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Dressing for the professional outdoorswoman?

MuseumGal

Veteran

Anybody out there have a career that requires you to get physically dirty and still maintain a level of professionalism? I mean things like field biology, geology, archaeology, landscaping, civil engineering, and certainly many others. If so, how do you dress? Do you worry about looking professional, or do you just wear your gear and the heck with it?

Every time I go into the the field I struggle with what to wear. At first I wore really grungy clothes - old things with holes and stains and without a care how they fit. Lately, I feel like it's important to at least wear clothing that fits and doesn't make me feel totally disgusting.

I spent the weekend on an archaeological dig. Wore the same grey pants both days and this LS T shirt in grey one day and blue another day. I was happy with this, but it was easy because it wasn't eighty bazillion degrees like it usually is (field work tends to happen in high summer).

I'd love to hear from anyone else who has this kind of issue/career how they handle their outdoor sartorial issues.

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Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

MsMary

Veteran

OMG, if I were an archeologist, I would go Full Indiana Jones! Seriously! I would go to REI or someplace similar and fit myself out in stain resistant, washable, quick-drying, sun-screening, lots-of-pockets cargo pants and safari jackets in olive or khaki or gray or black, whichever looked best on me, and wear them with tanks in hot weather and fabulous button front shirts in cold weather, layered with sweaters/sweatshirts as needed. And awesome, awesome boots.

I mean, it's your workplace and you deserve to have great clothes in which you look and feel great! (Not that you don't look great in the photo -- I think you look adorable!)

And, of course, I would buy myself the Most Fab Hat Ever to keep the sun off.

ETA: Basically, this.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look great on your dig!!

Check out Ceit's posts! She does similar work to yours. She can probably link you to some of her fieldwork posts. She goes for practicality way more than fashion on those days! But even her practical work clothes have a bit of flair.

Although not identical, I'd class childcare workers, animal care workers and the like in a similar category.

In your case, I agree -- you almost need a gearish "uniform" to do this work.

Adelfa

Veteran

When I went to Costa Rica I wore wash-and-wear dresses and felt happy in them, but all the other tourists were in the most amazing gear as MaryK describes. It even comes in non-neutrals. So yeah, check it out.

sarah

Veteran

Yep, I'm a field biologist, although mostly the people who work for me and my grad students get out to the field these days, LOL, and I sit in my office at my computer ; ).

BUT, I totally get what you're asking. I've taken to wearing skinny jeans or cargo pants along with button down shirts - chambray or some older GAP button downs that I've relegated to being "field shirts" so I don't mind if they get stained. If I need another layer, I add a cami under the field shirt, but if I really need to be warm, I'm all for the fleece and raingear.

I'm not sure it's the perfect solution, but it works, and it keeps off the bugs and sun.

deb

Veteran

I have never thought about this before but I like MaryK's answer. I would definitely have a very cool hat.

froggiebecky

Veteran

I do this work sometimes (3-4 days on a regular basis). My field work is in a tropical rainforest in Australia. My work requires lugging gas bottles, scrambling over/around trucks, lifting/carrying instruments (sometimes), and detail work. I get dirty, and sweaty, but I'm not digging in the sun.

I usually wear what might be the equivalent of "gardening/yardwork clothes". There's no major rips, but there may be stains/ground in dirt, and the fit isn't spectacular. it's the rainforest, so it's shorts, tees, and hiking boots for me. Everyone usually showers before dinner, so I'll bring a change of clothes for that--linen trousers, more modern tees, and sandals. This also doubles for travel days when I'm on an airplane.

I'm in a bit of a battle with the lab manager. He's convinced that this dress code is dangerous, and wants me in long sleeves/long pants all the time (he's convinced I will catch dengue fever or another mosquito-borne illness). I figure the locals wear shorts and tees all the time and I haven't heard of any cases, so I'm probably OK.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

You look great MG but I know what you mean about working in the heat. My daughter is an archaeologist; in the hot weather she wears linen shirts with long sleeves, roll them up or leave them down for more protection from the sun, & light cotton cargoes or similar. She also has a great hat & boots. I think the main thing is fit & wash-ability.

