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Thoughts on wearing a uniform

Helena

Veteran

Not sure if I am missing etiquette on sharing links; if so, someone please correct me!

Not sure what I love more, the sentiment of this article on wearing a uniform, or the fact that J. Crew was willing to put it on their website (given it doesn't encourage much shopping!).

This is where I want to be (most days - anyone who's seen my post knows I have color fits sometimes) and why the Gryffins and Deborahs of the world continue to be my inspiration (not that they have a uniform necessarily, but a very defined style)! Uniform dressing is of course not for everyone (and thank goodness, what a bore if it was), but she articulated very well why it's so appealing to me - especially the part about how her uniform magically transforms to fit the environment she's in.

Love to hear your thoughts - the yays and the nays.

http://hello.jcrew.com/2014-10-oct/alice-gregory

53 replies

Latest reply was from cjh

Tanya

Veteran

Great article, thank you for sharing!
I would personally be bored to death wearing the same thing all the time. I crave variety and change. But I like having a few personal uniforms to fall onto when in a hurry. That is why I like the idea of Angie's FFBOs.
Her uniform is something that I wear quite often myself, but again, usually when I am too busy to devote energy to come up with am appropriate outfit.

Sadie

Several years ago I decided to adopt a uniform of sorts- for me it is jeans and usually some kind of plain top (knit shirt/sweater, +/1 cardigan, +/- scarf). Makes getting dressed easy, esp when I am stressed re meetings, project due dates, etc. Knowing my clothes work for me takes the pressure off in that area and allows me to focus on the real task at hand.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Funny, but I was just about to type a post about this, only mine was a long rambling on the subject.

A part of me finds "uniform dressing" extremely appealing. And I am actively toying with the idea of devising a kind of uniform for most occasions. Or at any rate, a "signature style" (which might involve a uniform and might not -- they aren't identical.)

Having said that, a uniform doesn't have to be as restrictive as Alice Gregory's. It can be anything from her "same thing every day" to gryffin's or EA's "same silhouette most days in the same colours (or neutrals)" to something even more flexible.

And even if it is quite restrictive it doesn't necessarily have the benefits that Alive Gregory claims for it; she's a bit inconsistent in saying that it saves you from constant buying a few paragraphs after her loving description of the "hundreds" of striped shirts in her style icon's wardrobe!

I personally would go completely mad, living in grey Brooklyn, wearing nothing but a black turtleneck and dark jeans all winter, with two neutral coats. The very thought of it makes me crave a sunny vacation in a tropical place filled with lush flowers. Which would probably set me back more than a few colourful sweaters, coats, and/or scarves. But to each her own and vive la difference!

Anonymous

A uniform is not for me. I'd go completely nutso. A signature silouette and color palette, yes, but not a uniform. Alice's uniform strips all the joy out of wearing clothes, IMO. It's too restrictive for me.

Anonymous

I am developing a signature style. Some people might consider it to be a uniform, but I don't because in my mind the signature is loosely defined. Still it is a great way to get dressed every day. Easy. Fast. And it works.

Marilyn

Veteran

Good read! While I don't wear the same thing every day I do have a uniform of sorts. Sometimes a bit more casual, sometimes a bit more dressy. I'm a creature of habit. I like continuity. I gravitate towards certain items because I feel good in them so if it's not broken, why try to fix it.

"visible symptoms of experience"......love this view of aging. It's kind of how I see my pregnancy stretchmarks.....a mom badge.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I sort of get it, but need at least some variety myself. I would wonder if the person washed her clothes enough if I saw them wear the same outfit every day. Can't help it, I've been around those people who don't. I know it's all social norms and stuff, but for me, that's not something I would want to project.

If jeans count as a uniform then I might be 2/3 of the way there since I wear them (or a shorts version of them) most days of the year. But I don't wear the same style of jean every day, or the same wash.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Perhaps you can include it in this week's link love, TG?

Windchime

Veteran

Wow, I would really have to get used to this idea. I can't imagine wearing the same shirt and jeans every day, if I had a choice about it. I think I would be perplexed if someone I knew always wore exactly the same thing every time I saw her. I do see the value of wearing the same silhouette and style, if something works especially well on someone.

