https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 12:38:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette/page/2#post-1408836 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 14:07:21 +0000 Deb 1408836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit you are far too classy to even consider such an idea. We'll have to make sure this Americanism doesn't drift across the Pacific to us Down Under! I don't understand the point of making it ugly....it sounds tacky to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette/page/2#post-1408828 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 13:46:47 +0000 Janet 1408828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stuff like this makes me glad I am self-employed. Count me as another non-fan of "ugly sweater days." For one thing, I'm not spending good money on something I find ugly, sorry. Especially not one that I'm going to wear for 8 hours and then throw in a Goodwill bag. And then there's the professional appearance thing, as it applies in this case. But I also wonder why the invitation to partake in festive dressing needs to be ugly-fied. Why can't it be "sparkly day" or "hat day" or something? </p> <p>I realize some people will think I'm just being Grinchy, but I'm not much of a rah-rah-Christmas person anyway. I enjoy the season, for the most part, but these sorts of forced themes are just one more added stress to an already-full holiday season for most people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette/page/2#post-1408647 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 02:01:32 +0000 Anonymous 1408647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would try to compromise and bring an ugly cardigan or something that could be removed for the interview. I have thrifted a couple of ugly holiday sweaters for these occasions, but if anyone is looking for something, I noticed that Target has some Christmas theme long sleeved tees that could be worn under a blazer or over a buttondown ( maybe flannel shirt) pullover sweater style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette/page/2#post-1408610 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 00:53:31 +0000 Marley 1408610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good decision SF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette/page/2#post-1408598 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 00:23:19 +0000 Alassë 1408598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree - I wouldn't wear a sweater like that for professional reasons. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette/page/2#post-1408583 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 00:01:30 +0000 Suz 1408583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree 100%. Great decision.&nbsp;</p> <p>And, what is <b>WITH</b> these ugly sweater days????? &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I think they are rude, not fun.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette/page/2#post-1408581 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:55:45 +0000 Staysfit 1408581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alaskagirl, Oh! Well, you can go through and read all the responses to my post if you need any suggestions! There are a lot of great ideas! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408580 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:50:00 +0000 catgirl 1408580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a very sensitive response and I agree with you completely.</p> <p>Meanwhile, I JUST received an invitation to my own workplace's first annual "Ugly Holiday Sweater and Jeans" Day.&nbsp; Argh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408576 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:41:50 +0000 Staysfit 1408576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all your thoughtful replies. When I talked about this with the nurse it didn't take long for us to both strongly agree that we would not wear Ugly Sweaters. I am sensitively aware that there are some children whose families do not celebrate or recognize Christmas. The same goes for Halloween and Valentines Day. I personally feel uncomfortable contributing to making these children, who already feel different, feel even more different than those around them.</p> <p>Additionally, as many of you recognized, our professionalism and establishing a trusting relationship with the people we work with is very important. Appearance definitely impacts the first impression, and maybe the ongoing relationship as well?. If the first impression is in any way negative, it can be near impossible to remedy. i want the parents I work with to know that I take them seriously, they have my attention, and the same goes for their children. An Ugly sweater doesn't send that message.</p> <p>Conclusion: The nurse and I will be Scrooge for the day. We have done far worse to swim against the tide and we can handle the repercussions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408564 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:19:27 +0000 catgirl 1408564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Surely an ugly cardigan counts and you can remove at will. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408563 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:16:26 +0000 MsMary 1408563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gah.&nbsp; I absolutely would not wear a ridiculous holiday sweater on a day when I was meeting with clients/patients or had other serious work meetings.&nbsp; If you can bring one and change, fine.&nbsp; But please wear something professional to meet with the parents. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408541 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 22:47:58 +0000 unfrumped 1408541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would just assume that this type of specialty dressing does not apply to the staff who are working with patients or any other serious endeavor. I think it's fine to have different "spirit" activities and would not want to hinder those who feel it is appropriate to their work-type. So I think the approach is to dress for your professional duties, &nbsp;and I'd not even worry a minute about when and how to add something--I mean that as, not worry. If it's convenient and you are happy to wear the necklace or similar later, great. On many days &nbsp;I don't have spare brain cells for that. Then I'd just interact collegially and compliment folks on their garb and plead that I had (patients, clients) today or whatever, &nbsp;but maybe next year!&nbsp; </p> <p>I do get grumpy at plans for garb such as "ugly sweater" which is quite a bit more fraught those pink or red days, which&nbsp;are not so linked with being ironic, offensive&nbsp;or even looking like you don't know how to dress. In our hospitals, sure, there are people wearing reindeer headbands and Santa hats now, and&nbsp;there are &nbsp;witch hats in October, and scrubs with all sorts of holiday themes, &nbsp;and I enjoy them and &nbsp;compliment them, but thankfully no one is trying to declare that everyone in all areas should wear one type of thing without regard for the type of work and the people with whom we are interacting.</p> <p>It may be harder in workplaces in which a lot of people are not in your situation that day and not as aware of the types of concerns, and are just thinking more business-casual-fun. So I'm sure they have the best intentions.</p> <p>Bah! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408509 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 21:44:42 +0000 Niki Lea 1408509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about wearing some kind of temporary holiday-themed pin that was "ugly" but could be removed prior to your meeting? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408505 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 21:35:59 +0000 retailgirl 1408505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd dress in a holiday color or add a pin or scarf but I wouldn't wear an ugly sweater. Where I work, we can wear jeans and sneakers on Fridays, but I never do because, number one, I don't like jeans and have none that are appropriate for work. And number two, I have a large wardrobe of nice clothes that I like to wear! I'm not going to spend money on something " ugly" or wear something ugly! So give a nod to the season but be true to your own esthetic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408502 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 21:30:02 +0000 Helena 1408502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to reply, but then Laurinda said everything I was thinking, so I'll just second her comment! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408495 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 21:15:39 +0000 Laurinda 1408495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a fan of 'Ugly Sweater' anything. The whole concept seems so judgmental... sweaters I think are pretty (or even sweet) are deemed 'Ugly'.&nbsp; As Texstyle suggested, to be a good sport I would wear a sweater in a holiday color (Red, Green or Blue depending) and add an over-the-top accessory, preferably from the dollar store. Pin on an Xmas ornament, or use a tinsel garland, sparkly ribbon or battery-operated LED lights as a boa/necklace. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408412 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:42:53 +0000 rachylou 1408412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugly sweater or ugly <i>holiday</i> sweater? </p> <p>If my doctor suddenly had a personality miracle and wore a giant-snowman sweater, I'd kiss the ground and praise god.</p> <p>Just an ugly sweater... meh.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408401 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:34:26 +0000 Sara L. 1408401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with others to wear what you normally wear and then change afterwards. My local thrift store was swimming in ugly sweaters a few weeks ago. You might try that for a cheap sweater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408369 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:51:56 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1408369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am pretty much of a curmudgeon about wearing costumes to work. I dislike it and play along to the minimum when I have to. (Like when our company provides us with referee shirts on Super Bowl Sunday.) So I would bring a sweater to put on for the part of the day that I was going to be hanging out with coworkers. Make it a cardigan, and better yet, a cardigan vest, and it will be easier. You could wear it over a normal pullover that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408343 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:31:07 +0000 Suz 1408343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually coming back to say....I have been in the position of the parents. And while I&nbsp;would <i><b>accept</b></i> a doctor wearing this if I saw that everyone else was also doing so, it might raise a few doubts.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am also in agreement with Peri, that if it is a first appointment and this child/ teen needs treatment, then showing the family&nbsp;that you are kind, smart, and understanding and will <b>SEE</b> their child is the absolute top priority, however you do that.&nbsp;</p> <p>There is something in particular here. It's not just that it's a seasonal sweater. That would be one thing. It's that it is an <b>UGLY</b> sweater -- in other words, the idea is to be ironic.&nbsp;</p> <p>When parents and kids are desperate, it doesn't seem like an ironic tone is the one you want to convey.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408287 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:20:43 +0000 Peri 1408287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely would not. Think about the state of mind that parents would be in&nbsp;bringing in their child for any health evaluation and did I just read you work in psychiatric care? Those parents are scared and desperate...not looking for laughs and not at a time in their lives where their sense of humor is operating and intact.