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Tired of your work wardrobe? Not sure if mandals are a-okay? Wondering if your cubicle mate's tube tops are office appropriate?

Amy Verner's work couture column, Suitable, appears in Globe Life and has covered such topics as overdressing on the job and how to dress for casual Fridays .

Ms. Verner was online earlier to take your questions on all things fashion related — from what's office-appropriate to what styles to look out for this fall.

Your questions and Ms. Verner's answers appear at the bottom of this page.

In the past few years, Amy Verner has been a regular contributor to nearly every Canadian fashion publication, from Fashion to Flare.

Growing up in an incredibly stylish household (her mother was a fashion editor) primed Ms. Verner to know her Armani from her Zegna at a young age. These days, she's less concerned with designers than with good design, though a pair of Miu Miu shoes each season is starting to become a tradition. Otherwise, it's H&M, Club Monaco and whatever she can nab from her mother's closet.

Editor's Note: globeandmail.com editors will read and allow or reject each question/comment. Comments/questions may be edited for length or clarity. HTML is not allowed. We will not publish questions/comments that include personal attacks on participants in these discussions, that make false or unsubstantiated allegations, that purport to quote people or reports where the purported quote or fact cannot be easily verified, or questions/comments that include vulgar language or libellous statements. Preference will be given to readers who submit questions/comments using their full name and home town, rather than a pseudonym.

David Guy from Canada writes: Hi Amy, do men have the short end of the deal when it comes to summer attire at the office? We don't get to have bare legs or the male version of sandals in most offices. Fair or unfair?

Amy Verner: David, this is such a good question that I may devote next Monday's column to it. At first thought, my answer was an unequivocal yes; that, indeed, women have a sizable lead over men when it comes to summer attire in the office. But on further thinking, I realized that there are many variables: whether the office has a more formal dress code, in which case, women will likely be wearing jackets and avoiding sandals; the issue of fabric - men can make an investment in lighter weight suits; the big question of shorts - can guys get away with wearing them to work... and so forth. I agree that women have more options with their wardrobes but this applies regardless of season. In the winter, for instance, women can wear turtleneck sweaters to work whereas men still typically wear a dress shirt and suit. But I think there are many ways to level the gender playing field when it comes to make summer office attire. Stay tuned for more and, most importantly, thanks for the idea!

Paul Henderson from Dawson Creek Canada writes: On formal nights on a cruise, is it appropriate to wear a suit and tie instead of a Tuxedo? Are cuffs on the slacks suitable?

Amy Verner: Having taken my very first cruise last January, I feel I can answer your question from experience, Paul. For starters, my ship had a relatively relaxed dress code which was provided to guests in advance of the trip. If I remember correctly, passengers were told that any type of resort wear was fine for day and evenings should be considered the equivalent of going to the golf club's dining room. In other words, a jacket and slacks for men would be totally passable. I noticed that most men observed this dress code pretty well -- few wore ties and most opted for summery polos with jackets or dress shirts with jackets. I must admit I rarely looked down at pant cuffs but I did see a sea of khakis (likely cuffed) and dark denim. This is a far cry from the time when ocean liners dictated more formal rules of dress but men still managed to look sharp. Our final evening was, as you point out, more formal and everyone went all out. It was the one occasion where a tuxedo did not look out of place. That said, most men wore dark suits with ties. Perhaps even a pocket square. I consider this today's version of formal. Here's to smooth and stylish sailing.

Jim Terrets from Vancouver writes: Hi Amy,

Is the t-shirt (non-graphic), jeans and blazer look still appropriate for men over 40 as casual wear? Or is it time for me to start wearing a collared shirt and trousers with my blazers and leave the t-shirt and jeans for the younger crowd? Thanks!

