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Counteract the gray days with cozy colorful clothes! 🌈 This cashmere sweater set is the prettiest teal and I loved how it looked with this candy pink Chesterfield coat. All are from @anntaylor one of my favorite places to shop because Ann has petites over a size 12. Also all of these items are on sale!

While I did receive these clothes as a gift from Ann Taylor I am under no obligation to share with you. This is what I wore to work and when I saw these colors against the green of my building door I had to prop up my phone and capture the color combo!

This sweater is a classic and with the skirt is created a dress effect you can style with tall boots, ankle boots and tights, or dress down with sneakers. I linked to other pieces in this color that would also look dreamy with this skirt, as well as other gorgeous colorful coats.

For reference I am wearing the coat in XL petite and the sweater set in L. I am 5’3” and usually wear a 14/16

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! https://liketk.it/4plYr 

#LTKmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #size14 #midsizepetite #ThisIsAnn
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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴
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It’s hard when you’re petite and most models aren’t; you have no idea how clothes, especially jeans will fit. To promote @universalstandard’s Denim Drive sale, the company sent me two pairs of jeans of my choice. And I chose to make this video to show how they fit on my 5’3” body. I am usually a 14/32 in jeans but at Universal Standard I wear a 12 because they’re super stretchy and generously sized. 

With jeans as low as $35 in sizes 00-40, this is a sale not to be missed. And use code INFS-BFALISON10 for an additional 10% off sitewide!

The Farrah Flare is a favorite because at my height, most flare jeans will lose what makes them special once hemmed. At a 30” inseam these are great with low heels or lug soles.

The Etta is a straight jean with a vintage fit. If in doubt size down. They’re also super stretchy and the 28” inseam (they also come in 31”) works with my boots and sneakers.

While I was provided the apparel in this Reel for free, I was not paid or contracted to create this content. Consider it a PSA for my fellow shorties shopping this fab denim sale!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4oWOQ #ltkmidsize #ltkplussize #ltkover40 #ltksalealert #uspartner #midsizestyle
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Thanks to @talbotsofficial I’m ready for the holidays! #AD

I love Talbots for holiday fashion and this season’s new arrivals do not disappoint. And for Black Friday the entire site is 40% off with free shipping on orders $150+. Until noon, you also receive 50% off 1 regular price item!

I ordered pieces from the Talbots Holiday Collection and found great quality, great style, and great versatility. How cute is the Breton stripe bateau neck with the removable feather cuffs? The metallic plaid patio skirt is so fun, and these two dresses can glam up or dress down with a change of footwear and bag. For reference, I am wearing everything in either XL or 16 petite.

The ivory cords are also Talbots; the black trousers are from last year’s Talbots Holiday Collection showing how Talbots has lasting style. I’ve linked to exact or very similar in my LTK shop. Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.ltk app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content! https://liketk.it/4oDJF

#mytalbots modernclassicstyle #wondersoftheseason #ltkover40 #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #blackfridaysale
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@somaintimates makes it easy to shop for a range of personas this holiday season! #AD With gift guides for a range of personality types, you can easily find great gifts for your loved ones. I was drawn to the creative one, loving the rich colorful florals, luxe satin, lace trim, and of course Soma’s iconic Cool Nights sleepwear! Visit Soma’s gift guide for tips on finding the perfect present this holiday season. #SomaGiftGuide #SomaStartsWithMe
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Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

Perimenopause and the pandemic and homeschooling made our row home feel even smaller. So when neighbors revitalized an office building in our town center and offered individual offices for rent, I felt it would be good for business and personally. And I kept it when the world opened up and our kid went back to public school because it helps me have a clear start and end to the work day, but also because I created a space I really enjoy.

This weekend I went to the office to shoot some content. And once I was finished I enjoyed just sitting here, watching the light change. I think I may switch the furniture around, switch up the energy. I love that I can do that without consulting another or having another person’s opinions matter.

