https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:35:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961724 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:34:57 +0000 Kathie 1961724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much to think about. I work with many physicians, though I’m not one, but since I have a PhD in a scientific field, I can easily negotiate around the medical hierarchy. Is your organization moving to a model of interprofessional collaboration? I’m certainly seeing a movement toward valuing equally the expertise of all facets of care-giving at the institutations where I’ve worked, and away from a model in which the power is retained by the physicians. You’ve given a lot of thought to this, and I can understand that context is everything. As others have mentioned, it’s hard to judge the exact nature of your context as you think through this. Personally, I think it’s fine not to wear the t-shirt, because it’s clearly not your style, whether there was a difference in your position or not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961720 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:18:41 +0000 shoppingisfun 1961720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Put it on the back of your office chair! I've seen people do that with their union tees at my work. I can't describe it so here's an example. You can always remove it after a month or two, once everyone forgets about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961718 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:05:40 +0000 Beth Ann 1961718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating discussion!&nbsp; I run into a similar issue in two settings:<br />1.&nbsp; My DS's cross country races, where I am expected to buy really expensive spirit wear, but<b> I choose to buy knitwear in the team colors instead -</b>- as a size 14, most of this gear doesn't fit well on my body, and I don't want to allocate limited budget to something I can't wear later.</p> <p>2.&nbsp; I work as a music therapist, but I see clients in their homes, not in a center.&nbsp; Many of my 20-something colleagues wear company tees, casual jeans and sneakers.&nbsp; If I were to wear this, I'd feel like I"m cleaning the garage.&nbsp; <b>I did purchase a jacket and an open cardigan with a small logo, for when I go into the headquarters, but mostly I dress in smart casual,</b> careful to look polished, but not "fancy," because I don't want the mom's to feel uncomfortable in their at-home clothing.</p> <p>In my case, I think it's important that people see me as a professional -- since so many think I'm just singing songs by the campfire, instead of designing personalized interventions based upon well-designed research.</p> <p>I LOVE the idea of a pin or a tote.&nbsp; BTW -- it sounds like your spirit tee has a message on it.&nbsp; I'd feel more awkward about this, as compared to a company logo.&nbsp; Messages are very personal, and I have an aversion to wearing advertising.&nbsp; I'd be tempted to print a tee with my own slogan! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961711 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 13:36:37 +0000 cindysmith 1961711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a tote bag is a great idea. It walks that fine line that you have to walk: maintaining an image as a Doctor, and maintaining camaraderie with your staff </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961638 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 07:27:55 +0000 jussie 1961638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This actually reminds me of a funny situation in my previous career as an OR nurse. There was one particular doctor there who had a strict policy of never socializing with staff members, so no Xmas party etc. As a joke some of the nurses got a photo of his face, enlarged it to life size and stuck his face on a pole and had it sitting at a table at the Christmas party. Then took photos of everyone partying/cheers-ing with the face. It was pretty hilarious at the time, or it felt that way, but looking back it probably stemmed from an inferiority complex.<br /> However I sympathize as it’s hard being subservient for 12 hours a day, even when one has signed up for precisely that.....<br /> But ultimately...... I remember we really liked that guy, he was incredibly kind to the patients, and that’s why we felt “safe” to kind of send him up a little like that.. he just chuckled quietly at the whole thing. Probably the most dignified response. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961615 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 04:48:42 +0000 anne 1961615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been following this fascinating discussion.</p> <p>Just happened to come across this article and though I'd link<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bma.org.uk/connecting-doctors/b/the-secret-doctor/posts/you-are-what-you-wear">https://www.bma.org.uk/connect.....t-you-wear</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961596 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 03:28:12 +0000 Jaime 1961596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting discussion with a lot of wise thoughts. It is really for you to feel the situation, Staysfit, because the line between light hearted teasing and the underlying power struggles you are thinking about is hard enough to judge in the situation and impossible to judge on a forum thread.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961593 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 02:51:22 +0000 Anonymous 1961593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wanted to add that DH's boss in Kansas City was also the owner of the KC Royals baseball team. When he and his wife attended games, they wore royal blue suits. Her's was silk and I think I remember cobalt heels....the point is no spirit tees even on the team owners. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961580 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 01:29:08 +0000 Alicewonderland 1961580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Physician here too. I would definitely not wear it by itself with my regular clothes. Then I would be indistinguishable from the rest of the staff, which I don’t want. I would, however, wear it under my white coat once in a while. I think the tote bag idea is brilliant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961577 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 01:21:27 +0000 unfrumped 1961577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the idea of making it into a pillow that patients autograph or putting it on a big teddy bear in your office! Though I guess then I’d have to worry about whether that was demeaning in some way to the staff who actually wear them.<br /> I agree with not wearing— unless you have office picnic day as noted above- but really trying to demur nicely, keep it light, “ thank you!” “these are fun” “ I’m glad everyone is working hard as a team. “ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961573 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 00:46:39 +0000 Anonymous 1961573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with you, spirit tees are the worst, and not representative of a professional workplace/profession. For some reason employers/charities/ events always insist on making them (inevitably large/x large and white or blue) and foisting them on everyone. When ive had to wear them ive been self conscious all day, much more self conscious than being "different " in my regular clothes. Then they get put into donation bin as soon as im confident they don't have to be worn again!