Amy Verner: My unofficial general rule, Jim, is that men can do no wrong wearing a collar. Even if it's unbuttoned and tie-less, it still lends a smarter look and frames the face better than a round-neck. But if you don't want to wear a dress shirt under the jacket, you could try a polo shirt, which offers the best of both worlds -- a collar but a more casual fabric. My biggest issue with round-neck t-shirts under jackets is that there's a disconnect between the sloppy and the sharp. Also, tucking in versus leaving out can also be a challenge for guys (tucking in a t-shirt is weird). You'll noticed that I have yet to address age. That's because I don't thinking that years old necessitates dramatic changes in dress. It's all about the confidence you project. And you will certainly look young if you keep yourself well-groomed and add a punch of colour to whatever you wear.

Cher cher from Toronto Canada writes: I was just called to the Ontario bar this past summer. Another female lawyer in my department always wears suits because she thinks people expect lawyers to be in suits- always! I disagree. I will always wear a suit to hearings and business meeting however I've realized that wearing a suit everyday is too boring! I just can't do it. Having said that, I want to make sure I am on the right path with alternatives. What are your suggestions for alternatives that are hot and fashion forward but still say- you better take me seriously?

Amy Verner: First of all, congratulations! And not just on passing the bar but on challenging conventional dress codes. I think you are taking a solid approach thus far -- there's no way that you could get away with abandoning suits altogether but you need not wear them all the time. If you save them, as you pointed out, for the official occasions, you can play around with some polished options for day-to-day dress that just so happen to be very big for fall. Consider the bow blouse. We will be featuring these big time in our Fall Fashion Preview that's running this Saturday. Rather than the working girl frou-frou look of the 80s, these bow blouses offer a distinctive alternative to the dress shirt that is buttoned up with that extra bit of detail. Worn with a men's trouser or wide leg pant, they look very professional. Vests are also a good way to go. Again, they're menswear-inspired and best worn over a dress shirt but they, no pun intended, curtail the need for a jacket. I'm also a big fan of grey or black shift dresses in wool-blend fabrics. The best ones for your office probably have short or capped sleeves as opposed to sleeveless. Wear these with opaque tights and bring a cardigan (perhaps in a muted colour like lavender or cranberry red) and you have a no-brainer new uniform that raises the fashion bar in your workplace.

Karen S from Canada writes: In September, I'll be starting a new (more senior) job which will have me interacting with senior corporate types than in previous roles. Can you offer some interesting work-appropriate wardrobe suggestions that go beyond a basic dark pantsuit with white button-down blouse?

I'm looking forward to the challenge, but admittedly, I'm loathe to dress as boring as I've seen others do who are in my situation - short, woman, young (relative to the people we're working with). Thanks!

Amy Verner: Hi Karen. I hate to sound like a broken record but I feel like there are some great suggestions for you in the answer I gave the previous reader (and of course, congratulations to you too). But given the details you gave me: here are some tidbits just for you: If you're not tall, a wide-legged pant probably wouldn't work. For you, I'd go with a narrow, tailored pant that you could either wear with a pretty flat (in the school of Ferragamo) or, for height, a heel. With dresses, a bootie is an updated approach to footwear. Stores such as Aldo or Browns have plenty of options. You have the luxury of going a bit shorter with your skirt lengths by virtue of your height. Showing a little leg (always with an opaque tight) will give the illusion of being taller and will give you more presence. Necklaces are really big this fall. This means that instead of a dress shirt, you can wear a sweater with a 'statement necklace.' Instead of outright bling, think darker metals and grey pearls. Check out the Fall Preview this weekend for some more ideas. And good luck with the job!

A S from Winnipeg Canada writes:I find dressing for the office the most boring task of my day. I have a couple of questions about items that may or may not be appropriate. Strappy sandals, okay or non? Skirts above the knee? Relatedly, what about long to the ankle skirts? Oh yeah, and what about flip flops? I don't really wear these but I see a lot of other people wearing them to work. I'm young and confused.

