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.
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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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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!
