Dear Oligo Editor: Bib Necklaces

Dear Oligoville Editor:

I love the new bib necklaces but I can’t figure out how to work them into my everyday wardrobe. My closet is more business (and business casual) than ballroom. Is it possible to wear a statement piece without making, well, too much of a statement? Please help!

Sincerely,
Scared Bib-less

Dear Scared–

When in doubt about the statement you’re making at work, always use your “inside” voice. In other words, the key to wearing a bib necklace–or any other attention-getting necklace–Monday through Friday is to keep the rest of your outfit simple. Think solid-colored tees and tanks, preferably with a higher neckline so the fabric forms a nice backdrop to the necklace and tones down the formality a bit.  If you are in the mood for a little pattern, keep it on the bottom half in similar colors to your necklace, so your jewelry and clothing complement rather than compete with each other.

I think bib necklaces also add great sparkle under a monochromatic suit. Try a demure shawl or portrait collar, so you don’t have to wear a layering piece, and the suit lapels can act as a frame for the sparkler. And unless you’re heading to a wedding or other fancy fete, go for matte rather than sheen in your suiting fabric.

Finally, steer clear of any other jewelry, even if you are whipping out your necklace for a soiree. (Engagement and wedding rings are, of course, the exception to the rule.) I promise you that your piercings won’t close up if you skip earrings this one time, and you can tell the time just as easily from your cell phone (or someone else’s wrist) as from your watch.

I never thought I’d do this, but I’m going to borrow a phrase from Forest Gump and leave you with this last piece of advice for working these eyecatchers into everyday–simple is as simple does.  And you dear one, now know the trick for being simply stunning!

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

Casual Fridays Do’s and Dont’s

I’ll never forget that Sex and the City episode where Miranda’s office introduced casual Fridays. Her closeted gay co-worker showed up in tight leather black pants and a sheer black tank. Needless to say, her conservative New York law firm nixed casual Fridays from there on out.

Thankfully I work in an industry where every day is casual Friday. If I were a lawyer or salesgirl or some other kind of professional that had to dress to the nines everyday, I’d go bananas. If you are one of the corporate big-wigs who has to dress to impress at the office, casual Friday is a gift from the heavens above. Before rolling out of bed in your smelly sweatpants, take a look at our tips to be casual but still office appropriate.

1. Casual does not equal unprofessional. Keep the logo tees and marijuana leaves tucked away in your closet. If you are wondering … is this appropriate … ? The answer is usually always, just don’t wear it.  

2. Wrinkles, stains, and tears are never ok at the office. Your clothes should be clean, wrinkle-free, and fresh smelling. This is a rule you should take with you wherever you go, not just the office.

3. What’s the policy? Check your handbook and see if jeans, tanktops, and other questionable attire are cool. 

4. Skin is a sin at the office. Exposed midriffs, tube tops, and cleavages are a no no. (Save that for Friday night at the club.)

5. Avoid flip flops. Unless there is a beach party happening at the office, stick to work appropriate footwear. 

6. Sundresses and skirts. A great option for the ladies is casual cotton dresses and skirts. They are comfortable, casual, and corporate cool.

7. Khakis and polos. Guys should choose khakis and polos over shorts and a tee.

Think about your field, your office culture, location, and position before busting out the “Jesus is My Homie” tee. Clearly you know your office vibe best, so dress in a way where you (and your co-workers) will feel comfortable and accepted. As long as everyone feels respected, it’s all good in the hood.

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