Adapting to a work uniform - YouLookFab Forum

My new job has a uniform, but if you are casual like me, you can just wear the right colours (grey or dark blue on bottom, white, teal blue or pistachio on top - not that you'll catch me wearing pistachio) I have been experimenting with items I already had in my wardrobe in those colours, though haven't got to taking any pictures yet.

I have also had three uniform tops given to me that were left behind by a previous staff member. I am not sold on the fit and am thinking of taking them in.

These photos show one of the tops untucked, tucked, in and then with my own waistcoat layer over the top (which is WIW today in fact). I really didn't like the first two and I don't feel tucking looks good because the skirt is loose around the waistband.
I did like the waistcoat solution.

Your comments are welcome, especially as to whether I should take in the top so it is less boxy a fit.

ps I have edited the photos slightly to obscure my work logo.
pps DD9 who took the photos thought it would be fun to take them in front of a fan so my hair was blowing about!

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13 years ago

carolbee

Veteran

Certainly #3 looks good. I don't mind #2 either, its not obvious in the photo that the skirt band is loose. Agree that #1 is not very flattering, too shapeless.

RoseandJoan

I think it is the sleeves which are a little off, could you try neatly folding the sleeves over a couple of times?

I do very much like the waistcoat for work.

anne

Jules do you mean to shorten the sleeves by sewing or just folding them up?

Anonymous

I think altering the sleeves would be a good change, and maybe putting darts in at the waist? I really like your waistcoat solution

I would fold first and stitch if you notice an improvement.

Thanks Jules
Thanks Ceit. The blouse already has darts back and front (from which I gather that it isn't supposed to be boxy) I could take them in a bit more, and/or the side seams.

Day Vies

I agree take the top in or tuck it -- it is boxy. I really like #2 where you tuck the shirt in. I actually kind of like the waist coat in isolation. I have to think on it some more before I make suggestions on the waist coat.

Suz

(website)

I like it with the waiscoat - and wow - you are lucky that you look so good in that blue!

Since you sew, you can probably try adjusting the blouse. In the photos it doesn't look bad tucked at all, actually.

Adelfa

Oh, I was going to say, "Lucky you look pretty cute in the color of blue" but Suz beat me to it!

Becky

That blue does look quite nice on you. Agree that #1 is too boxy and unflattering. I would like to see you take in the darts a bit. Your combo in #3 looks smashing. I actually don't mind the look in #2. I wonder if you could wear a wide belt over it to make it look more snug and intentional?

rute

I prefer 2 and 3!

rachylou

I agree with all your observations, Anne. But you still look cute

Thanks everyone. And Hello Becky!!!! Seems like there is consensus on trying to adjust it a little and I will also try tucking with a belt!

Thanks for all the compliments on blue - I do enjoying wearing blue myself!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You look adorable in your uniform

I prefer #2 and #3 too, and agree that a sleeve alteration - shorter and more tapered - is the way to go.

Thanks Angie!

I am pleased I didn't cull this waistcoat. I bought it in my early time at YLF to wear with graphic tees but I hadn't worn it much recently. The uniform proper included a blue waistcoat, so I'm not too far off.

Lyn D.

I like what you have done with the waistcoat Anne.
Are you required to wear closed-toe footwear at work?
If so pants might be easier to style, and a narrow cut will enable you to wear the (altered) shirt untucked if you desire.

Hi Lyn, Closed shoes aren't a requirement, and I have mostly been wearing sandals.

I have one pair of dress pants but they don't seem to look very good with any of my tops. Finding pants is not easy for me and I have only bought one pair in the last 10 years!!

Deborah

Anne 2 & 3 look good. The shirt colour looks lovely on you and the waist coat creates a lovely shape. Agree Re alterations to the sleeve of you can.

ManidipaM

Good adapting. I really like the waistcoat idea --- clever! --- even though I don't see a problem with #2 either, at least not in the photo.

I'd not have thought of it myself, I don't think, but I can see an altered sleeve is likely to me much more flattering.

As uniforms go, your options sound good. I like 2 & 3 best and wonder if taking in the waistband on the skirt would help. Reshaping the sleeves will make a big difference .

pil

How fortunate that the work blue is such a nice color on you - and you have supermodel hair : )

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