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe for people you knew already, but for first meeting it would not be at all appreciated. I agree with the strategy to wear what you would normally, and decorate in some small way after this appointment. Maybe borrow or buy some cheap,&nbsp;tacky Christmas jewelry.</p> <p>And blessings to you for doing such difficult work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408260 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:43:37 +0000 Elly 1408260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both my most frequently seen doctors wear Ugly Sweaters regularly in a non-ironic way. I don't think it would color anyone's opinion either way-- generally anyone who works with children gets a pass to have characters on their clothing.&nbsp;The day the one showed up in bike shorts was weird though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408256 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:38:24 +0000 Angie 1408256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the idea of bringing stuff along, but wearing what you normally wear for the appointments.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408250 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:31:22 +0000 texstyle 1408250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I posted about the "ugly sweater" to a party (not work related) and enjoyed all the varied replies. <br /><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-i-go-to-an-ugly-christmas-sweater-party-and-not-wear-one" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....t-wear-one</a></p> <p>I would not buy a special sweater in your case but maybe wear a Christmas color sweater if you have one and maybe buy something very inexpensive and "fun" to add to that like the light up Christmas necklace to add to your outfit during the times when you are not meeting with others professionally. I also have a hard time with silly "team building" things like that and though I don't mind others doing it if they enjoy it, I DO mind people trying to chide those who don't participate. I don't like anyone pushing anything (food, drink, activity) on others who don't choose to partake.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408240 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:15:48 +0000 Diana 1408240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I wouldn't participate at all. For many reasons - not professional, waste of money, feel like an idiot, etc. and I admit to a bias against silly "team building" exercises and stuff. What's wrong with just going out and having a nice lunch or a drink like adults if you want to do something as a group? </p> <p>But, if unlike me, you enjoy participating in these things, I would definitely change to meet patients. Wear an ugly cardigan and swap for a normal one or a blazer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408228 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:58:04 +0000 jackiec 1408228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, no, I wouldn't do it. I think it's more important to appear professional. But sure, bring some fun accessories, or if you can borrow a sweater maybe pop it on before or after the interview. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408224 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:52:41 +0000 Anonymous 1408224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have firm opinions on professionals of your sort dressing up for silly occasions . &nbsp;I think it's , well, silly. &nbsp;Calgary Stampede here in Canada is one of the ones that bugs me the most. I do not want to see bankers, doctors, well, anyone for that matter, dressed in gear and hats during the workday. &nbsp;In your case, even more so. &nbsp;To me it makes it look like "you" have half your mind on the fun events at work and not as much on me the client or patient. I know I'm fairly critical of things like this so I may be overreacting. But - it's my opinion and I'm sticking to it:) &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408222 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:51:29 +0000 Suz 1408222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with those who say to wear your normal clothes to the interview and bring some funny accessories for the party. Either a holiday themed tee, tuque, or scarf, or maybe necklace.&nbsp;</p> <p>OTOH, if you think it might lighten the mood (in an appropriate way) and be a good conversation starter -- and you don't MIND wearing an ugly sweater -- then go for it. Personally, I am never good at wearing items like that because I always feel like an idiot and hate wasting money on them. But people differ and obviously many people love this!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408221 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:51:17 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1408221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My rule of thumb on these days is that it has to work for my schedule that day or I don't participate. &nbsp;If I have a meeting with an external party on a casual day, I dress appropriately for the meeting. &nbsp;Extra curricular comes second to professionalism for me. &nbsp;I believe most people would understand and accept that work comes first. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ugly-sweater-etiquette#post-1408136 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 12:32:29 +0000 E 1408136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I personally wouldn't buy a sweater for just one day. Maybe throw on a Christmas-y brooch or something?</p> <p>If I were a new patient, as long as everyone in the clinic was wearing similar sweaters, I'd figure it was a theme and ignore it. But if I only saw a doctor, I'd wonder if they were a bit out of touch and if they had kept up with changes in their med specialty, to be brutally honest. Of course the subsequent convo would sort that out! Just talking about first impressions. </p>