<br /> I like the idea of putting it on a teddy bear and letting the children sign it You can always say to your coworkers, i enjoy working with you but i choose to wear my own clothes, you are not obligated to wear the shirts either (unless they are)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961572 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 00:42:24 +0000 Staysfit 1961572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the thoughtful replies that have been posted since this morning. There are so many great ideas and comments. I wish I had time to comment on each of them, but we had a cyberattack at work today and our internet was down, so I have to finish all my paperwork this evening at home. Ugh! </p> <p>I have found much to ponder and will do so over the next day or two. I have some quick thoughts that I wanted to record now and then I will need to get to work.....</p> <p>Gryffin, many thanks for your thought provoking remarks. You will see below that I have spent some time pondering something you said and have found it very useful.</p> <p> I believe the social workers who told me about the tee, and who were teasing me about whether I owned and wore any regular tees had outwardly friendly intentions. While there is a power difference between my position and theirs, I do not think that consciously came into play when they ordered the tee. There has been a steady increase in the severity of problems displayed by our students over the past 5 years. There has been a corresponding challenge to provide safe and effective educational environments and mental health treatments. There have been frequent classroom staff changes due to injuries, burn out, stress and complaints of feeling overwhelmed. Administors want to promote a feeling of Unity among the staff to help boost morale. Mitigating the stressful setting by promoting team spirit is probably the main goal of the Friday tee. I primarily see their offer of a tee as a positive sign that they accept me as a person who supports the team and not an outsider. I paused this afternoon and thought hard about gryffins comment. Are they trying to bring me down to their level? Is there a need or desire to even the power differential? Is that what the teasing is? Are they jealous? I suspect there is some truth to this, even if it was not the consciously intended. I want to think I am consciously aware of the power I possess in my relationships at work and in my role in the community. I am not certain what other forum physicians would say, but I think there is a certain need for some separation, or clear boundaries between me and my non-physician co-workers. I am not a full member of their pack and can never really be one. Crossing that boundary brings me into dangerous territory. I cannot really be friends with people over whom I hold power. To them I am a potential shark and they could be shark hunters or shark bait. The power differential creates all sorts of interpersonal difficulties that gryffin has nicely summarized as a quagmire. The biggest power concern physicians are used to hearing about are infractions of personal boundaries with their patients, A power difference means the person with less power is more vulnerable. My co-workers may want to equalize that difference, but the danger here is that the difference still remains. Changing my style for a few hours or a day will not really take away my “power” but it could make someone with less power more vulnerable by making them think I am their friend or an equal, and then if something happens and I use my power and it has an effect on them, it will feel much more severe. </p> <p>Suz once said that her thinking was best done while writing. I have found her words to be very true because writing really forces me to formulate thoughts and clarify ideas. I clearly need more editing work here, but time limits are coming into play.....</p> <p>Cheers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961568 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 00:13:45 +0000 Anonymous 1961568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would be tempted to wear it with a suit! I agree with Gryffin and Gaylene. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna/page/2#post-1961486 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 17:31:41 +0000 Gaylene 1961486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“My current thinking is that my professional role as a physician outweighs all other roles and factors. ”</p> <p>Our employment often requires us to inhabit a number of roles as we go about our daily routine., but, as your six-year-old friend so sagely pointed out, your public image ought to reflect your primary role. You’ve already carefully calibrated your wardrobe to fit what you deem to be your most important role within this particular setting, so why would you change it to suit the whims of a few colleagues? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961484 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 17:23:33 +0000 Gretchen 1961484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>100% agree that you need to do what matters for you. I despise "corporate unity" t-shirts, and wear them only under duress.&nbsp;</p> <p>I did have an idea that might be fun, and might help support your efforts...could the T-shirt become your autograph book? Maybe bring it/wear it (or put it on a large stuffed animal) 1x month, and patients on that day get to sign it w a Sharpie?&nbsp; It would give the 6 year-olds something special to talk about, and maybe help you feel more comfortable wearing it?&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961476 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 16:35:54 +0000 kkards 1961476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen--OMG that's the best! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961475 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 16:16:41 +0000 Suz 1961475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have thought this through so carefully and have given excellent reasons for not wearing the tee. I am with Jane and Gryffin -- I'd find some way to incorporate it (accessory, frame it, etc.) <b>IF</b> that is feasible and/ or bring it out once at a special occasion perhaps, but not wear it otherwise.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961471 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:54:38 +0000 elpgal 1961471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We had a similar situation with work polos but upper management never wear them. What they did do was wear them to a volunteering event handing out popsicles on employee appreciation day or greeting kids on 'take your kid to work' day.