When you have a family, things go from me to we. I don’t regret leaving Corporate America to do this full time, but I do miss being part of a team. And I missed having an office, a place away from home that’s just for me. 

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚
Open
You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

The jeans are @landsend I got last year and I’m glad they brought them back this year in several washes, inseam lengths, and plus sizes. If in doubt, size down. They will shrink in length slightly but not anywhere else, they’re super comfy and stretchy but don’t stretch out. 

Kept the collegiate vibe going with a trucker cap, HOKAs, and my trusty commuter bag for years: the large @dagnedover Dakota backpack!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style
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It’s Cozy Season, and @tjmaxx is here to update our wardrobes with stylish accessories and apparel from the best brands for less. #AD

I recently visited tjmaxx.com and was so impressed with the array of elevated designer labels, on-trend looks, and the best prices. This pearl-encrusted beanie is from a woman designer I have admired for years; tjmaxx.com has the matching gloves and other pieces from this label to make a great set for yourself or to gift another. These earrings I’ve seen from the same designer at department stores; in fact I own other earrings from this label and paid much more for them. I should have checked T.J.Maxx first! And this cozy poncho is the perfect layer for late fall in the DC area.

I love how the winter white pieces elevate my existing closet. And pearls can be worn for day or glam up for evening. I can see many ways I’ll be styling these designer accessories from #tjmaxx all season long!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o2dA
Open
My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

But seriously, I’ve had this backpack for five years. It has been shoved under plane seats, in overstuffed car trunks, under feet in the passenger seat. I’ve worn it as I’ve walked miles in major cities and from my house to my town center. My daughter also has a Dagne Dakota; it survived middle school and continues to work through camping, sleepovers, and road trips. It’s genially designed, comfortable, and can take a beating and still look great.

As for the rest of the look, the vest (XL) is a new purchase from @athleta; the Rainier tights (L) are also Athleta but two years old. The purple top is @nike and about a decade old. Hat is @llbean and it’s on sale for less than $15. And my trusty @hoka sneakers that have had their own set of adventures.

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4nKRE

#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota
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Fashion Advice · June 10, 2022

The “Glad It’s in My Closet” Dresses

This article may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

the glad it's in my closet dress by Wardrobe Oxygen

This past weekend when packing for my trip, I was going through my closet, thinking what would be dressy but not too dressy, travel friendly, easy to walk in, versatile. And I took one of two of my “glad it's in my closet” dresses. These are dresses I have owned for years that work regardless of the time of the month, if I've spent more time on the couch than the Peloton bike. They have been worn to weddings, to cocktail parties, fancy dinners, date nights, networking events, and packed in many suitcases for many a vacation.

We often think of such a dress as a black or navy sheath dress. Style experts have said for years we need such a dress which can go from desk to drinks, dressing up and down with a switch of shoes and jewelry. I love the concept of such a dress, but such a dress isn't the most comfortable to wear for many body types and it's not forgiving to a fluctuating figure.

Not only that, a sheath dress may be considered a classic but in the wrong fabric, fit, or length can look dated, especially next to modern dresses. The “glad it's in my closet” dress is just as versatile as a sheath, but more forgiving for a grown woman's figure, and doesn't require a lot of thought and an extensive accessory collection to style it well.

What Makes a “Glad It's in My Closet” Dress?

Thinking about the “glad it's in my closet” dresses they all look different but all have some similar characteristics:

