According to Ali: The Science of the 30-Second Work Uniform

ACCORDING TO ALI

In partnership with our friends at

Ali Pew’s post as goop fashion director sends her packing. A lot. There are now more fashion weeks than we can count, and photo shoots won’t style themselves. This is our chance to live vicariously.

I may be going out on a limb here, but I’d wager whoever first said, “I don’t know how she does it,” never owned a work uniform. Having one allows you to hit the road, coffee in hand, a dab of concealer, just-washed hair—no nuclear physics involved. My weekdays generally fall into one of three buckets: gym-to-office shuffle, dressed-up off-site meeting, and standing-all-day photo shoot. I also stick to a pretty strict color scheme: black, navy, and white. But it’s not for everyone, so experiment away!

GYM-TO-OFFICE SHUFFLE

I try to never miss a workout. They’re best scheduled on evenings after I’ve been styling in our fashion closet all day. Pulling on black leggings and an oversize tee in the morning means I can hop on the Reformer—no locker room gymnastics—straight from work. And when LA gets chillier by day, a polished blazer pulls it all together. If I need backup, some rich color (loafers) or texture (tote) does the trick.

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  VICTORIA BECKHAM bag
  The Outnet, $1,227
  

  
  
  


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  ACNE STUDIOS blazer
  The Outnet, $517
  

  
  
  


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  NIKE tights
  Nike, $150
  

  
  
  


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  G. LABEL Stephen Boyfriend Tee
  goop, $145
  

  
  
  


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  OLIO E OSSO balm
  goop, $28
  

  
  
  


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  ATP ATELIER loafers
  goop, $470
  

  
  
  


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  “I love doing a ton of different jobs, but running around, sitting on planes, or answering emails deskside takes its toll. Plumbline Pilates keeps my posture and alignment in check, so no upper-cross tension or tight hips. Like a mini PT session with stretching, strength training, and foam rolling, it’s incredibly calming—I walk out feeling amazing.”

  
  

OFF-SITE MEETING

I live in shirtdresses all summer, however, with the seasonal shift, I’m gravitating toward unfussy separates for extra warmth. With this pleated A-line, I can swap in a slinky tank and heels for date night with my husband, Clark. And the boyfriend sweater is bound to make a cameo on lazy fall weekends…same goes for the trench and laptop-friendly bag.

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  HIROTAKA ear cuff
  goop, $275
  

  
  
  


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  G. LABEL Thea Sweater
  goop, $595
  

  
  
  


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  SOPHIE RATNER ring
  goop, $950
  

  
  
  


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  ELLERY trench coat
  The Outnet, $897
  

  
  
  


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  IRIS & INK skirt
  The Outnet, $120
  

  
  
  


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  THE ROW bag
  The Outnet, $1,192
  

  
  
  


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  PROENZA SCHOULER boots
  The Outnet, $527
  

  
  
  


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  “Finding healthy lunch options near our LA office usually involves getting behind the wheel or a Bird e-scooter. Bringing my own lunch just makes everything easier. Methodology (available for weekly subscription) doesn’t skimp like other meal deliveries I’ve tried: The ingredients are seasonal, the glass jars sleek and perfect for transit, and you can customize portions should you need more pesto-eggplant caponata.”

  
  

PHOTO SHOOT

I kid you not, these days are long. It’s not out of the norm for our crew to crank up the music for a dance party to shake out the willies. Wide-leg trousers are a chic way to keep things casual. I always like to have fun with my accessories, so I’ll trade out my loafers and sandals for sneakers when I’m on my feet all day. P.S. I’m a stickler for white shoes—it keeps the set clean.

Source: https://goop.com/style/ask-an-editor/according-to-ali-the-science-of-the-30-second-work-uniform/