Does your profession influence your style? - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Does your profession influence your style?

Anonymous

Not to thread jack everyone's amazing descriptions of style but it makes me wonder if, my style, at least is dictated by my profession.

I think some of the urban warrior princes ( or princesses, lol) work in liberal occupations, or for themselves.

But, I work for a bank, in a building of 3000+ people and I am conservative, probably a modern classic.

I don't see the public as clients but did for years. I think it molded how plainly I dress.

So, I am curious, does your job allows you to dress your preferred style?

Dressing

45 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, my profession(s) definitely restrict my wardrobe. I've got to abide by safety and cleanliness rules that put the kabosh on lots of things: jewelry, scarves, makeup, nail polish, bare legs, sandals. To be quite honest, there is a non-polluting lotion I should use but don't. (Well, no one does - that's just going too far now.)

I'm not always on the production floor, but at a certain point you just want to make things habit so you don't mess up.

And, frankly, my social set puts some curbs on what I wear. I get a lot of leeway because I'm amusing and so forth, but there's a point where you give up citizenship and declare for another tribe, if you know what I mean. I don't think I could bring anyone in heavy goth makeup home, now that I think about it. The clothes yes, but not the makeup.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

It did (I'm retired) but I always found it expressing itself somewhere in my outfit, particularly with bags, shoes & jewellery.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Sure does! We have to keep up our rep as the "best dressed specialty" in the hospital, right? Also, I have the luxury of sitting for a large part of my clinic days, so I can wear heels as opposed to some of my other colleagues, and I also never have to set foot near an OR, so no scrubs for me!

I find that people also recognize me in the community, so I can't be too wild and crazy inappropriate either when I go out ...

Like Rachylou, there are a ton of things I -can't- wear though ... for us, it's usually anything too flashy or distracting (like upside down birds or cats with knives on a dress which I actually may/may not have) - and recently, it's nothing around your neck that doesn't come with a safety break-away. The gents wear clip-on ties. I have found a break-away that I just clip onto my necklaces, but most days I opt for the earrings instead.

Of course, if we're on code teams we have to wear shoes that we can run in - I lost a flat last time bolting down the hall. That was embaressing. More recently, one of my coworkers broke off a heel running down stairs.

I do wear leather in my workplace though, which is a bit edgy; but I wouldn't be able to wear full on UWP.

rachylou

Veteran

I have to add, I had a boss whose background was in banking. He told me one of the reasons he hired me was because I dressed button-down for the interview in a very particular way, and he talked to me about dress code and enforcing it. Presentation was very important to him, esp. as someone who had to sell us as a business. He appreciated a little flare but within some pretty tight boundaries. We had hospitality industry guidelines for jewelry. It went that far.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

My job definitely influences my style. I work for a law firm and was instructed up front what business casual meant to them...slacks or a skirt or dress, blouses with sleeves and collars, closed toe shoes, etc. I'm not a rebel exactly, but I push the code a bit with bright colors, crazy shoes, etc.

Id stick out like a sore thumb if I wore high-low skirts, leather jackets, statement jewelry, harem pants, anything particularly trendy or artsy.

As a seamstress, I'm drawn to unusually constructed items and used to wear more unusual clothes when I was a SAHM. I miss that.

Anonymous

To some degree yes. I do work in a fairly liberal workplace, with a wide variety of styles around me...grad students, undergrads, profs, etc. I can't wear open toed shoes, bare legs (in the summer I cheat and stash a pair of jeans in my office if I need to work in a lab), etc.

At a moment's notice I might have to prep a carcass or give a demo outside on how to use some piece of equipment, or stand up and teach a class, so that dictates somewhat what I can and can't wear. But certainly I am not as restricted as someone working in the corporate sector or the like.

Anonymous

In my department, when someone wears something edgy or a tad inappropriate, everyone gossips like fiends. I don't want to be the one they talk about (although my colleagues are probably saying Angela should lighten up a bit, HA

@ Rahylou, bankers love button downs and it's hard to be the last man standing

Gaylene

Veteran

This is such a good question, A!

There is nothing like having an audience of 100+ young adults silently (and verbally!) commenting on everything you wear to make you very conscious of your wardrobe choices. Add to that my work with outside agencies like the police, the military, and the firefighters, where I am often the only female in the room, and an "outsider" to boot, and I learned very early to be quite careful of how I was being perceived by others. Looking fashionable was far less important than using my clothing to convey an image of authority and competence that would compliment, and not distract, from my presentations.

For years, I had a two quite different wardrobes--to the extent that my students would sometimes do a double take when they saw me outside of the university in my moto jackets, jeans, and boots. It has only been in the last decade or so that I've started to feel more comfortable melding my UWP predilection with my work wardrobe. It was my realization that the crucial elements were sophistication and confidence. Edgy works only if it fits impeccably and looks pricy enough not to be worn by the average student. My versions have to be adult versions, which usually means I pay more for the item. I think Angie nailed it when she replaced the UWP with the UWQ.