  • Below Knee to Midi Length: A dress of this length is most versatile. With sandals it can look beachy, with heels it can be cocktail party appropriate. It can work with flats, with boots, and even with sneakers. It's also long enough that you don't have to worry about hosiery.
  • Elasticized or Smocked Waist: For years I hated elasticized waists because I felt they needed to be covered. But trends have changed and a visible elasticized waist is a trendy detail and a comfortable one too. An elasticized waist creates waist definition while being flexible with a fluctuating and moving body. And an elasticized waist can always be covered with a belt, offering additional versatility.
    • I'd say a good alternative is any dress that has a line somewhere between bottom of ribcage to an inch below the belly button and is of a stretchy fabric.
  • Solid Color: I love prints, but I find my “glad it's in my closet” dresses are solid colors in dark neutrals or rich jewel tones making them easier to transition from season to season and from beach to ballroom.
  • Versatile Fabric: No sequins or cotton poplin, but something in between. Silk or silk-like, stretch crepe, matte jersey, silk jersey… something that looks good with sparkles as well as sneakers.
  • Low Maintenance: I don't need special underpinnings to make it work (this will vary depending on your personal needs and existing intimates drawer), it won't wrinkle super easily, I can bend down to pick up something I dropped without flashing the world, if I spill salad dressing on it I can get it out and wear it to another event the following week.

Examples of My “Glad It's In My Closet” Dress:

The list above doesn't equal a boring dress. In fact, I encourage you to find one that has a cool detail you enjoy. Below I share two of the “glad it's in my closet” dresses I own, why they are great, and where I have worn them:

Alison in a long sleeved blue silky drawstring waist shirtdress from Chico's.

I got this dress from Chico's this past winter. It is a synthetic fabric that looks and feels like silk. Shirring on the shoulders, a tie neckline, and a handkerchief hem keep this dress from being too basic. The blue color is one that can be worn in winter with boots and seen here, or in spring with more delicate of footwear. I've yet to style it with a belt, but I've seen others wear a wide black belt with it to create a different effect.

blue dress kennedy center

Here I am wearing the same dress to go to the theater with my family. It was the perfect mix of dressy and casual for a weeknight at the Kennedy Center, and comfortable to sit in for a long period of time. I have also worn this dress to a funeral, a religious service, a client meeting, and a nice dinner with my husband.

myne heidi dress
Wearing a silk dress from Myne LA in 2015

I got this dress from now-defunct fashion brand Myne LA back in 2015. It is an unlined silk dress that is relatively unremarkable except for the draping of the skirt, which creates a harem pant effect. I've worn this dress with a variety of belts, and styled it with pumps, sandals, strappy heels, heeled ankle booties, and ballet flats.

myne heidi dress
Wearing the same dress with a belt in 2017 to a cocktail event at a blogger conference.

Here I am wearing the same dress with strappy heels, a metal belt, and a clutch purse to one of the most intimidating events in my blogging career – an influencer conference in Dallas, TX with the most successful bloggers in the network. I've worn this same combination to a wedding and to another influencer event.

Wardrobe Oxygen in the Myne LA 'Heidi' dress in black silk with gold gladiator sandals
Wearing the same dress in 2018 to dinner at a trendy restaurant with influencer friends.

Here I am wearing the same dress with a pair of flat gladiator-inspired sandals. I've worn this combination for a garden wedding, a cocktail event on the beach, and out to nice dinners several times (including on my Washington DC weekend getaway not too long ago).

what I wore wardrobe oxygen 2022
Wearing the same dress this month to walk to dinner on a weekend getaway.

As you see, these two dresses are versatile, but not boring. They both have a defined waist, are shorter than a maxi but long enough for comfortable movement and appropriate for a range of situations, and are of fabrics that can read dressy but can also dress down with a switch of shoes.

glad its in my closet dress 1

“Glad It's In My Closet” Dresses I found Online:
Top Row: teal (XXS-3X with petite; other colors available) | black (XXS-XL; other colors available) | blue (0-18)
Middle Row: black (4-16; other colors available) | berry (XXS-XL) | black (00-18)
Bottom Row: blue (2-18) | navy (14-26) | turquoise (4-16)

Why You Need a “Glad It's In My Closet” Dress

You need a “glad it's in my closet” dress because life happens, and you deserve to enjoy the experiences that happen in life without stressing over what the heck you're going to wear. Men have this freedom, we deserve to have it as well.

