These outfit posts document real-life personal style on a 5’3″ size 14/16 midlife body. Since 2005, Alison Gary has shared what she actually wears to work, on weekends, while traveling, and during everyday life, offering an honest archive of how style evolves over time.
Unlike curated influencer lookbooks, these outfits reflect real closets, real budgets, and real bodies. You’ll see how pieces are reworn across seasons, how trends are adapted for women over 40, and how fit, proportion, and comfort work together in everyday dressing.
These real-life outfits serve as a visual extension of Wardrobe Oxygen’s fashion advice, showing how capsule wardrobe concepts, denim reviews, footwear recommendations, and layering techniques translate into lived experience.
If you’re searching for outfit inspiration for women over 40, midsize style ideas, curvy petite fashion, or realistic examples of how to style trends in daily life, this archive provides two decades of documented looks to explore.
Use tags to browse by fashion brand, season, occasion, or wardrobe staple.
Today I knew it was going to snow and possibly be icy; also had to get to work early because a platform I use for my job was being wacko last night and I couldn’t get my tasks completed before leaving work. And… my feet hurt from yesterday and wanted something comfy. Burgundy merino shift…
Sorry about yesterday… it was very busy at work and next thing I knew I was on the Metro home and hadn’t posted my outfit! Then my hubby took the laptop on his business trip… well you get two days in one. I also think it’s funny because not until I uploaded the pics to…
Well, I think I officially am sick. Good thing the hubby is out of town for some film festival so I can moan and groan alone. I spent yesterday doing laundry, but also huddling on the couch drinking tea and watching Lifetime and E. A bubble bath DID brighten my mood a bit – glad…
Wow, I had a crazy couple of days! Thursday night after work, met up with a few friends from the suburbs and we drove back into DC to celebrate the birthdays of two of our good friends. Drinks at one bar, and then karaoke at another. It was a great time, so fun to see…
Ivory and black print sheer neck-tie top from Banana Republic, same denim trouser from Gap that I wore earlier this week, black city boots from Impo, silver cuff. Hair washed and conditioned, touch of Jonathan Silky Dirt and dried with paddle brush and then round brush for smoothness. Bit of Matrix Water-free shine when dry….
Yet another warm day in DC. Didn’t even wear a coat, just brought along my pashmina for the commute. Green and ivory print silk shirtdress from Banana Republic, brown suede slouchy boots from Silhouettes, gold bangles from Ralph Lauren, gold hoops and necklace. Hair is second day, a few pieces twirled around a curling iron…
Another gorgeous day in our Nation’s Capital! Wearing short sleeves and almost didn’t need a coat! Black tape-yarn empire-waist sweater tee from Old Navy, Curvy denim trousers from Gap (new from holiday gift card), black city boots from Impo, two silver necklaces from H&M (one knotted at back of neck to adjust length), silver hoops…
When I left the house, it was 57 degrees!!! The sun is shining, it may hit 65 degrees today and I only brought a wrap cardigan and a pashmina for warmth and think I’ll be just dandy! Love these bursts of spring in the middle of the winter! Maroon merino shift from Banana Republic, plum…
Met my dear friend for brunch, and then we did a little shopping at the mall near her home. I only purchased two necklaces from H&M and a clearance sweater at Banana; the trip was more for her where she found a great pair of boots at the Nordstrom sale, a gorgeous suit jacket and…