Open
Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!
Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style
Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
Open
For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
Open
It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
Open
I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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Fashion Advice · September 28, 2020

How to Style a Navy Maxi Dress for Fall and Winter

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. 

how to style a summer maxi dress for fall

A reader recently reached out asking for advice on how to style a summer maxi dress for fall and into winter.  I originally was going to answer her style question in the “From the Mailbag” portion of my Friday Shop series, but because it is such a piece that many likely own, I felt it warranted its own separate blog post on how to style a navy maxi dress for fall and winter.  Below is her question:

“Earlier this year, I bought a navy, scoop neck maxi dress from Karen Kane.  I love it – the drape and feel of the material, and it's comfy for telework days.  Any tips on how to style it for fall for casual wear?    Would love to stretch it for another season.  All I can think of is pairing it with a jean jacket… and that's it.”

This is a great maxi dress and a style I bet many have in their closet.  It is a classic scoop style that is perfect for summer with sandals and maybe a statement earring or long pendant necklace. But as the temps drop, how can one style this beyond the classic denim jacket?  What are some ways to style a summer maxi dress for fall that feels right for teleworking or even for casual and business casual workplaces?  Below I style this navy maxi dress in a few ways that will work for fall and into winter, and explain the why behind each ensemble.

How to Style a Navy Maxi Dress for Fall and Winter

how to style a navy maxi dress for fall

Dress (plus size alternative, another plus alternative with sleeves) | Sweater | Belt (fits up to 14/16; plus-size option) | Necklace | Boots

My first styling suggestion with this maxi dress is adding a piece you very well already have in your closet: a long cardigan. A teleworking and overly air-conditioned office staple, it's a great piece to style with a maxi dress.  However, a long cardigan over a long dress can give the feeling of a nightgown and robe without the right accessories.  Here I took an obi belt (I own this belt and think it's incredibly versatile and high quality) and added it to create waist definition without restriction.  You can wear the belt over the dress and under the cardigan… or consider cinching the cardigan as well with it! This is soft leather and you control how tight you cinch it; I've worn this belt for hours sitting at a desk with total comfort. A necklace will fill a bit of the scoop neckline and give an autumnal vibe while also tying in the color of the cardigan.  Tall flat boots again give the feeling of fall while also adding warmth. 

how to style a tank maxi dress for fall and winter

Dress | Jacket | Scarf | Earrings | Waterproof Boots

Maxi dresses like the “glamping” treatment.  A utility jacket that cinches at the waist, a pair of boots, and a scarf tied “cowboy style” at the neck will have your summer maxi dress feeling like fall. The key is the elevated details; a boxy Army surplus jacket or cotton bandana won't give the same effect.  Think glamping not camping – fabric with drape, a mix of textures, a hint of shine… these are how it will bring elegance to the knit maxi dress while also feeling very autumnal.

styling a maxi dress for fall by wardrobe oxygen

Dress | Sweater | Fleece Tights | Belt (plus-size alternative) | Boots | Earrings

A great way to get extra mileage with maxi dresses is treating them like a skirt.  However, if you just slip a sweater over it, you can look as though you slipped a sweater over your nightgown.  Again, employ a belt to define the figure. This belt's shape makes it more comfortable when sitting while also working better to draw attention to the waist without getting all weird over a chunky sweater. Add fleece tights and low boots to stay warm; if your fleece tights are clinging to your jersey dress run them with a dryer sheet, spray them with this, or after lotioning up your hands rub the excess along your tights.  I've found all three methods to be effective. Finally, add a pair of large yet thin hoops for a bit of shine and to look more polished during that work Zoom.  While I kept this look neutral with navy and black, you could wear a printed or colored sweater in its place. Look for a sweater that hits mid- to high-hip and has some volume at the top (turtleneck, puffed sleeves, thicker neckband) to balance the length of the skirt. 

how to style a maxi dress for fall and winter

Dress | Denim Shirt | Earrings | Clogs | Scarf

A denim jacket is a go-to for transitioning any dress to fall, but a denim shirt can also achieve it. Here I chose a darker wash than chambray and one with Western-inspired details so it feels more seasonally appropriate.  Cuff the sleeves, don't button it, and tie it at the waist.  Or button two buttons and tie the shirt lower and looser.  Or you can even wear the shirt open like a jacket. Add a scarf at the throat (not only I like this scarf but I like how it's tied here) and small yet interesting earrings to pull the look together and be Zoom-ready.  And let's be honest, your feet desire support, comfort, and warmth this fall and these clogs are teleworking perfection!

how to style a navy dress

Dress | Belted Cardigan | Earrings | Flats

You know what goes great with navy? More navy! While navy can be hard to match up, if you mix more than two pieces of navy, you can have different shades together and it looks purposeful, not as though you dressed in the dark. Don't be afraid to add more navy with a navy scarf or earrings or necklace, or use a variety of jewel tones – a rich purple sweater, a berry-colored scarf, a teal pair of flats. But by having it all navy and balancing the lightweight knit dress with a more substantial and elegant sweater the look feels like daywear, not sleepwear. By adding a larger earring, you're also making it clear that this look is purposeful and for the daytime. 

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Comments

  1. Nicole Kowalski says

    September 28, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    OK, don’t get mad, but I almost didn’t read this post because I don’t have anything like this dress. BUT, I’m so glad I did!

    I have a trusty miracle shirt dress–buttons with no gapping, shoulders fit, doesn’t look like a tent, and has pockets– that is somewhere between a midi/maxi. And almost ALL of these tips would work with the shirt dress. It has narrow stripes, so I like the idea of pattern mixing with it. One idea that never occurred to me was wearing a sweater, not a cardigan, over it!

    I learned an important lesson today: never skip a WO post! 😉

    Reply
  2. Bette says

    September 28, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    Love the MM LaFleur Morandi sweater (the navy belted cardigan shown last), but found the fabric super easy to snag. I wish they’d switch over to a flat-knit. Maybe they will.

    Reply

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Weekend Reads #124

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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Sep 26

Open
Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 23

Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 21

Open
If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

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

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 19

Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 11

Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️

wardrobe_oxygen

View

Sep 8

Open
I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

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

wardrobe_oxygen

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Sep 5

Open
I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 30

Open
Ladies who lunch…

While in Savannah, I made sure to get lunch reservations for me and E at @theoldepinkhouse she loves the color pink, historic homes, and ghost stories so it was a perfect choice! 

Built in 1789 on Reynolds Square, there are stories of guests seeing ghosts, cutlery and wine bottles moving along with an elegant and truly delicious dining. 

While we didn’t see any apparitions, we did have a lovely lunch with impeccable service and after toured all floors of the home. I highly recommend a visit if you’re visiting Savannah!

My dress is from @cosstores (no longer available); hat is @furtalk and bag is @talbotsofficial (no longer available).

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 29

Open
Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

The three of us (and our dog Oscar!) had a warm and humid but wonderful time exploring Savannah, Georgia earlier this month. Our daughter visited this gorgeous city last summer with her @girlscouts troop but wanted to return to experience more. We let her choose our adventures and play your guide and it was awesome. We cannot wait to visit again, though next time it won’t be August 🥵

For more of our trip check the “Savannah” highlight on my profile page!

wardrobe_oxygen

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Aug 28

Open
Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

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

#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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