Fashion Friday: What to Wear to Work?

Hey beautiful humans,

This week, I stumbled across an article that made me pause mid-scroll: "Gen Z Never Got the Dress Code Memo." The piece highlighted how younger workers, many of whom started their careers during COVID's pajama-pants-on-Zoom era, are navigating professional dress codes without any real guidance.

And honestly? It got me thinking about my own journey with work fashion – one that's been equal parts trial, error, and Ralph Lauren shopping sprees.

The Atlanta Foundation

I grew up in Atlanta, born into a long line of stylish, fashion-forward women who lived by one cardinal rule: never leave the house without jewelry, makeup, and a presentable outfit. At the University of Georgia, Greek life turned dressing to impress into a competitive sport – whether we were heading to events on campus or nights out in downtown Athens.

That foundation served me well when I landed my first tech internship at VMware in Austin. I'll admit it: most of my summer paycheck went to shopping sprees in downtown Austin. But here's what I learned early – how you present yourself in an office environment directly impacts your confidence, and ultimately, your success.

People notice effort. When you put effort into yourself, they know you'll put effort into whatever you do.

The Great Denim Debate

Let's talk about the elephant in the corporate closet: when and how to wear denim at work.

The answer depends on three things:

• Your industry

• What city/region you're in

• What day of the week it is

At my first tech job, jeans were a Friday-only privilege. When I moved to Seattle, denim became daily standard. Here in Southern California, the rules are similarly relaxed. The tech industry has earned its reputation for jeans and hoodies, but I refuse to look like I just rolled out of bed.

Here's my denim strategy: If I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt, I make sure it's a fitted tee in quality fabric. I dress it up with intentional makeup, jewelry, and a polished hairstyle. Pro tip: Adding a belt to jeans and a tee instantly elevates your entire look.

The Geography of Getting Dressed

Since I'm fortunate to travel frequently for business, I've learned to dress for my destination. I have certain pieces in my closet that are reserved specifically for business trips to New York or conferences in Las Vegas – pieces that otherwise never see the light of day in San Diego.

My two Ralph Lauren suits live for New York meetings. I have a collection of flattering yet conservative dresses for summer trips to Chicago or Texas. It's about reading the room – or in this case, reading the city.

The Night-Before Game Plan

Here's a productivity hack that changed my mornings: think about what you want to wear the night before. Start simple – maybe just a color (yellow, black) or one piece you want to build around.

There's nothing more frustrating than staring at your closet with 10 minutes to get out the door, thinking "I have nothing to wear!" Spoiler alert: you do. You just need a closet full of clothes that actually flatter you and fit your personal style.

The Great Closet Purge

Speaking of personal style, let me share something that transformed my relationship with my wardrobe: I took everything out of my closet and drawers. Everything.

The focus wasn't Marie Kondo's "spark joy" test – it was asking myself: "Does this feel like me? Does this represent who I want to present myself as today and in the future?"

I purged a lot of wild patterned fast fashion pieces that were low quality, not my personal style, and honestly, pieces I never wore. What remained was a curated collection that actually represents who I am. Old items found new homes with friends or at charity shops.

Investment Pieces That Work

When I have an occasion to speak on stage or attend a business conference, I often do a personal shopping trip at Ralph Lauren. Their clothes fit my body well, they're high quality, and they mix and match effortlessly. I can turn a handful of pieces from Ralph Lauren into 40 different office outfits.

But here's something I'd be remiss not to mention: sustainability and the impact of over-consumption on our planet. This is where intentional shopping becomes even more critical.

The Future of Conscious Shopping

I recently discovered Phia, a brilliant browser extension launched by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni that's like "fast fashion for Google flights." This incredible plugin shows you whether an item you're viewing is priced low or high, and provides visibility into where else you can find that piece on the web – including the secondhand market.

It's a game-changer for conscious consumers who want to make informed decisions about their purchases while ensuring they're getting the best price and considering sustainable options first.

Today, I'm wearing Balenciaga jeans I bought five years ago, a Skims t-shirt, Birkenstocks, some cute silver jewelry, and a nice face of makeup. The jeans have been in heavy rotation for half a decade – that's what I call cost-per-wear success.

The Heel Story

Let me share a story that perfectly captures the power of effort. I was in New York in May for business, wearing a Ralph Lauren tank and cardigan with polo denim bootcut jeans and brown high-heeled sandals. I felt confident and stylish.

A colleague from NYC commented, "Wow, I haven't seen a woman wear heels on a Thursday since... I can't remember when!"

Yes, heels might hurt a bit. But they can be worth the effort. People notice when you've put thought into your appearance, and it signals that you'll put that same level of care into your work.

Where I Shop (And Why)

In-person favorites:

• Ralph Lauren (for investment pieces that mix and match)

• Nordstrom (for variety and excellent return policy)

• Vuori (for elevated casual that works at work or on airplanes)

• Local boutiques (they curate for your climate and lifestyle)

Online:

• Net-a-Porter (I have a personal stylist who sends edits and discounts)

• Phia browser extension (for price comparison and secondhand options)

• Amazon - full disclosure, I’ve worked at Amazon for over a decade. Today is the last day of Prime day!! Shop on!

Sustainable shopping tip: Before buying anything new, I always check if I can find it secondhand first. Some of my best pieces are vintage or pre-loved finds that have way more character than anything straight off the rack.

The Foot Note

One final, crucial tip: if you're going to show your toes, for the love of all that's holy, have a pedicure. Trust me on this one.

The Bottom Line: Professional dress codes might be more relaxed than ever, but that doesn't mean anything goes. The key is understanding your environment, investing in quality pieces that fit your body and personal style, and always putting in just enough effort to signal that you care about the details.

When you buy fewer, better pieces and care for them properly, you're not just building a wardrobe – you're making a statement about your values and your commitment to both personal excellence and planetary responsibility.

Your appearance is your first impression – make it count.

What's your biggest work wardrobe challenge? Hit reply and let me know – I read every single email.

XO, Maddy Mo

P.S. Next week, I'm diving into the tech tools that actually make my morning routine more efficient. Spoiler: it's not just about the right apps – it's about the right mindset.