Men can throw on a collared shirt and a pair of chinos and are ready for half of life's events; switch to a dark suit and they're ready for the other half. They can wear the same gray suit to every single wedding, funeral, bris, and retirement party and look smashing. However, as women, we feel obligated to have a different yet still appropriate outfit for every single occasion.

Eff that noise. Let's embrace rewearing outfits and having signature looks. Let's make going places fun because there is less stress preparing what to wear. Let's take the time when we're not rushed for an event to seek out a “glad it's in my closet” dress so when such an occasion arises, we can more easily go with the flow.

As grown-ass women, we have fewer f*cks to give but we still give a sh*t. Investing in a dress like this means no matter the time of the month or what you had for dinner last night, you can get dressed and go. Choosing slowly means you will like it the first time you wear it and hopefully still like it the 10th time too.

Weddings. Funerals. Retirement parties. Engagement parties. Rehearsal dinners. Graduations. Networking cocktail party after the business conference. Company holiday party at the restaurant down the street. Milestone birthday dinners. A Christening or a Bris or a Confirmation or a Bat Mitzvah. Theater tickets. These are just a few occasions where it would be a heck of a lot nicer to pull something already in your closet than to frantically search for something, anything that would work and be available in time.

versatile plus size dresses

More “Glad It's In My Closet” Dresses I Found Online:
Top Row: red (14-30/32) | navy (4-10) | green (10/12-22/24)
Middle Row: orange (XS-XL) | black (XXS-XL; petite options) | pink (8-16)
Bottom Row: navy (0-16; other colors available) | purple (1X-3X; other colors available) | black (00-18)

What Makes a Dress a Quality Purchase?

If you have the dress, the rest doesn't matter as much. If the dress is comfortable, appropriate, and makes you feel good, you can get away with your comfy black ballet flats and that handbag you've owned for years. This is why for a glad it's in my closet” you may end up spending a bit more than usual, and take the time to get it tailored for a custom fit.

My black silk dress from Myne was over $300 when I bought it in 2015. That's a lot of money, and felt like a scary amount of money at that point in my life. I bought it from Nordstrom and thought, if I don't wear this in the next six months I'm mailing it back. I ended up wearing it so many times that it would have been a value if I only wore it for one year.

I almost returned it purely for the fact that it seemed utterly ridiculous to pay that much for a thin unlined silk dress. It couldn't be that hard to replicate; while I am not a skilled sewist for that price I could contract someone to make it for me. But let's be honest, am I really going to go to such lengths? And who cares the layers of fabric or complexity of design when it comes to usefulness, versatilty, and joy of wearing?

By being so incredibly lightweight, it has been great for travel and fantastic for the hot and humid DC-area summers. By having such a simple design, I have been able to jazz it up easily with a range of necklaces, scarves, and belts. I've even layered it over other pieces and being so lightweight, it fits nicely under fitted jackets.

That dress has been across the country with me. It has been worn to fancy influencer events where I am surrounded by women half my size and half my age with three times my income and I've felt confident. I've worn it when I fit into a size 10, and worn it when I was more comfortable in a size 16.

Shop “Glad It's In My Closet” Dresses:

350

Breaking the Bargain Mindset

Stop equaling quality with details like linings and trimmings. Clothing manufacturing has changed dramatically over the past decade and such details do not equal a well-made dress. And a well-made dress does not equal a well-worn dress.

When you shop for the kind of quality that offers you “glad it's in my closet” dresses that work year after year, even as you change and grow and evolve, you need less. You organically curate your wardrobe and find that you achieve more style with fewer items.

It's a tough mindset to adopt. If you're around my age, you've been a bargain hunter. You've scoured the clearance racks, hit up the local TJ Maxx or Marshall's to find that gem, you've trolled the thrift stores and consignment shops and if asked, can tell a story about your best score (mine was a Barney's trench on the clearance rack at TJ Maxx for $99, originally $750).

