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"Since the launch of this column in April, 2007, every aspect of office attire has been undressed, addressed and redressed," writes Amy Verner in Readers, let me make you over . "Suitable has considered the effects of overdressing at work, taken cleavage to task, outlined appropriate casual Friday clothing and waxed poetic about pocket squares.

"In an effort to offer real hands-on help, Suitable is embarking on its most ambitious undertaking to date. Today marks the start of a Canada-wide contest that we're calling Get Suitable. We have one goal: to give our two winners, one male and one female, polished looks that feel empowering and are easy to achieve everyday.

"Two people will be chosen to receive a work wardrobe windfall that includes a trip to Toronto (complete with transportation and accommodation), a consultation with an image consultant and yours truly, a hair and makeup grooming session and clothing worth $1,000."

Amy Verner was online earlier to answer reader questions.

Her 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.

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Rasha Mourtada, Globe Life web editor: Amy, thanks for joining us today to talk about our newly launched contest, Get Suitable. One male and one female winner have a chance to win a work wardrobe makeover from you and an image consultant. What are you looking for in the winners?

Amy Verner: Hi Rasha. Throughout the column's life span, I've received countless e-mails from readers requesting advice related to their work attire. Some may be expressing anxiety that they don't look as polished as their peers while others are wondering how to tackle dress codes as they shift careers. These are the types of people that Get Suitable is looking for. We want to take each winner through the makeover process, which not only includes the before and after but all the details -- the takeaway suggestions -- that will allow them to keep up their new long without our help. Having said that, we realize that there are some people who may have been on job hiatus or who may just be entering the workforce. These people will not be discounted in our judging process. What we ask of them is to submit two photos of what they would be wearing to work if their job started tomorrow and an explanation as to why these clothes don't work.

Jessie writes: I have the pleasure of working for an amazing theatre company in Vancouver, BC. I have been here for two years, and have just recently found out that I am getting a promotion to General Manager in the next week- something I've been working towards since my arrival here from the Alberta sticks.

I love working here as it is easy-going and very creative, and it allows for one to have fun with wardrobe choices. I'm not saying fluorescent and primary colours all day/every day, but the ability to mix it up a bit and to have some major fun with accessories, and personal style. My concern is now that I will have an upper management position, I would love to learn to dress appropriately in business attire for meetings with corporate sponsors, funding representatives, etc, while still having fun and being able to show off my creative side and personal style.

So my question is this- would entering this contest be appropriate for someone in my position- looking for help on business attire, but still wanting to be able to have fun and make bold choices? Or are you looking for people entering a more serious professional that doesn't include the colour red, fun shoes, or polka dots?

Amy Verner: Hi Jessie. I adore your enthusiasm and your penchant for polka dots. I think you are exactly the type of entrant we are looking for. Yesterday, someone emailed me directly and asked whether we were only looking for Bay Street types and I responded with "Absolutely not!" Our mandate is the makeover process; we are not out to turn our winners into dull dressers. And just because we have called the contest Get Suitable does not mean that the winning outfit must be a suit. Given that you work at a theatre company, I would say that a fun accessory or two would be essential and you should keep this in mind whether you decide to enter or not.

Anonymous writes: Dear Amy, My work often involves moving from business to business casual to just plain casual environments. Most of my time is spent working one-on-one with clients, so my wardrobe can't be distracting--I don't want clients pondering where I bought my skirt when we should be focusing on their concerns. That said, I don't want to look dull, which I currently do, since it's the easiest way to handle the requirements of my work wardrobe. Added to this is the wrinkle that I cycle to work, so clothes either need to be bike-friendly or bike bag-friendly. Any suggestions are appreciated! Cheers from someone so blandly dressed, I'm declining to sign a name.

Amy Verner: Hi there. I'm sure you're not alone in the clothing conundrum you confront on a daily basis. And I think there are many ways to ditch the dullness without becoming distracting. With so few details, I think my best advice at this point is to invest in some fall knits. Knitwear has come a long way in the past two years and you'll find that the options are well-suited to your lifestyle and your occupation. Even just trying a long, zip-up hooded cardigan in a conservative stripe of grey and black over something you already have would not only look updated, but feel comfortable. You can buy knit dresses and sweaters that have interesting necklines but don't boast fussy embellishments. Even a pair of knit tights in grey versus traditional black pantyhose could be a point of differentiation for you. Club Monaco currently has some great options at decent price points... Of course, you could also consider entering the contest!

Patricia writes: I work in a business casual environment and am in my early forties. I was recently appointed into a managerial role but seldom need to go out to meet business partners. I struggle to find reasonably priced good quality business clothing that would look the part of a manager but that does not look overly polished to blend in the business casual style that prevails in our office. How can I achieve this without going around in malls, I am not a big fan of shopping and struggle to find the time? Merci !!

