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.

From the Intern to the CEO: Perfect Last Minute Gifts

Read along to the tune of jingle bells …

Shopping days.

Shopping days.

Shopping days are ending.

Oh how lame it is to buy a bowl for your dumb blonde boss, HEY!

Thankfully, Oligoville comes to the rescue! We know how trying it is to find the perfect gift for everyone at the office from the constantly concerned intern to the irritating receptionist. Peruse our last-minute suggestions for all your coworkers without breaking the bank.

For the Organized Type A + Neat Freak

These mix and match thank you cards are the perfect gift for the Martha Stewart idol worshiper in your life. The organic design and beautiful shades will offer her a sense of peace and freedom when sitting down to write her perfect little thank you notes. The best part is, that you’ll get one of these babies in return!

For the Overworked and Overstressed

We all know the one with the dark cloud over them at all times. The coworker who storms and broods around the office. She overworks herself and just can’t seem to chillax. This gorgeous “Light Within” Bowl is a daily reminder for her to stop and watch the butterflies. It’s white exterior initially tricks you because as you finish your Lucky Charms, you’ll see an explosion of color and the wings of an elegant butterfly.

For the Oversleeper

My old coworker never made it to work on time. She hated mornings. She made sure the whole office knew not to speak to her before two soy lattes and one breakfast sandwich. This philosophical mug would have been the perfect reminder for her to “Wake Up” before she sets foot into the office.

For Little Miss Mess

I’m intimately aware how difficult it is to keep your workspace clean. I’m more intimately aware how disturbing it is to sit next to the coworker whose middle name is Slobby Slob Face. I once sat next to a girl who had a perpetually runny nose. She piled her snotty tissues into a Mount Everest-like monstrosity. This black desk organizer with space for three photos is the perfect gift for Ms. Slob/Snot Face. It’s the perfect place for her to hide her mess (and mucus-filled tissues).

The Party Animal

We all know him. The dude that meanders into the office smelling like a tequila bar. He leaves early and comes in late. He has his fraternity paddle tacked up in his cubicle. He serenades the boss with Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” every year at the holiday party. This eco-friendly flask will ensure that no plastic taste or harmful toxins leach into his stash o’ Jack. Plus, with the economy doing what it’s doing right now, I encourage you to take every opportunity to support disgraceful behavior from your coworkers.

The Hummer Driving Litterbug

Nothing enrages me more than when I see people throw glass bottles into the trash can … especially when the recycling bin in sitting right beside the one for garbage. It’s really reprehensible. It enrages me even more when it’s the dude who drives a hummer and thinks that global warming is just an urban legend stirred up by some crazy scientist. Although Mr. Hummer may not like or necessarily appreciate you gifting him The Green Book, hopefully reading it will change his perspective just a little bit. After all, every bottle counts.