It's also a tough mindset to adopt when you're surrounded by examples of excess. Influencers showcasing a new dress every day, websites showcasing the packed walk-in closets of fashionistas, and every event being photographed and shared on social media. Remember, you are a grown-ass woman. These are the games for those who still have a helluva lot of f*cks left to give. The most stylish thing a grown-ass woman can wear is confidence and if the dress fits, wear it. And wear it again. And again.

But I Don't Wear Dresses

Sounds like you know yourself pretty well, which is the most chic thing anyone can possess. Likely you already have a go-to look for such occasions. Maybe it's a matte jersey top and matching pants, maybe it's a crepe jumpsuit, maybe it's a suit. Whatever it is, by this age you have likely found a good alternative and I fully support wearing whatever makes you feel good.

But I Never Draw Attention To My Waist

I get it, my midsection is a part of my body I don't love putting on display. But I hate to break it to you, your midsection is there whether you have a piece of elastic against it or it's under a loose shift. I encourage you to read this piece about tucking in tops and this piece about breaking style rules if you're concerned that drawing attention to your midsection will make it appear larger. You may be surprised by how much you are holding yourself back by subscribing to this style rule.

Now if you don't wear clothing that touches your midsection for health or comfort, I fully support you and encourage you to take the ideas laid out in this article and find similar, just without the defined waist. Look for similar fabrics, lengths, and some sort of architectural detail that elevates it beyond a shift or t-shirt dress.

You may also like: It's Time to Break Some Style Rules

I Don't Have Situations In My Life For Such a Dress

If you truly cannot see a reason in the future and haven't had such a reason in the past decade, then keep scrolling. We all live different, fantastic lives and this is why you will never find me preaching that everyone woman needs X items in her closet.

This country is vast, with so many different cultures and subcultures, religions, and styles. The past couple of years have magnified the variety of our people and with it, there is variety in how we dress. All of the content I create is guidance, not gospel. No one knows you and your life better than yourself, and that's incredibly stylish.

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In: Fashion Advice

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Comments

  1. Marian says

    June 16, 2022 at 12:19 pm

    Allie, what is your opinion of the tiered dresses/skirts that are everywhere this year? The teal Anthropologie dress in the top graphic is so pretty, but I worry that I can’t pull off tiers. They feel too youthful for my 45yo plus size body. On the other hand, I’m pretty unadventurous, so maybe I could pull it off if I stepped out of my comfort zone?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      June 16, 2022 at 12:49 pm

      I felt the same but I have this dress that I wear ALL THE TIME and it tempts me to get more tiered dresses: https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/christopher-john-rogers-target/ I think if it’s tiers like that it’s pretty classic. Mixed with a smoked top and flutter straps for more of a “nap dress” style, or in a small floral for that “cottage core” effect, I doubt it will stay in style more than a year or so. I say try it, you may like it! And that Anthro one is a lightweight fabric so it won’t feel like a dustruffle.

      Reply
  2. RoseAG says

    June 13, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    The issue I have with sheath and other straight skirted dresses is that they are less comfortable to sit in. A fuller/longer skirt sits down and doesn’t require a lot of tugging because it’s ridden up. It also lets you wiggle around and change position, which is helpful if you’re going to someplace like the Kennedy Center where you might be sitting through several hours of preformance and need to change positions a couple of times.

    Reply
  3. Rebecca says

    June 13, 2022 at 9:31 am

    I need to get off my butt (or my “grown ass”) and shop in a store for a couple of flattering dresses. For years I was able to work with my large lower tummy, but I put on weight in my upper tummy and I look pregnant in so many things now. Can’t see trying to call attention to my waist when people will wonder if I am a surrogate for my daughter! Right now, skirts and tops seem to do better for my body.

    Reply
  4. Sallie says

    June 10, 2022 at 1:34 pm

    I smile every time I see you in the black silk Myne dress, it’s fabulous! I am in the process of building out my dress collection and appreciate your tips. Thank you!

