Dear Oligo Editor: What to Wear to the Office Barbeque?!

Dear Editor–I’m invited to our company’s annual office barbeque, and I’m not sure what to wear. I don’t want to be overdressed so people think I’m trying too hard to impress the boss, but I don’t want to be so underdressed that it looks like I’m not trying at all. We wear suits to the office, but I’m pretty sure that the button-down and pumps looks doesn’t go with hot dogs and hamburgers. Help!

Wants to be Fashionable Not Fired

Dear Fashionable–

First, a brief rant: What happened to the days when hosts were courteous enough to let their guests know what was appropriate attire for social occasions? Especially in this brave new world of anything-goes-once-you-can-work-it-fashion, a little hint or two wouldn’t be amiss. I mean, one person’s gold lame leggings is another person’s cashmere sweater set and pearls, right?  Okay, enough of my ranting, since I’m guessing you’d like a more helpful answer than “I don’t know. Ask your boss.” For any off-site social gathering that has “office” in the title– barbeque, holiday party, baby shower–my mantra is always “tasteful.” If your boss is on the guest list–and the event may later involve your picture in the company newsletter– the cut-offs, the denim minis, and the cut-down-to-there tops stay in the closet, no matter how lissome your legs or captivating your decollete. (And I don’t really need to put in an aside here about appropriate alcohol consumption at office events, do I?)

Barbeques are maddeningly tricky because they can translate as anything from a cocktail party that’s held on a senior manager’s well-manicured lawn to your boss in a chef’s hat manning the grill while your coworkers choose sides for a game of Frisbee. So my first bit of advice is to ask someone in the (stylish) know what the event was like last year, and what people wore. The Boy Scouts aren’t the only ones who should be prepared!

If that doesn’t work, then the key is flexibility, an outfit that can be dressed up or played down in a flash once you see what everyone else is wearing. You can’t go wrong with a sweet sundress that hits at or just below the knees. Cut the sweetness with an edgy pair of gladiator sandals or up the glamour with jeweled flats. And since accessories can go a long way to dressing your outfit up or down, start off with some casual earrings and bangles, but pack a spare pair of glittery gems in your purse so you can easily up the polish factor if need be.

If you’re thinking you may want to take advantage of any impromptu volleyball games that spring up, then capris (or pedal-pushers if you like your calves better than your ankles) with a moderately embellished tee are perfect. While I wouldn’t normally classify tennis shoes as office wear, there are some perfectly darling embellished tennies out there–sequins by Converse, anyone–that are both party-friendly and comfortable enough for light exertion. You can try the same trick with the jewels and a pair of jeweled flats (which will fit easily into a summer tote) if you arrive and find your shindig is actually a soiree.

The most important thing to wear, of course, is confidence. Walk in like you’re the only one who interpreted the dress code just right and you’ll be the belle of the barbecue in no time.

Do you have a fashion dilemma? Contact us at editor@oligoville.com