I also have to broaden my idea of "uniform." In high school and college, I worked in the kitchen of a nursing home. We had to wear uniforms--bright yellow polyester knit pants and smock tops. It was something I couldn't wait to take off when I got home after work. Because of that, I have an immediate negative reaction to the idea of wearing a uniform.

Helena

Veteran

Thanks everyone for your thoughts - always love reading everyone's different takes; it's very mind-opening for me.

Tanya, great point that the FFBO concept is akin to uniform dressing without the restrictiveness.

Sadie, that's sort of how I feel - I go through phases of more or less restricted style choices; it's fun to branch out but I quickly find it very distracting. I hope you will share some pictures of your uniform looks!

Suz, I like your "tiered" description of possible uniforms ... and vive la difference indeed! Neutral me buys something hot pink as soon as spring starts approaching ... as if the bright color will somehow push the last of the winter blahs away!

bettycrocker, that is interesting, and uniform dressing is not for you, for sure! For me, I'm the opposite - too MUCH choice strips the joy away, as it becomes an exercise in over-thought rather than fun. Again, vive la difference!

Sterling and Marilyn, I look forward to learning more about your uniforms through your forum posts. Marilyn, I love that - reminds me of Jennifer Garner when everyone was speculating on her new "baby bump" - she said, yep, that's a baby bump because I've had 3 babies, and it's not going anywhere! My baby bump is 8 years old (with an addition to the real estate 6 years ago) and I'm learning to wear it with pride!

texstyle, that's a good point - like the Seinfeld episode where Jerry's girlfriend wore the same dress everytime. Did she wash? Was she a superhero? Who knew??

Angie, I'll look our for that, thanks!

Helena

Veteran

Windchime, we cross-posted - I can see the negative connotations of uniform. Funny enough, I remember my Catholic school days - I hated 'civies days' when we could wear regular clothes. Too much pressure and thought! I loved my navy v-neck and white shirt and blue kilt ... sooooooo much easier.

Thistle

Veteran

I feel like I have fallen into a uniform lately for good, bad or other. It is fast and easy during my hectic mornings, but not very exciting, I fear.

catseye

Veteran

I have always loved the idea of having a uniform.

But I do wonder whether it is more for the famous and powerful. Obama has famously said he restricted his shirts to gray and blue after he became president, so that he never had to think what to wear. And Steve Jobs, and Mark Zukerberg, etc. For the rest of us, there is too much fun in shopping and fashion to do this.

It may work for the creative beautiful type such as this writer who probably has many other channels for her creativity.

I have eliminated many categories of fashion and beauty. I almost never were skirt and dress (think maybe once in several years). But I cannot think of one uniform I want to commit.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I would hate having a uniform. So boring. FFBOs yes, but otherwise, the uniform would suck a little joy out of my life every day.

Helena

Veteran

I love all the different takes here ... Thistle, I think that is pretty natural given you've got little ones ... I wore yoga pants and a white zip-up for 6 months, I'm sure, after my second was born! Catseye, certainly if dressing is a creative outlet, a uniform would make little sense at all (unless I suppose you saw it as a challenge, e.g. to change it up with only accessories, or something); however, I personally don't connect with dressing as a creative outlet, certainly not often anyways, in which case, a uniform makes a lot of sense. I don't think I could wear the exact same thing a la Steve Jobs every day, btw, but something a little broader, say black tops and jeans, I could probably wear for months (and probably have, actually!). Ummlila, there is no point in doing anything joy-sucking imo ... although again, for some, a uniform can UP the joy factor, by eliminating a stress or distraction.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I would be bored by wearing the same thing every day, though I do see the virtues in having fewer choices (and less indecision). I wore a uniform to work for many years in the Army, and I really enjoyed it. In fact, the uniform was admittedly part of the draw for me, I'm sure. I loved how the uniform had function and meaning behind its design, color, and insignia. And despite wearing a uniform daily, I did go through a bit of decision each day as to which one of the same uniform to wear. They fit slightly differently, were at different stages of wear or fading, some were different sizes (there never seemed to be more than one or two of something available in my size when I wanted to buy it!), and I had different pairs of boots or shoes to choose from--all of which could contribute to a slightly different look or feel! So I did feel I had options. And part of what I enjoyed about wearing a uniform to work was that I could focus my non-uniform shopping on play clothes! Hmmm--I guess I've always enjoyed variety.