Amy Verner: Sometimes I feel as confused as you, AS. That's because where I work, pretty much anything goes except when reporters are out doing interviews or editors have important meetings. What this means is that I am guilty of wearing flip flops on occasion, skirts above the knee quite regularly and I would likely wear strappy sandals if I felt like tolerating the heel. Tsk tsk, I can hear people thinking. And to some degree, they are justified. But I also believe that dressing for work is all about context, comfort and efficiency and lack of rigid rules. If your office is more formal than mine, I would strongly advise against flip flops and strappy sandals. Women have more than enough occasions to wear them when not at work. Shorter skirts and super long skirts are greyer territory. Feel free to go above the knee; just don't go too short. To me, to the ankle suggests weekend. Unless the length is for religious purposes, I'm envisioning hippie style skirts. These may be comfortable but this is a case where the context of the office trumps personal expression.

S A from Halifax Canada writes: Hi Amy,

My question is about proper fitting clothes. I'm a slim guy and take a size small (for a decent fit) and always wonder 1. Why does the same size vary so much and 2. Why can't most guys get it right?

SA

Amy Verner: Hi S A. Women struggle with the incredible inconsistency with clothes sizes all the time so I understand where you're coming from. The problem is that as much as there may be standard sizes: S, M, L, etc. or jean sizes according to waist circumference, no two brands have the same starting points. Perhaps you've noticed that you may be buying smaller sizes even though you have not actually gotten smaller. This is known in the industry as 'vanity sizing' and refers to the fact that people feel better about themselves if they can fit into a smaller size. As the majority of our society grows larger, they don't need to deal with the reality that they're going up in clothes sizes. One consequence is that some brands, like Old Navy and even the Gap (they are both under the Gap corporate umbrella) will not have enough sizes for smaller people and the smallest sizes are too large. This is where tailors come in handy, especially when it comes to suits and often even denim. There are very few people who can buy a suit or pair of jeans off the rack and everything will fit perfectly. Men need to rely on the advice of a sales associate who should be honest enough to say, 'That suit fits you really well, it just needs a bit of altering in the shoulders.' And this advice should not be dismissed. A well-fitting suit conveys attention to detail. And it's definitely worth the extra expense.

Frederic Latour from Montreal Canada writes: I've worked most of my career in large financial institutions (banks). Although a dress code exists for both men and women, my experience has shown that it is usually enforced more rigidly for men than women. Maybe, it is just my imagination or just that people manager find it easier to enforce dress code form men, I don't know. Best examples include sandals, bare shoulders and jackets. We constantly get reminded that we have to wear jackets (and ties most of the time), but I and other colleagues see our women colleagues come in to work with sandal, without jacket, etc. Any advice?

Amy Verner: Hi Frederic. This seems to be a running thread to today's discussion so I will direct you to many of the previous answers. If you work in an environment where you don't have to wear a jacket all the time, I recommend keeping one close at hand. In a recent instalment of Suitable , I visited Dentsu, an agency, and one of the best discoveries was that men have 'emergency pants' or 'emergency jackets' that they bring out if an impromptu meeting occurs. Otherwise, they dress more casually, in some cases more casually than the women. If you are currently in a place that dictates a more rigid dress code, perhaps you will find occasions when you're able to get away with only a shirt and then you can slip on the jacket at a moment's notice. Remember, the company simply wants to project the best image to clients. And when you look polished, you are showing the company that you care about your job.

Rasha Mourtada, Globe Life web editor: Thanks, Amy, for joining us today. Any last thoughts?

Amy Verner: Well, Rasha, I have already given two shameless plugs to our upcoming Fall Fashion Preview so I figure I may as well keep plugging away. The women's trends run this Saturday and men's on the 23rd. Readers will find a wide range of options, from wearable work ideas to a few over-the-top looks. The Suitable column always deals with office attire but that's not to say that each spring and fall people can't incorporate a few new pieces into their existing work wardrobes. These will help stave off the ennui and frustration that I sense from readers. But whether buying a suit or a pair of boots, always to look for pieces that aren't just one hit wonders. This is not the time, as most will agree, to be making bad investments. Feel free to e-mail any additional questions to averner@globeandmail.com. Until next time!