<br /> If I were in your shoes, I would wear them once to shush everybody and then quietly relegate it to the back of your closet. Or drape it around a chair's backrest or something </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961460 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:06:53 +0000 JAileen 1961460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mission statement? Are you kidding? I used to work for a public utility, and at one point they rolled out a new mission statement - to delight every customer. I’m not making this up. De light every customer. Get it?</p> <p>Also, these things never fit. I don’t have advice, except I wouldn’t want to wear it.</p> <p>Our church has tees for special things. I don’t wear it to church, but to the food bank, to the homeless shelter, etc. It’s really hideous. I wish it had been designed by a real designer like Murph, instead of a member of the congregation. It has the name, address, zip code, and web site address on the front. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961457 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 14:52:32 +0000 Carla 1961457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with kkards - wear it once, then have it made into a tote. Bonus points to you if you actually use the tote and carry it more than you would wear the T. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961454 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 14:45:25 +0000 Sara L. 1961454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a spirit tee for my office too.&nbsp; I only wear it for special functions like an office outing or charity function.&nbsp; I don't have quite the same issues with it that you do - I just hate wearing t-shirts and it's grey which is a color I don't like wearing.&nbsp; I like your idea of converting it into something else like a tote. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961425 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 13:17:49 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1961425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’d play along and make a game of displaying the T-shirt every Friday: on a tote like a cover, Clark Kent/Superman style and make a big deal about showing how you transform into super whatever it is. If it’s big enough, layer it over a collared shirt, with or without a suit jacket. Pin it up on your wall or across the back of your chair, use it as a scarf, hang it on the door to your office, go all out styling it with coordinating accessories, put it on a book on your shelf, etc.... You’ll note that with all these suggestions, only a few have it actually on your torso, and even then usually covered up. I’m sure you can come with other creative ways to feature it. </p> <p>Another alternative would be to get a pin supporting the team and wearing it instead. Do higher-up administrators have anything like that? </p> <p>You are very clear on the message you wish to send with your professional attire. It sounds to me like you might want to do more thinking and be a bit more charitable about the message they are trying to send. Do they really want to drag you down and force you to conform, be part of the borg, or is this about supporting the school, connecting with them, and they’d like to see you share their enthusiasm for it regularly? I’m not a big sports fan, but I know those feelings of x Nation can be pretty powerful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961419 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 13:07:13 +0000 Kathie 1961419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the additional explanation. If they’re printed in bulk, I would definitely not worry about wearing it, ever. I was once gifted such a t-shirt. Against my better judgement, I wore it to the office with jeans. I felt uncomfortable all day, since neither t-shirt, nor jeans, are how I want to brand myself at work. But, I happily wear such shirts to the gym, or for doing yard work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961416 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 12:58:40 +0000 Angie 1961416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 100% with <b>Jane </b>and<b> Gryffin.&nbsp;</b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961412 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 12:42:32 +0000 Anonymous 1961412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like maybe your staff/co-workers are just teasing you &nbsp;- for your relative formality and fashion sense - which happens everywhere there is someone who stands out a little bit. &nbsp;I don't see why you would need to wear a t-shirt like this .......and wouldn't do it myself. &nbsp;The slogan/mission statement etc could be a poster on your office wall instead ? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961401 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 12:08:57 +0000 Murph11 1961401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No need to wear it. In Seattle, it’s customary to wear “Blue Friday” spirit wear during football season to work. I may wear a nod to the theme in color, but I don’t wear logos — and I design logos for a living! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961397 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 11:45:44 +0000 gryffin 1961397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit - this is indeed a quagmire. I too am a physician, albeit private practice, and I dress formally but in the booties, leggings, tunics and long jackets. I don’t dress like anyone else. I would not wear anything you are uncomfortable with. I have been in situations where staff try to bring me down to an even footing, I personally don’t take the bait. Would I wear the tee? Well it depends. If I could work it into my style maybe. Dress pants, tee, blazer, belt. Maybe. If not no. You could have the logo printed on a pin, hat, make the tee into a tote or scarf as above. Wear the colors but not the item. The only time I wear spirit wear is to roadie my son’s marching band games. But there I’m one of the rabble and uniform is required. Otherwise no. I’m liking baseball hat, pin or bandana w logo. It would be worth the cost to ditch the tee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961394 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 11:21:33 +0000 kkards 1961394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i'd wear it once, with a suit jacket or one of your lovely leather jackets...and then remake it into what were you want.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961382 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 10:48:53 +0000 Marlene1 1961382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I thought the gift was well-meant, I'd consider having it tailored for a great fit and occasionally wearing it like a graphic tee. Maybe with jeans, boots, blazer or a pencil skirt and oxfords?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-spirit-tee-longish-musings-on-a-style-dilemna#post-1961380 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 10:43:46 +0000 Anonymous 1961380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NOPE. &nbsp;I'm not arguing that you should wear the spirit tee. &nbsp;I feel very strongly about this issue. &nbsp;You HAVE worked so diligently to develop your style persona. &nbsp;Your idea of wearing the spirit tee in a fashionable accessory is brilliant. &nbsp;</p> <p>Now, what would I have done? &nbsp;A year ago I might have caved and worn the spirit tee. &nbsp;Today I would not wear it. </p>