Gracie

Veteran

I think that your caring about how you look in the field is great. You look fab in your photo. I have a friend in one of the fields you mention. The thought of looking presentable just doesn't cross her mind. She's very intelligent and highly competent in her field, but I think her image hurts her credibility among her peers. I love her and don't try to change her. Well, a few years ago, I insisted she borrow one of my 3" heels for an event, I even got her to apply a little bit of make-up. She looked fab and received compliments. She ended up at the Chiropractor the next day because the heels hurt her feet and ankles! That was my last sartorial suggestion to her.

Grey Rainbow

Hi MuseumGal,
I love your question! I take groups of students on immersion trips several times a year. Living out of a suitcase. Grubby working and living conditions mixed with urban settings. No laundry facilities for long stretches of time, challenging temps, and a definite need to look professional at occasions raining from banquets with local government to corporate office visits. After years of this I've found that two pairs of black tech fabric bootcut pants are all I really need for bottoms. Like this Prana version: http://vip.zappos.com/prana-ha.....dark-khaki. My current faves are a Royal Robbins; all the outdoor outfitters do a version. Lole, Merrel, TNF, REI... I do black because I'm with Deborah: favorite color. And to me it dresses up most easily. The key for me: nylon/spandex fabric (supplex is even better if you can find it). No cargo pockets or hidden ones. Structured waist band. Bootcut is most flattering for me, and flexible. I never use the convertible features some models offer but ymmv. Wash one in the sink, wear the other. Linen tees, my favorites are Eileen Fisher because they are indestructible and wash easily in the sink. Black, white, grey, and a stripe or two. Add two long sleeve button front tech shirts, nylon/spandex, for environmental protection in the field. Loose fit with mesh cape for sweat, cargo pockets, wear them oversized and feel like Indiana Jones. Wear one, wash one. Add two merino LS tees for layering as climate demands. To dress up add one black or grey cardigan, drapey linen EF for hot weather, any merino you like for cold conditions. Serious boots for walking and planting trees and clearing brush etc., and a pair of black flats for dressier occasions (mine are Ecco Mary Janes, unobtrusive and pass for business and dress up). The coolest hat you can find, as Mary K said, and scarves for color and air filter when needed. Buy them locally. I'd wear old jeans and chambray shirts in the field like Sarah, if I could carry a larger assortment of things. Jeans and cottons don't wash and dry well in these conditions.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Wow, no advice but I love this picture! And GR your job sounds fascinating.

Isabel

Veteran

OMG ! I LOVE the picture of you.

What MaryK said. Absolutely. I love gear. Love.it. There are so many great things today. Uber lightweight clothes that also have UPF ( SPF ) and wear well and wash well and look great.

I love Grey Rainbow's mention of P'rana.

BTW, I am not a field anything....but I am a SAHM who is out in the "fields" a whole lot with my kids. Does that count ? LOL

MsMary

Veteran

And also? In my next life my job title is totally going to be "Professional Outdoorswoman!!" I spent most of my childhood wanting to be an archaeologist, so you are living my dream!

Phatgranny

I concur with Mary K. -- she definitely has the formula for an appropriate, comfortable and oh-so chic workplace outfit. You will be stunning (I hope your coworkers can keep their minds on their tasks at hand . . .)

Debra

Veteran

I too am on board with Mary K's advice........Indiana Jones :).....and a whip

Anonymous

My hat is essential! I also try to layer and wear long sleeved linen shirts that I can roll up in the summer. I have gotten so many bad burns that I am paranoid about covering up.

I did three seasons in Greece, which was actually the best in terms of climate. Super hot but almost no humidity. The worst thing there was scrambling through thorny maquis all day.

Nowadays, I do my work in Ontario.
I wear jeans and steel toes if I am going to not get wet or am doing 1x1s or shovel testing, but if I am excavating burials I go for a pair of zip-off light technical pants because I usually end up barefooted trying to balance over the feature and flexibility is key then!