    Reply
    • MaryMary says

      June 11, 2022 at 12:55 pm

      I agree. It is fabulous. Someone is selling a NWOT size 4 of the Myne dress on Poshmark in a blush/cream shade, if anyone is interested and can wear that size.

      Reply
  5. Jamilla007 says

    June 10, 2022 at 10:25 am

    My fave all occasion dress is the Universal Standard Geneva dress!!

    I have it in black with long sleeves and it’s my ride or die dress.

    As you know already it comes in a very inclusive size range, a ton of colors and different sleeve lengths-a winner.

    Thanks for introducing me to US!

    Reply
  6. Ashley says

    June 10, 2022 at 9:58 am

    OMG, you must’ve read my mind. This is exactly the type of dress I’m looking for. I’m off to order the violet WHBM dress and maybe that blue DKNY. Dressing for weddings and out-of-the-ordinary occasions stresses me out to no end. As a grown-a** woman, I need versatility.

    Reply
  7. Beth says

    June 10, 2022 at 9:11 am

    I do not have a more expensive versatile dress like you describe, but I’m always on the lookout so I appreciate your breakdown. What I do have is number of cheap versatile dresses mostly from old navy that hit all these points and I wear them all the time for these life events. I often feel like “oh this is so cheap, people are going to judge” and maybe some do/oh well but then I am always surprised by the flow of compliments!

    Reply
    • Olivien says

      June 11, 2022 at 3:16 am

      I have purchased expensive, less expensive and bargain dresses. Yesterday I wore a Target dress that hit all the points described but because of the ticket price I was still unsure. I received so many compliments from stangers, but the best one was from my husband-I was shocked he noticed. If Old Navy does it for you, keep doing it.

      Reply
  8. Krista says

    June 10, 2022 at 8:45 am

    I’m all about a terrific dress. A long dress is my signature look for everything. But there are still a couple of dresses that I know I can always count on to be just right no matter the occasion.

    Reply
  9. Erin says

    June 10, 2022 at 8:21 am

    My midsection is definitely the area I’m most self-conscious about. I’d love to read that piece you mentioned about tucking in tops, etc—I think the link needs to be added though? Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      June 10, 2022 at 8:37 am

      I apologize, this post went live before I was able to finish it. Updated with the links!
      Style rules: https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/time-to-break-some-style-rules/
      Styling a stomach: https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/styling-a-stomach/

      Reply
  10. Ann Marie says

    June 10, 2022 at 7:31 am

    Agreed that dresses with some flowiness around the waist are best long term. I recently had to get rid of a few work sheath dresses because my body has changed and they are not forgiving. Unless you are rail thin, sheath dresses don’t work well as we get older (hello thickening midsection), which is a shame. However, my work dresses that have some flow around the mid section still remain because they still fit and look good.

    I am glad I have these dresses in my closet because I have been going to a lot of jazz concerts lately and need to be a bit more dressed up. It is good to have some dresses that I can just grab and put on.

    For me, winter is hardest for dressing up and I end up wearing the same black jeans and black boots every time because I don’t know what else to wear when it is freezing out and I have to walk everywhere living in NYC.

    Reply

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Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Nov 28

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Just got back from a 4-night getaway with my sister @debbiefaye78 at @curacaomarriottbeachresort. It was a last-minute planned trip that ended up being perfect. We weren’t ready to celebrate Thanksgiving without our mom and this escape what just what our hearts needed. 

I’ll be sharing more once I finally unpack my suitcase and organize my photos and thoughts; but I couldn’t not share this picture from yesterday morning. Debbie and I got up early to enjoy some of the day at the resort before flying home to DC. We had the infinity pool to ourselves, finished our books, and relaxed before a long day of travel. 🌴

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Nov 19

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Working on the weekend is far more enjoyable when it’s in my office 💚

Perimenopause and the pandemic and homeschooling made our row home feel even smaller. So when neighbors revitalized an office building in our town center and offered individual offices for rent, I felt it would be good for business and personally. And I kept it when the world opened up and our kid went back to public school because it helps me have a clear start and end to the work day, but also because I created a space I really enjoy.

