OMG, I can relate. I was a forester for many years and struggled with this same thing. On top of being young for my position and being asked if I was the summer intern, ah - no I am in charge here. I never looked fashionable, no where close. I did always were my good (newish) carharts, tucked in flannel shirts, puffy vests for when it was cold, hair clean and pulled back. The field could be very dirty, very difficult terrain, not a place for anything delicate - not even my favorite weekend outdoor gear. A lot of the guys looked like bums. Ripped clothes, very dirty, etc. The nature of the work would do this to clothes but it bothered me that some did not now when to move on to something new. I always felt that it was not very reflective of their titles, education, now-how and did not command respect from outsiders who did not understand what we did. I didn't read everyone's response but I think you should own what you are doing and dress the part. I love MaryK suggestion to go the full Indiana Jones look. There is a reason why Indie had all those pockets. I know because my cruiser vest had many and I rocked it.