Still, I do think very carefully how much UWQ I can do in a particular setting. I like enough tension to make my audiences subconsciously wonder a bit about the person who will wear a pair of Fluevog boots with a more conservative suit, or who chooses a leather jacket over the more expected suit jacket. But, always, my clothes have to give me that air of authority, confidence, and competence. It just makes it easier for me to keep the focus on where I want it to be--which are my ideas, not my outfits.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

They gossip in my office too...or give you that stare of disapproval...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's funny....my profession or at least work location DOES influence what I wear, but in reverse. Many people feel that their job makes them dress more conservatively or formally than they might like. Working at home means I dress a bit more casually than I might ideally like. Of course in theory I could wear whatever I want. But in practice, it really helps to be comfortable. So I wear a lot more jeans and sweaters or shorts and simple tops (in summer) than I might wear if I worked in a job that called me outside the home, and sometimes my polished prince side feels a bit irritated by that.

Day Vies

Veteran

Absolutely, law is about as conservative as working in a bank second behind both fields would be insurance.

I considered myself "modern classic" before I went to law school and have become more so ever since. I look at nearly everything I buy with the exception of jeans thinking "is there a way that can I wear this to work?" I have also started pondering how much body type plays into style.

Anonymous

Yes, my job influences the way I dress. I work in a pretty liberal office, I could wear jeans everyday If I wanted to, but that's the thing: I'm never there. I'm always off on assignments and those often involve big multinationals or corporate clients. That means business casual. I also travel a lot, so my clothes need to coordinate for the most part, so I can mix and match. They also need to pack well.
I believe I express my preferences within the constraints of a business casual dress code, especially with accessories, patterns and wacky shoes. I do sport a bombshell style that hopefully is corporate enough. I think the key here is looking luxe enough. I am a tax auditor.

ETA: Howdy Thistle:) I think you and I are the only accountants here!
( Plus Angie's papa)

Krista

Veteran

I am a high school vice-principal, so yes, definitely, my profession influences my style. I have room to be a little more creative than those in banking or law but there are still expectations around what I wear. My wardrobe needs to subtly tell parents/teachers/students/the public that they can have confidence in me, so I do dress conservatively for the most part. That being said, teenagers are observant people and they are always wearing what's trending, so I feel it's also important to be wearing something that they can relate to. I am currently in a space where this "style" tension is interesting to me so I'm having fun playing with it these days.

Thistle

Veteran

Absolutely! I manage our corporate Accounting department, so, you know, accounting. I also work for a heavy manufacturer of a highly engineered product. Lots of production guys, lots and lots of engineers. I am the only female manager in the company. I am almost always the only woman in a meeting. That definitely influences what I choose to wear.

nancylee

Veteran

Absolutely! I work in a fairly relaxed environment style-wise, and it definitely influences my style. Nice jeans with a jacket are totally within the dress code. I don't even own a suit.

I'm sure working at a conservative institution like a bank has a big influence on your style. You need to project stability and safety, so an UWP look wouldn't exactly work!

Elly

Veteran

Sometimes I err way more conservatively than I really need to be. Most of my jobs involve working with/for a government agency or conservative institution, however my field itself is pretty creative. To some extent there needs to be some professionalism because organizations that answer to the public or shareholders allow me to work with irreplaceable and very valuable/delicate items. However, most of the very successful people in the field have a strong art background or are highly inventive and often somewhat eccentric.

One of the main ways in which work limits me is the practical aspect. I work hard at work and sometimes get dirty. I have to be able to walking outdoors in the snow in my work shoes, stand for long hours on concrete, layer because of cold indoor temps, must have hair that can be tucked or pinned up out of my work that I don't always have to keep touching (no product if it is a style I will touch), I need sleeves that exist but can be pulled or rolled up out of my way, and I am not allowed to wear most jewelry (no rings, bracelets, long necklaces, or clothing with lots of metal on the front). Same goes for nail polish-- and since no polish will stay on my hands except for Shellac-type stuff, it means no nail polish ever, unless I am on a long vacation. There are rules about lotions and perfumes as well. Of course, at any moment I go from dealing with dirt to getting unexpected VIPs through my workspace.

I have a strong tomboy element to my style and I struggle with maintaining the simplicity of silhouettes that goes with that while still looking interesting and put-together, while also being sufficiently casual and following my practical work guidelines and the rules about accessorizing. I have a hard time moving beyond nice jeans and a tee or button down when 3/4 of accessories, shoes, and jacket options are out. For example, I love arm candy, but it often seems hardly worth it to cultivate it as a look for the weekend, especially since many of my weekend activities nix a load of jewelry, since I spend a lot of time at home cooking for the SO (I love to cook), painting, and hiking.

Sara L.

Veteran

I think profession definitely plays a role in style. I'm an engineer and while my colleagues all dress business casual, the unwritten dress code is still conservative. I feel like I stick out enough just being one of the only females in a meeting, so I don't like my clothes to draw too much attention to me.

Diana

Veteran

On the one hand, I have a huge degree of sartorial freedom because I work in a university lab, have no dress code (aside from closed toe shoes, but to be honest I blatantly break that rule in the summer. I have closed toe shoes under my desk in case safety inspectors come. =P) So I can pretty much wear whatever wacky things I want unless I happen to have an interview or important talk or something. I also see the same people day in and day out so they are used to my crazy outfits by now.