rachylou

Veteran

I really liked this piece. Beautifully articulated, pleasant to read. Being delusional, I believe I have a uniform... that is, I feel I have a few formulas I do most of the time. Of course, I have no evidence of this.

On the other hand, I think Alice is a teensy bit delusional herself on the magic of her uniform. I don't see that it transforms to fit all those environments. I know her uniform - and love it actually - but it waves a rather colonialist flag. She's taking her worldview with her wherever she goes, albeit her worldview is a schooled one.

MsMary

Veteran

The black turtleneck and jeans leave me cold, but OMG I want to be the friend's mom with the huge collection of striped shirts!! That sounds like a super fun uniform!

Honestly I feel like I have, if not a uniform, then at least a very well defined signature look: Pumps, pencil skirt or pants, top, blazer or cardi. Lather, rinse, repeat, at least 3-4 days a week at work. I'm even closer to having a uniform on the weekends: Boyfriend jeans, comfy knit top (tee or sweater, depending on the season), fun shoes, GO!

I know you all are going to laugh but psychologically I really do feel like I wear variations on the same thing most days.

jackiec

Veteran

Great article - thanks for sharing

In the grand scheme of things, I suppose I wear a sort of uniform. Basically a denim paired with a knit. Or a woven.... I do like a little bit of variety with respect to colour & silhouette, so I don't think I could do so strict of a regime. I do, however, see the merits.

Gaylene

Veteran

It's interesting to read the reasons everyone has given for not liking the "uniform" approach to dressing discussed in the article, and, until recently, I might have agreed with the thumbs down side. Drastically downsizing my closet, though, made me realize I did unwittingly create a "uniform" once I edited out anything that didn't meet my high standards of fit, comfort, versatility, and high happiness factor. My Fall/Winter "uniform" consisted of pants, boots, layering T-neck, and sweaters topped with a classic outdoor piece like a peacoat, anorak, or trench coat. That's what I've been wearing, day after day, since early Fall, with the only "non-uniform" outfits coming from my dressy capsule for a couple of festive events during the Christmas season. And, I've never felt more in tune with fashion or more fashionably dressed--or less bored with my closet. My variations come wearing boyfriend jeans, Fluevog boots, and an anorak one day and slim pants tucked into tall boots, a turtleneck, and peacoat on the next.

What I've learned from my unintended experience: I like not spending time in my closet trying to figure out what goes with what, yet coming up with outfits that seem to be in tune with my activities and environment. My outfits get noticed, at least judging by the favorable comments I get from women much younger than me, so I figure adopting a uniform doesn't automatically put one into fashion purgatory. Checking out fashion websites and shops has also become more fun once I took away the stress of having to think about replicating what I saw on my body and budget. Having fun with fashion doesn't have to mean constant re-invention and experimenting on my person. And, finally, carefully chosen, well-loved items in our closet don't cause boredom; dissatisfaction has deeper roots and trying for a quick fix by buying a new top is probably the least likely way to solve whatever ails us--despite what marketers and sales people try to tell us.

If what I've achieved is closet nirvana, it was certainly unexpected and unplanned--and mostly took the form of a change in me rather than my closet.

Marilyn

Veteran

Gaylene.....Exactly! I've been slowly working through a closet purge and the results sound similar to your experience. When I look at what's left I see a definite trend forming with colours and styles. The things that I reach for consistently, because I feel good in them and I know they work, are my uniform.