This weekend I went to the office to shoot some content. And once I was finished I enjoyed just sitting here, watching the light change. I think I may switch the furniture around, switch up the energy. I love that I can do that without consulting another or having another person’s opinions matter.

When you have a family, things go from me to we. I don’t regret leaving Corporate America to do this full time, but I do miss being part of a team. And I missed having an office, a place away from home that’s just for me. 

I wish more communities would offer rental offices like @thegranitebuilding. With reasonably affordable monthly rates, it doesn’t have to just be business owners who get office spaces. It can be a place to work on a hobby or craft, a place to WFH that’s not home, or a place to just read and write and nap undisturbed. A literal room of one’s own. Because sometimes a person needs time to be a me and not a we. 💚

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Nov 17

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You’re never too old for a Rory Gilmore sweater… this cotton fisherman sweater is from @llbean and inspired by @marielle.elizabeth I shopped the men’s department for a better size range. The influencer influenced the influencer!

The jeans are @landsend I got last year and I’m glad they brought them back this year in several washes, inseam lengths, and plus sizes. If in doubt, size down. They will shrink in length slightly but not anywhere else, they’re super comfy and stretchy but don’t stretch out. 

Kept the collegiate vibe going with a trucker cap, HOKAs, and my trusty commuter bag for years: the large @dagnedover Dakota backpack!

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4o4bQ #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #genxstyle #ltkover40 #over40style

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Nov 15

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My husband has a special backpack he fills with weight to wear while hiking; it’s called rucking. I wear a @dagnedover Dakota and fill it with my laptop, my iPad, a full water bottle, and my purse and walk to work; it’s called commuting. 💁🏻‍♀️

But seriously, I’ve had this backpack for five years. It has been shoved under plane seats, in overstuffed car trunks, under feet in the passenger seat. I’ve worn it as I’ve walked miles in major cities and from my house to my town center. My daughter also has a Dagne Dakota; it survived middle school and continues to work through camping, sleepovers, and road trips. It’s genially designed, comfortable, and can take a beating and still look great.

As for the rest of the look, the vest (XL) is a new purchase from @athleta; the Rainier tights (L) are also Athleta but two years old. The purple top is @nike and about a decade old. Hat is @llbean and it’s on sale for less than $15. And my trusty @hoka sneakers that have had their own set of adventures.

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
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#ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #genxstyle #dagnedoverdakota

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Nov 6

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Another day of early voting for our city election, another outfit I wore as an election judge! 🗳️

I got this sweater set from @mmlafleur last spring and it continues to be a favorite. The color and popcorn stitch makes it wearable three seasons of the year. I’ve styled it with gold heels and dramatic gold earrings, with sneakers and a crossbody belt bag, and more than once with knee-high boots and a scarf at my throat. The color works with brown and black boots, the skirt silhouette and length with heels and flats. These brown riding boots are from @duoboots and almost a decade old. The scarf belonged to my dad; I have a feeling it was styled with a leisure suit back in the day!

I may have been more dressed up than other election judges but I think seeing democracy in action is a cause to celebrate! 🇺🇸

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Nov 4

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Early voting poll worker style 🗳️

I’ve been an election judge (AKA poll worker) for several years but this year I decided to take it a step further and join my city’s Board of Elections. I’m passionate about fair and accessible elections for all. The Board is acting as election judges for early voting so it’s great to use my previous experience on a city level!

I believe voting is a special occasion and I dressed the part. The puff sleeve sweater and pants are from @anntaylor; these pants are the same ones from the suit I wore earlier this week. I added a beloved @hermes scarf as a belt and silver hoops (they belonged to my mom) as a hint of shine.