On the other hand, and we have talked about this a lot here in the past, there is this huge bias in science that being fashionable or stylish = being flaky and not a serious scientist. I think academic science is one of the only fields where it might not be an impediment to dress like a slob. Some people still think that's a sign of a genius mind, LOL. I am trying to change this one outfit at a time! (or at least that's what I tell myself.)

Susie

Veteran

While my profession- human resources- may tend toward the conservative, my workplace is casual. We rarely have customers in the office and the owners are fine with a relaxed dress code and I love it. I can wear a dress one day and jeans the next. Because I am a Director and part of senior management, I do dress up a bit more than most staff. I tend to limit jeans to Fridays and I dress a bit more when I'm interviewing.

Today it was rainy with no reason to not be casual so I wore jeans, boots, black turtleneck, a long gray topper and a scarf.

anne

Veteran

Until this week, I have been a complete SAHM and that has influenced my style. I'd love to wear suits and sophisticated sheath dresses, but they haven't got much wear.
Before kids, I pretty much had one pair of jeans - now I have several, and wear them a lot.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Well, Rae worked in a bank up until just a few months ago, and Una is a lawyer, so I'm not sure. I wear a uniform at work, so not only does it influence how I dress, it dictates it. I was just commenting to a new coworker today that liked my jacket that I dress quite differently than my uniform

catgirl

Veteran

I feel that my profession hinders my style! I would like to dress UWP/casual/rugged all the time, but ripped jeans and shredded leather motos are not going to pass muster with clients or court, sadly. I get away with a lot running my own office, but not nearly enough!

christieanne

Veteran

I am lucky that I work in a creative, fashion field (department store manager) so that means I can try trends and have access to a lot of new items. It's not as much freedom as you might guess though because our corporate culture is denim driven - so much so that if you skip jeans in favor of trousers or a skirt and an executive is around or go to a meeting outside of store, you do get some awkward glances.
I try to be a good role model for the team - blazer with the jeans, adding accessories, wearing our brands to show loyalty and value, but always always comfortable (flat) shoes are a must!

crazyone

Veteran

what Diana said goes for me. Leeway to wear almost anything (though I abide by the closed toe-shoe rule--we work with too many heavy objects and too many toxic chemicals), but also the mindset that dressing better = frivolity that would have been better directed towards science.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Oh yes!

I used to be in one of those 'liberal' workplaces, but it tied me down or cut me up stylistically to the point where I'm very leery of working for such an organization ever again. It was a publishing group that brings out lifestyle magazines, including a couple of international fashion magazines for women. I was *told*, on the one hand, that I needed to be dressed on-trend; on the other, as one of the youngest and definitely the shortest 'seniors' on the editorial team, I had to dress for authority and extra maturity, a la Gaylene.

Most days, I actually dressed in a way that had me feeling either out of sorts or dull enough to disappear. Just NOT my speed, with too much denial of what IS! (Dressing 'Indian' was out, I was told in no uncertain terms. And I'm not comfortable with trendy, though sometimes I can be weirdly fashion-forward to the point that the average 'trendy' person finds me inexplicable and unspeakable.) ::shudder::

Nowadays, I have a whole lot more freedom, but like Suz, working from home means I actually miss dressing up a little more! I'm not a 'dressy' person usually, but anything too delicate or pale or tailored --- all of which I sometimes crave --- can be problematic for my daily life because I'm (a) clumsy in the cooking and cleaning and gardening which are interleaved into my working day, (b) fighting with high heat and humidity, sans central air-conditioning, most months of the year, and (c) barefoot and cross-legged half the day but walking through decidedly mucky, messy country roads the other. :-/

I'm... still adjusting my style to suit!

Btw, note that UWP Rae, one of the first of that tribe, used to work in a bank...! She's been GREAT at the balancing act, truly inspirational. You might like to explore some of her older threads, especially one where she looks back at dressing UWP with a dress code.

Anonymous

Thanks ladies, that was very insightful, to your dressing style and your daily lives.

I haven't read a lot of Rae's posts but I think she disliked banking and is now in her dream job?....I swear it's that stuffy hidden dress code Lol

rute

Veteran

No, here we have a dress code:business casual, so that influences a lot the way I dress because I spend most of my time at work and I don't want to invest a lot on a wardrobe I would wear only on weekends, so I ended up dressing on weekends the same too!

catherine

Veteran

I teach in higher ed. On teaching days, I try to wear something that might be interesting to my students without looking as if I am trying to imitate them.
This can be tricky.

crst

As a professor of accounting I can relate to the statements of both the accountants and those who teach in higher ed. I try to be a role model for my students who are interacting with professionals and interviewing, as well as finding their personal appropriate style. My natural style (modern classic - with a twist) works well for that. i don't wear suits, but most of our business community is fairly casual here anyway.

I used to dress in jeans and t-shirts on non-teaching days in the office but I have come to realize that it really isn't appropriate to do so. I even try to dress in a fairly polished way around our small college town. I have female students comment positively on my attire and seek me out to ask questions about appropriate dress, so I know that they are watching.

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