When I have been out in the fall/early winter, it's all about warmth. Long johns, trousers, over trousers of waterproof breathable fabric, boots, various woollen layers on top and a windbreaker shell and then a down parka on top. Oh, and fingerless wool hunting gloves. That way if I am digging I can strip down for high output, but when I am sitting in the freezing cold or rain documenting a burial while my hands freeze solid I need passive warmth. I still remember late October 2010 as being particularly miserable.

I don't know about you, but if I wore full on movie arch gear, you'd be teased mercilessly. I help out with annual field schools in addition to my professional work and it is always interesting to see the first few days how people show up to work. Usually skimpy tank tops but their first giant burn usually dissuades them after. I know they look at me all swaddled up brandishing a bottle of suncsreen and think I am being ridiculous

I'll see if I can find some photos.

VernieJane

Yes, I love the first reply about going full on Indiana Jones: you need just a couple of pairs of functional yet well fitting trousers, and technical wear such as quick drying, moisture-wicking, whatever... Linen shirts that fit well, maybe a dark blue one, khaki, and white...3 would do. Good quality tank tops to go underneath, and of course an amazing hat. I think its important in any field to "look the part" so to speak, in a Professional manner. Like, if you were to be portrayed in a film doing your job, how would you want to look? Some great boots are key here too, maybe even Wellies with a cute pattern or bright colour, for when its not swelteringly hot outside--for Autumn, Winter and Spring in the mud. Great thread, good luck!

Alassë

Veteran

I second the suggestion of gear in flattering colors & fits. You look great!

Aziraphale

Veteran

What MaryK says. You need an Indiana Jones hat. And maybe a bullwhip..?
hahahaaa

Just kidding. I remember doing fieldwork during my biology degree, and again when I took a year of geology in California, and to be honest, it was in large part the fieldwork in the blazing sun that made me give up on science. Love geology, love biology, hate working in the sun. And working in the rain isn't much better, lol. So I'm not going to be much help. But if I were in your shoes, I'd get some really nice gear in colours you like. Make sure it's comfortable, and have several outfits. Are you in the US? REI would be a good place to start.

MuseumGal

Veteran

Thanks for your suggestions all. It's awesome to find other professional outdoorswomen on the forum! Truthfully, I've got the gear issues down. I'm a long time camper, hiker, gardener, and have been doing various types of field work for over 20 years.

I was more wondering if I was silly/vain/ridiculous for wanting to insert a bit of style and professionalism into the gear, and if anyone else tries to do that for field work?

Also, as Ceit says, if I showed up looking like Indiana Jones, I'd be laughed at. But here's the thing. It struck me at our dig over the weekend that there was no way to distinguish professor from grad student from undergrad from volunteer. (Maybe this is a good thing?) Age is no help - I'm frequently the oldest person on a dig by several years and I'm still a grad student. We often have press stopping by too (e.g. http://swtimes.com/features/ar.....iro-mounds - the guy in the pic is a PhD and our PI.) and I don't want to show up in the paper or on the local news with my boobs hanging out of my tank top (a popular look with other students) or in the ripped and stained pants and oversize men's workshirts I've sometimes worn. I'd even like to look somewhat professional and stylish, gasp!

Beth Ann

Veteran

What a fascinating thread, and a reminder that not every work situation requires a pencil skirt! Please post what you come up with!

Neha

(website)

I did an internship in an oil company (in the field) and that required us to wear coveralls, complete with hardhats and safety boots. It was strangely liberating not to have to worry about what to wear to work. It got a little annoying later, but that gave me a reason to really dress up on weekends.

Anonymous

I think that is part of the nature of the work though, our PI is often the most casually dressed on site! I think just having nice button downs and a scarf or whatever makes one look presentable without getting into costume or being too fussy.

There is a benefit to being anonymous -- I remember during my time in Greece, we sometimes had journalists show up, certain they were onto some exciting tale of excavating a pirate castle. We took them out on survey and they would ditch us after 30 min to an hour, saying how boring our job was

(And squee! Spiro Mounds! I did my MA on a Middle Woodland burial mound from Ontario)

MsMary

Veteran

Okay, I want to change my answer slightly.

