. It is best to match your shoes with your socks — it’s a fool-proof strategy when you are wearing black shoes. A black turtleneck is easy to pair with the pants and shoes and always works. A white shirt also looks smart with khakis. Try tying a black cardigan around your neck when wearing a white shirt with your khakis and black shoes and socks to further pull the look together. Some silver jewelry at your neck and ears with some black detailing will also help you feel really pulled together!

Fashion Q & A: Summer Casual for an Off-site Business Meeting Q: I’m male and work in a conservative business environment. Suits and ties are mandatory Monday through Friday, even in the summer. I am scheduled to attend an off-site “business casual” meeting for three days this month. I am told that jackets are not required and the setting will be informal, with maybe a round of golf the last day. Can you help me figure out what to wear? Thanks. A: A safe bet in the summer for this type of business meeting where it has been clearly articulated that the dress code has been significantly relaxed is to bring a few pairs of khaki-colored trousers and a few equally polished polo shirts. We do not recommend wearing polos with logos not associated with your company, even in this informal setting. Finish the look with a matching belt and shoe. Socks are always appropriate and expected in business. To properly plan your golf attire, check in with the resort where you will be playing to get clarity about their dress standards. Khaki-colored pants or shorts with a polo shirt are an easy way to get this look right and will cut down on what you will be packing for the trip. We recommend having a golf jacket with you in case the weather is cool or it rains. Golf shoes complete the look. Refrain from wearing sneakers!

Fashion Q & A: Wearing Black Jeans to Work Q: I ordered the “Addressing the Dress Code” reference material from your organization. It was a wonderful tool in setting up our dress standard. However, I have a question about one issue. That is jeans. I would define our dress standard as business casual, but we are a customer-based company and need to project a professional image. We have allowed nice colored jeans (i.e. green, lavender, etc.). But in our dress standard, we have asked that employees do not wear black/blue jeans, except on casual day (Friday). Are black jeans acceptable attire in a business environment? What is your professional opinion on jeans? Any advice on addressing this in our dress standards? A: Glad to hear that you received our materials and that they have been helpful in shaping your policy. It’s my opinion that jeans are too casual for the business environment you describe. The problem is that while some folks look great in them and understand the importance of making sure they are presented professionally, others will always look sloppy and, well, too casual in them. Also, you have no control over how customers view them. Many people (especially some over 50) think jeans are a sign of disrespect. They were never allowed to wear them to school, never mind to work. No matter the color, they are generally thought of as too casual in most professional service environments, which I believe is the category that your organization falls into. Some high tech companies we work with allow jeans on Fridays which is fine in their business environment. Hope my insights help shed some light on your particular situation. It’s tough to take away something that is currently being allowed. Maybe you can put out a memo that states your concern with jeans and asks folks to refrain from wearing them. “Asking” as opposed to “telling” often yields better results!!

Fashion Q & A: What is Capsule Dressing Q: I’ve just found your site and I love it already. I am building a new wardrobe from scratch and I’ve heard color capsule dressing (or clothing capsule dressing) is a good way to begin. I am a mom so I dress casual most of the time including jeans, but occasionally dress up for dinner, a show or a play. Have you heard of building your wardrobe this way and if so how do I begin? A: Capsule dressing is an effective wardrobe strategy. It is the practice of building a wardrobe with interchangeable items that mix and match well. Start with a pantsuit — black is an obvious good choice because of its day to evening appeal. Next, add a skirt from the same manufacturer in the same color and fabric as the pantsuit. A long skirt will give you more versatility since it can be both casual and/or dressy in its presentation depending on the top and shoe you wear it with. If you can find a dress that can be worn under the jacket or alone, grab that too. Like the skirt, be sure the dress is from the same manufacturer and from the same dye-lot as the pantsuit to ensure that it will work with or without the jacket. A classic sheath dress (either sleeveless or with a short sleeve) will give you the most wear from year to year making it a true investment. Finally, load up on tops, a shawl and a variety of shoes and you’ll have several looks from the same base pieces. Check out the “Advice” section of our web site for more articles on how to strategically build an interchangeable and multi-purpose wardrobe!

Fashion Q & A: Nude Hose Q: Now that spring is here, I’d like to lighten my legs up a bit. I’m having a hard time finding a few great pairs of nude hose…everything I try on makes me feel like I have that “orange-y” look going on. I’ve been told that Donna Karan has a great nude selection — but I can’t afford their prices. Any suggestion for affordable nude hose that will look great? A: Hanes makes great hosiery that it is more affordable than some of the designer brands. The Hanes hosiery brand that we frequently recommend for many of our clients is called Silk Reflections which has a silky, sheer finish. We like the color “Little Color” which is one of the most natural looking colors in hosiery. Give them a try! Finally, load up on tops, a shawl and a variety of shoes and you’ll have several looks from the same base pieces. Check out the “Advice” section of our web site for more articles on how to strategically build an interchangeable and multi-purpose wardrobe!

Fashion Q & A: Beige Shoes Q: I understand that white shoes and purses go away after Labor Day. What about wearing beige shoes and purses into fall? A: We love beige shoes and bags after Labor Day as long as they are well-coordinated with the rest of your outfit. In early September, I met with a sharply dressed business woman on a moderately warm and sunny day who had on a pair of traditional beige pumps (i.e. closed-toe and closed-back) with a chocolate brown skirt and a beige, brown and turquoise floral blouse. Nylons were not worn and were not necessary as her skin was still tan from the summer. The beige pumps actually worked really well with her skin tone. Be sure yours do too. The shoes were leather (a better choice than wearing beige fabric shoes in the fall) and the weight (i.e., on the chunky side) and warm undertones of her gold accessories further complimented the weight and color of her shoes. In my own wardrobe, I have a light beige hobo bag that I wear in the fall with my jean jacket, metallic gold flats and a variety of printed skirts and dresses in earth tones. The bag has dark brown stitching which gives it a little more fall clout as opposed to a more light and summery beige. No matter the season, it’s important to note that if you decide to wear light colored shoes and bags, they can look super cheap if they are not made by a decent designer. Hope these tips help. Enjoy your beige footwear and bags into October!

Fashion Q & A: Packing for a Cruise Q: I’ve enjoyed your presentations over the last few years at two Raytheon sponsored events and I look forward to receiving and reading the e-mails from Dressingwell.com. I’m writing today to ask for advice on what to wear on a 7-day cruise (my first ever). We will be heading to St. Thomas, San Juan and the Bahamas, and I will be checking a suitcase. A: Have a wonderful time. Here are a few pointers for you: Consult your cruise line to determine how formal the dinners are. If your dinners are formal, bring at least two formal dresses, i.e., floor length. You may also be able to wear semi-formal, i.e., knee length. A lightweight shawl, wrap or pashmina would work well if the evenings are cool. For daytime sightseeing on the islands, wear a sundress or long Bermuda-style shorts in white or khaki with a sleeveless blouse or colorful tee shirt and flat sandals that are good for walking. White pants/capris are a favorite of mine. You can dress them up or down, depending on the occasion, and they work with any color. For a dressier look, pair them with a kitten heel sandal in red, navy or brown, a silk top and oversized silver or gold earrings with a bangle/cuff bracelet. Wear a flat sandal and a lightweight knit or cotton top for a more casual look. A cover-up for your bathing suit, a hat, sunglasses and, of course, don’t forget the sunscreen!