Hi, I am a 32 year old male who has recently transitioned from a really conservative office (where suits and ties were mandatory) to a work environment that is much more relaxed with its dress-code.  I really enjoy this new environment because it’s filled with hard-working, fun-loving people and I love the challenge of figuring out new things but I’m a bit stumped in figuring out what to do with my daily attire in this new office.  A suit and tie is just too much for this office but I’m not sure how to appropriately tone it down.  Any suggestions? Dan   Hey Dan, I can completely understand not wanting to stick out in this new office. Now, you didn’t mention just how dressed down this new office is but I’m assuming it’s somewhere under corporate formal and above wearing your jammies to the office.  Does that sound about right? Here are a few quick recommendations: I’d suggest that you think about your career progression with this organization.  Where are you looking to go with your career (in this organization) in the next 2 years? 5 years? 10 years?  The point of asking this question is to define how your style will support this career progression in the short, medium and long term. Take cues from leaders in your organization.  If leadship/executive status is where you’d like to be headed someday soon, you should always look to those above you for style cues.  This doesn’t mean you need to look exactly like them but rather look at what they are doing and try to incorporate that into your own style.  Remember that ol’ saying: dress for the job you want, not the job you have (an oldie but a goodie)! Look at your colleagues in the office.  What are they doing?  Although you may not like their style, you can definitely take a few pointers from what they are doing.  For example, if it’s ok to wear jeans, maybe you should consider investing in a great pair of jeans that not only flatter your shape but are also appropriate for the office (see my specific tips below). Here are some specific tips: If jeans are acceptable in your office, a great pair of medium to dark wash jeans can be worn with a blazer (you can recycle a blazer or suit jacket from yoru previous formal work attire), a collared dress shirt and crewneck sweater. If you were used to wearing a very formal dress shoe to work, try something a bit more casual.  Shoes are something that, in a relaxed work environment, can really play up parts of your personality that you may not have been able to show before.  I’d opt for something that is a good transition between work-appropriate and casual.  This will then take you from working at your desk to the spontaneous client meeting.  I’d suggest a loafer or a suede oxford shoe (maybe in camel or something interesting like that). Depending on how comfortable you are, I’d suggest you experiment with different colours and patterns. 

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L2 Style is starting a new series to answer questions from our readers.  Here is our first post.  Enjoy! I’ve been enjoying your blog posts very much and after reading your last post on what to wear to stagettes, I am wondering if you could help me out with something. My husband and I have been invited to a very posh wedding in London, UK and I’m worried about what to wear. I’ve been told to wear a cocktail dress – I totally love that green dress (with plunging backline) on your post but I’m wondering if I should wear something more conservative. I’m looking for any advice – I want to wear something classy and sexy with a pashmina/whatever that can be worn if I need to be more conservative, judging by the crowd and obviously still look good. For the church part, I have to wear a hat or a fascinator. Any suggestion so I can look like the Duchess, not a crazy hat lady? And for the man: can all suits be worn with a waistcoat/vest? He wants to wear his nice dark grey suit but he’s wondering if he should wear a vest to “dress it up” (and obviously the vest can be omitted judging by the crowd). How can he dress up a suit? Thank you SO much, any advice would be appreciated. Megan Hi Megan, Sounds like you’re in for a really exciting experience! Here are some of my thoughts on the three areas you mentioned: Part 1 I’m glad you recognized upfront that the green dress I posted is probably going to be a bit too sexy for the event.  It is definitely more suited to wear to a stagette than a wedding reception!  My biggest tip in this area is to go with something that doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable (as you probably would feel wearing that sexy green dress).  You certainly don’t want to be pulling and tugging at your outfit all night long, that doesn’t let people know you are confident in yourself. What to do: Since you want to come across as being classy and sexy, I’d opt for something that highlights your favourite features.  Perhaps for you, that means wearing a bright colour (as you mentioned you’d prefer) that shows off your great skin tone or eye colour.  Another way to remain a bit more conservative, but add in some sex appeal, is to highlight your legs.  You could do this by adding a bold yet very feminine high heel.  You can always play up an outfit with a killer pair of heels!  Lastly, make sure that dress or skirt length is close to your knee and not several inches above since this will surely draw the type of attention you are looking to avoid. What to avoid: One suggestion I have on how to remain appropriate for the event you’ve described, is to keep “the ladies” out of the limelight.  I’d avoid anything with spaghetti straps and

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