After thinking about it some more and reading the replies, I guess by "Full Indiana Jones," what I really mean is what Grey Rainbow described -- clothes that are specifically designed for working hard outdoors, with lots of pockets, etc., in modern fabrics and your favorite colors (mine would be olive and white and navy, I think). And scarves, and the most awesome hat and boots you can find.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Faith

Oh, Ceit, your observation about first timers is too funny. I spent the summer of a famous heatwave in Greece, not digging myself but at lots of digs, and I definitely showed up with an ill-chosen wardrobe. It was informed in part by bad advice from a local friend and in part from the mis-application of my previous experience in more urban environments and in a different country. Once I managed to acquire the bare bones of a field wardrobe locally, however, I was left with lots of lovely linen things to wear to dinner! That field capsule was bought in Greece and it stayed in Greece, however, nothing that I wore in the sun that summer was fit for human use 8 weeks later!

I've been in something closer to Grey Rainbow's position more recently, however, and in that situation I follow something similar to her formula. I have always made it a point to be explicit with students about what will constitute appropriate dress for both climate *and* culture, however, despite the sometimes-dismissive attitude of some PIs that they're adults who ought to be able to dress themselves.

I also like MaryK's revised advice, although I think I got your intent from the original post as well. By "full on Indian Jones," I understood not "Bullwhip!" but, "Lots of cargo pockets!" Indeed, I still think admiringly of a girl from Colorado I knew that infamous summer in Greece, who regularly wore a pair of zip-off steel grey cargo pants that were *just exactly the thing*. Although the prize for most prepared probably should have gone to the girl who brought 30 bandanas. Luckily, with nightly washing and drying, that was more than enough to share.

Anonymous

Here are some photos if anyone is interested. Certainly not high style

1, 3, 4 - Greece (2006, 2006, 2005)
2, 5 - Ontario (late October 2010 and 2004)

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Atlantia

Veteran

This has been an awesome thread to read! I don't think its vain or silly at all! I'm required to wear logo tshirts/fleeces, so I understand about wanting to add a bit of individuality, too.
I'm classed in the dirty professional INDOORSwomen a lot of times. I have two dress codes: full suit for office days, and playroom attire for when I'm with the dogs.
I totally get what you're saying about having something that makes you feel polished even when you're covered in...well, in my case, better not to think about it. For me: shoes! I have a pair of supportive, sturdy, and really pretty loafers. They're perfect for working with the dogs, polish up to a nice shine, (so when I do support visits I don't look like a shlump) and they help me feel a bit more professional compared to sneakers.
I hope you can find your one thing that'll help you feel polished and put together.

MuseumGal

Veteran

Ceit, you are too cute in Pic 4! And yup, this is about what I look like in the field - well minus the parka, it's usually over 100F when I'm doing field work. (My M.A. thesis and Dis are Woodland burial mounds - Fourche Maline is the regional OK focus.)

Ha, MaryK, I got what you meant! What I really want to look like is Tia Carrerre (sp?) in Relic Hunter, complete with totally impractical but a$$-kicking knee high, high heeled wedge suede boots, cleavage baring tank tops and lacy bras, and cute little leather thong around my neck with my long hair flowing in the breeze ...

You have all offered excellent advice and support and I very much appreciate it all. So glad I finally joined!

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Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I used to work in a lab, which isn't the same as outdoor fieldwork, but did require closed-toe shoes, pulled back hair, safety glasses and a lab coat when you were working, etc. It's been years so I can't remember if skirts were OK but I think long pants were required. Maybe skirts and tights were OK. My main problem at the time was that I wanted to wear necklaces and scarves and such and that was totally out of the question, because they would have been a safety hazard. Nowadays I'd have to equip myself with some closed-neckline tops because I've got so many v-necks and scoop necks (which look much better on me) and very few to-the-neck things.

Seems like I used to read the wardrobe blog of a lady who had similar restrictions, but I can't remember the name of it right now.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

A bit of institutional logo wear is never a bad idea when you are interacting with the public. Especially if there are photo ops.

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