Amy Verner: Hi Patricia. Congrats on the new position. I think you can solve your issue simply by adding a few pieces to your existing wardrobe. Alternatively, you could enter the contest! (Yes, I realize I'm starting to sound like a broken record.) Nothing feels fresher than a new shirt... I know nothing about your size and face shape but bow blouses are very much in style this season. More important, they are a complete polished statement. You don't have to worry about the neckline and they work well under any jacket. You'll find these in any store, from Zara to the Bay to Club Monaco (I realize you hate malls but you will have to make some effort to go to a few stores). Another option is to bring a jacket or heels to keep at the office but only wear them when necessary. I know many people who do this. That way, you can continue wearing the business casual clothing but have a few formal pieces for spontaneous meetings.

Bradley writes: I work in the financial services industry and split my time between the office and client visits. My office environment is casual, and a fair number of my clients operate in a casual to business casual mode. I prefer to wear a suit and tie from Monday to Thursday, but sometimes I feel overdressed when I visit clients. Do you have any suggestions to maintain a dressed up look that doesn't come off as formal as a suit would?

Amy Verner: Bradley, let me ask you: Do you ever wear a suit sans tie? This is one of my favourite looks for men right now and one that looks both classic and contemporary. In fact, I've noticed that it's becoming a preferred way of dressing for Bay Street and Wall Street types. The secret is to add a pocket square -- it doesn't have to be flashy but that extra detail goes a long way. Also, make sure you're wearing a nice dress shirt -- a blue check or stripe, for example. A suit with no tie still suggests that you mean business and that you're showing respect towards clients but you're not dressing in a way that is remotely intimidating. In the winter, you can add a sweater, preferably one with a collar like a polo shirt that still shows your dress shirt underneath.

Jill writes: My business wardrobe consists of mostly black and grey, because I want to get the most versatility out of what I buy. But it's boring, and I think that makes me look boring. I work in a creative industry--how can I make my work wardrobe look young (I'm 33) but not too young (still the youngest person in my department) and professional but not boring or stuffy? Thanks

Amy Verner: The one distinction I always try to make with people is that black and grey do not have to be boring. It's the style of the clothes coupled with the lack of colour -- in other words, uniformity -- that define whether the look is boring or not. Remember that the world's most famous fashionistas always default to black and somehow, they never look boring. So what I would suggest to you Jill, is that if you feel most comfortable and confident in black and grey, look for more modern proportions. Consider jackets that have sculptural necklines or interesting sleeves. As soon as you belt anything, be it a jacket, a dress or a shirt, it becomes more fashion forward. Look for skirts and pants that have a unique feature such as a fishtail (the flouncy detail at the bottom on the back) or knee patches, jodhpur-style (you'll find a lot of these this season). Of course, an amazing pair of shoes will tweak the most humdrum outfit in no time.

Mike Charters from Calgary Canada writes: My wife would love me to enter!!! I am curious as to what the Toronto fashion people would do with 'western wear' or 'construction clothing'?

Amy Verner: Mike, even with the few details you've provided, I would still encourage you to enter. I take it you don't dress in corporate clothing on a day-to-day basis, which is fine because you don't have to be a business-type to enter. What matters is that you are seeking a noticeable change in the way you dress for work. The two image consultants as well as myself will not create some super trendy look for our winner for the sake of dramatic effect. Rather, we really want to customize the look to meet the needs of the winner on a day to day basis. Let's say we chose you as our winner; we would most certainly not make you throw out your 'western wear,' we'd just try to find some new options for you that make a sharper statement.

Sandy writes: Hi Amy, What a great opportunity. This contest was brought to my attention by one of my colleagues (I know her so well, I wasn't offended at all!). She is my biggest fan and suggested I enter based on my current lifestyle and how far I have come over the past three years. I won't go into many details here, however I am confident that my situation is not any different from many other working women in my age group (mid-40's). I wanted to ask specifically about the photos you have requested. It states they should be taken within the past year, full body and taken in the workplace. I did find one picture that fits these requirements, however can take one this week to attach to my application?

Amy Verner: : We are hoping that there will be many entries that result from people passing the details along to their colleagues/friends (I can't say this enough; we won't humiliate you!). Your question, Sandy, is an important one because in order to fairly assess all entrants, we need to see how they dress for work. This means we're not as interested in people's faces as we are in the clothing they wear to the office. With only two shots to send us, you should make that extra effort to send ones that really do make a case for you to be our winner. And bear in mind, you have until October 6th to enter. Best of luck!

Rasha Mourtada, Globe Life web editor: Thanks, Amy. Any last thoughts?

Amy Verner: Since we launched the contest just over 24 hours ago, we have already received several entries, which just goes to show that the dramas associated with dressing for work affect a wide variety of people. We are really looking forward to the makeover process, not only because we will finally have the opportunity to bring Suitable to life but also because we strongly believe that we will be offering options that change the way the winners approach their work wardrobes. Get Suitable is not about transforming people into fashionistas, nor are we striving towards that over-the-top 'reveal' that's now so typical on television makeover shows. This is truly about finding ways for people to use clothing to their best career advantage. And really, who could resist the chance to look as smart and as sharp as they are! Click here Go to to enter.