If your area is having an election this coming week; I implore you to vote. Your voice deserves to be heard. And please ensure your neighbors know of the election and where to vote. 🇺🇸

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Nov 2

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Always fun to see my name in lights! 💡 I was a panelist at the annual @jaofcentralmd Leading Ladies event that connects local high schoolers with women in business. My panel was on using social media for promoting one’s business or personal brand. Along with other social media experts, we guided students and adults on how to create compelling and engaging social content and together created content for the conference’s feed. It was fun and I loved being able to share my almost two decades of personal and professional experience!

The dress code for the conference was business professional and since the event’s theme color was pink, they encouraged us to wear the color. 

This @anntaylor suit has been a favorite since late summer. I’ve dressed it down with a white tank and sneakers and glammed it up with a silk cami and gold heeled sandals. I love how Ann Taylor has petite suiting up to size 16; I know I’m not the only short curvy girl who desires suits and professional attire!

For this event I chose a berry-colored microfiber tank from @lovechicos. I own several of these tanks; they wear like iron and the tight weave and subtle shine make them great shells under suits. 

The look fit the theme but was also comfortable. I was glad to share my expertise and encourage others to see how they can donate their time and knowledge to a local @juniorachievementusa #JALeadingLadies #JALeadingLadies2023 #JACMD #JuniorAchievment

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Oct 18

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Sharing this from my #iPadOS17 thanks to @apple! A bit belated with all that has been going on lately but I’m really enjoying using an iPad to improve how I work, stay organized, and find new ways to be creative. Can I just say that editing video on an iPad instead of a phone is a game changer!

Recently, I attended an event at the gorgeous Apple Carnegie Library hosted by @flourishplanner_ to learn ways to make the most of #iOS17 and it was awesome. I brought my new iPad and learned about the new wallpaper, stickers, and organizing tools.

As for my look, the dress is from @bananarepublic’s summer collection. Kept it comfy with a pair of Samba sneakers and held down the volume of the dress with my black recycled leather @ganni crossbody. Added an old @_jennybird link necklace and a silver cuff I’ve had since the ‘90s.

#todayatapple #genxstyle #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Oct 17

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I love an excuse to dress up, especially if it’s for a good cause! This weekend was the @thenewdealcafe Masquer-AID fundraiser to support this independent cafe, art gallery, and live music venue in @cityofgreenbelt.

My family and I have loved going to The New Deal Cafe for all these years. Grabbing coffee with friends, having a meal, seeing an amazing band, participating in an open mic or one of their Reel and Meal events. So @debbiefaye78, our mom, and I got tickets and even chipped in for a plaque from us “Ashpes Girls.” 

Our mom passed before she could attend the event; we asked our like a sister best friend @shellymingram to join us in her place and we had a great time, dancing all night as our mom would have, connecting with neighbors, and supporting a local business we all love so much.

As for the outfit, the dress is @ronnykobo the bag is @ganni and I borrowed both from @renttherunway The shoes I’ve had for years and the gold metal mask I found on Amazon and liked how it could mold to my face and not put pressure on my still-healing eye.

And I know y’all will ask because I received so many DMs this weekend when I shared this event in my Stories… my sister’s dress is from @eshakti she bought it a few years ago and it’s even more gorgeous in person!

#newdealcafe #greenbeltisgreat #onlyingreenbelt #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style #greenbeltmd

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Oct 11

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The biggest fashion trend this fall is a return to classics. For decades I have turned to @talbotsofficial for quality classics with style.  This season, Talbots has a fantastic range of pants to update the wardrobe. 

I love how these @talbotsofficial ivory stretch corduroy straight leg pants elevate closet classics! Available in Misses, Petite, Plus, Plus Petite, Curvy, and in 10 colors, these cords are a chic alternative to jeans and just as easy care! I can run errands and have a bit of quiet time with an ebook and a coffee with comfort and style. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4kFNi #talbots #mytalbots #talbotspartner #ltkover40 #modernclassicstyle #liketkit #ltkover40

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