I have enough black tops and jeans that I could wear them every day if I wanted to.....not that I necessarily do that. But with different types and fabrications of tops and a variety of jeans I can change up jewellery, belts, purses, coats, etc. and look different every time.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Well, there's a uniform and there's a uniform, you know? Like, the gal in that link (as well as Steve Jobs, whom we've talked about before) literally wears the exact same thing every day. (Come to think of it, Steve's uniform had the same components as this gal's -- a black turtleneck and jeans. Hmm).

Then there are those who more or less wear a uniform, but there is a bit more flexibility. For example, you might always wear jeans and a black top, but maybe the black top can be a short-sleeve tee, a long-sleeve tee, or a collared shirt. Or maybe you always wear jeans, a tee, and a blazer, but you have different colours. Or maybe you always wear jeans and a short-sleeve tee, but the jeans are of different silhouettes. I'd still call those things 'uniforms'.

As for wearing a uniform myself -- I guess I sort of do. I have two. I have a 'jeans uniform' and a 'skirt uniform'. I like the idea of colour limitations more than silhouette limitations.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Fair or not, I suspect that anyone who wears the exact same thing everyday will be seen as odd. People thought it was strange when Steve Jobs did it, but at that point in his life there were no negative consequences because of who he was. Most of us are not Steve Jobs. And he was a guy, which makes a difference whether we want it to or not.

I agree with rachylou that the blogger's view of how versatile her outfit is self imposed and maybe overstated. I can think of many situations where it wouldn't be appropriate, and many people who would think she's strange. Clearly she doesn't hang out with those people so she's found what works for her at the moment, but to claim it will suit her forever would be specious.

Mita

Wow, I have recently concluded that I need a uniform for work, where I have a perfect time-saving, always appropriate capsule. I think its great to save the variety for the days when one has mental space and real time to play but to have great fall-backs for the rushed mornings. Thanks for the article

Vildy

Veteran

I'm charmed by the idea of wearing a uniform like a cartoon character.
I'd love to know, though, what she wears in New York in July.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Um..she really doesn't hold to her own tenants. She wears it from September to May. Not in the deep of winter, nor in the heat of summer.
And she strikes me as one of those types, particularly prevalent of some in their 20's, who "Have it all figured out" and you should follow her lead.
Not accounting for peoples' differences in life and experience.

I wear a uniform 40 + hours a week, they're called scrubs.

Helena

Veteran

This is so interesting - cool to see how different people read and interpret the same things ... thanks all for chiming in!

Aziraphale, yes, I think you nailed it - as others have mentioned, I think wearing the exact same thing every day would read quirky at best - but having a tight template within which a person works seems very appealing to me.

FWIW, I didn't get a prescriptive tone from her at all; however, having re-read it in the light of everyone's comments, I do see how some of her comments might come across that way. A bit "know it all", in a way.

I do feel she had a fair point about how versatile her uniform is (given what I can glean of her circumstances, a 20-something Brooklynite). I know I've worn the same black turtleneck to both the cottage under a hoodie, and to high-end downtown restaurants with dress pants and heels. However, yes, of course, a uniform as strict as her is not going to work in every circumstance.

Anonymous

I have various combinations, if you will, that work well for me and that I repeat over and over. However, I switch up my boots, my jewelry, the shape of my pants, etc. so that the overall look is not the same. I also have toppers--vests, jackets and cardigans--and belts at my disposal. So you could say I wear a top or blouse, a pair of pants, and boots to work and call it a uniform. Yes, but not in the Steve Jobs sense of the word. But then again, I'm not so busy that I don't have time to think about what I'm going to wear tomorrow. And I have time to do laundry.

shipskitty

Veteran

Interesting link. I don't have a work uniform but I do have a formula which is fitted dress, statement necklace, pumps, cropped cardi or jacket. Sometimes a scarf when it is cooler. Most of my dresses, cardis, jackets and pumps work with each other so it removes most of the decision making. Although sometimes I try on 3 different necklaces before I find the one that matches my mood. The variety comes from the combinations and mostly from the choice of shoe and necklace.

I like Suz's idea of creating a similar formula (or perhaps a couple) for my casual looks (and casual Fridays) for each season. That would help me a lot both in making my capsules coherent and keeping me on the straight and narrow when I shop.

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