Work uniform woes - Can you help me? - YouLookFab Forum

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Work uniform woes - Can you help me?

Helena

Veteran

Hi there,

I recently (in September) started a job in a nursery school. I am enjoying the job but I am NOT enjoying the uniform and dressing requirements! Hoping I can ask your help. The goal is not super-style - I just want to eliminate the frump factor and feel somewhat modern when I'm there - especially as I often have to run out after for lunch or errands.

The uniform:

solid black pants (I've been wearing saturated black skinnies or ON pixie pants) - no yoga or athletic styles allowed
solid top (no denim or chambray) - no patterns
flat, non-slip shoes
I am allowed to wear very limited jewellery - simple earring and necklace, no rings, avoid bracelets

The practical requirements:

washable and low-maintenance; no ironing
inexpensive (items can easily get ruined by rogue bingo-dabber artists; as well, I have to use bleach frequently for cleaning
nothing overly drapey or loose - again, too easy to get dirty/wrecked

So, as you can see, I don't have a lot of latitude and that's fine. But I feel frumptastic in the tailored, bright sweaters I bought - I think it's the bright + black classic pieces combo that feels quite dated. So wondering what you would suggest:

for tops - style and palette - that would look modern and casual, but reasonably neat
for shoes - in the winter, i will need 'indoor shoes' - my pixie pants are cropped; I don't know if I can wear tights under them? The jeans are full-length. I have black street-style sneakers (Nikes), and lace-up short boots that are non-slip; my ballet flats and riding boots are too slippery.

I will shop or shop my closet based on your suggestions!

Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Elle

Veteran

This is a tough dress code.

The pixie pants are probably ideal for your job. What about tops with a bit of structural interest - assymetrical tops, or ones with lace at the yoke or shoulders, ruffles (unless you are allergic to ruffles). Old Navy, Target, and H&M often have reasonably priced and washable tops. Or you could wear all black with bright shoes - like red Keds

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=433496072

Diana

Veteran

Just out of curiosity, why no patterns? I don't mean anything crazy, just like stripes or plaid similar to what Angie blogged about this morning.

I get what you mean about the bright top + black trousers combo being boring and a bit dated. My solution ordinarily would be to wear some pattern on top, maybe something black and white or other neutrals.

What about some knits with some texture? Like cable knit sweaters or other textured stitch patterns. Does that count as pattern?

Another idea might be something like a plain tee or shell with a knit blazer or knit moto over the top.

Helena

Veteran

Ah thanks for saying so!! Thought it should be easy, but no ... thx for the suggestion, I'll look for those. Love the one in the link you sent.

Helena

Veteran

Diana thx for the suggestions ... No idea why no pattern! That is throwing me, I simple all the time buy often use a stripe or scarf to add interest, can't really do either ( I think the kids would have a little too much fun with the scarf!!) A knit jacket might work, I'll try it, thanks!

Sheryl

Perhaps some no-iron tunics on top and/or layering tees underneath cardigans in the length of your choice. For footwear, you may be able to add rubber non-slip soles very inexpensively to your ballet shoes and boots that you already own.

Sal

Veteran

I would choose bright sneakers as a practical and fun option. I almost think with a "uniform" like this you have to view it quite differently than you do a chosen dress code.

I honestly would take about 7 different tops and just rotate them around, and maybe two pairs of shoes. And spend my money on clothes to wear outside work.

In terms of colours, I think all black with bright sneakers, I do like a ruby/garnet red with black too...

It is a shame pattern is now allowed as it is more forgiving of paint or bleach marks!!

JAileen

Veteran

That's a weird uniform. If you can tolerate it, I'd wear a column of black with fun shoes as Sally recommended. Do you wear glasses? That would be another place where you could inject some personality. Or a funky watch. The kids would love that.

crazyone

Veteran

Could you throw on the scarf afterwards, like when you're heading to lunch or errands after the nursery?

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like the shoes don't have to be dressy, right? If not, I'd go for sneakers - slip-ons or lace-up fashion sneakers, in bright colors, retro look or whatever you're into, which not only would be very practical under the circumstances, but add some jazziness to the basic top and pants.

For winter, something like a chino pant might be a full-length equivalent of the pixie pants.

El Cee

Veteran

I love the idea that Sally and JAileen suggest -- column of black with fun sneakers. And as Sally just said, thinking about at it as strictly a "work uniform" and not as a dress code with real fashion choices might help you to see this in a different light. You are not a frump, just a person wearing a uniform that allows you to comfortably perform your job. It is sort of like the years where I worked in a hospital setting and wore scrubs. You do the best you can to make it fun and fresh. I wore fun, colorful sneakers or bright, patterned Dansko clogs and always wore interesting earrings. And I used to bring my trendier street clothes in a tote and change into them before I left... especially on those days I had errands to run immediately after work.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

You could also purchase some ski NY belts to match the bright tennis shoes or maybe even a pattern or textured belt.

Sal

Veteran

I was thinking that Ledonna...patterned belts or even colourful plain ones.

At the vet last week I saw a woman wearing this uniform - black fitted button down, patterned belt, black pants, colourful sneakers - she looked fab!!

carter

Veteran

Wow. That's a stumper! I agree about brights with black. The combo often feels dated to me. With these restrictions I'd probably just choose all black daily and toss an interesting scarf or jacket in the car for running out.

tulle

Veteran

I am mystified by the requirements of your workplace, TG! I worked with small children for many years, and the idea of requiring only black pants (in my experience, young children dislike dark, neutral colors) and forbidding stretchy athletic wear (when it is so important to be able to get down to pre-schooler's level, sit on the floor, etc.) makes no sense at all. And no patterns! My goodness. I hardly know what to suggest, and can only commiserate. I still have a picture drawn by one of my 5-year-old charges: me, flying a kite, wearing a pair of turquoise overalls, a purple t-shirt with an ice cream cone embroidered on it, and a green Chinese quilted jacket! A friend who currently works in a nursery school wears a lot of J. Jill knit tunics in pretty colors with leggings (you could substitute the pixie pants, I guess) and comfy Dansko-type shoes. She says the tunics hold up well. Good luck!

Carla

Veteran

Put your $ in hair and makeup. Do a great lip. Slip on sneaks or All Stars in bright colours. Maybe rubber boots for rainy days. Jazz up your commuting look with a bright coat, scarf, and hat.

Ginger Tea

Is there any way to do texturized or black-on-black pattern for the trousers? I used to own--over 20 years ago--a pair of wide-legged black trousers with a very subtle black pattern. You couldn't really see it until you got up close. Not sure if that would do for your workplace or not, but if so, those are very fun to wear.

Also, I like some of the other suggestions, with structural interest for the tops. Extraneous fastenings, buttons, zippers and other architectural things, or ruffles and asymmetric hems, scrunched sleeves....

As written, they really seemed to have taken any sort of individuality out of employee dressing.

Greyscale

Veteran

I was going to suggest the same: subtle black-on-black pattern. I wear mostly black, and I'm always looking for texture (physical or visual) to set off my pants from my top.

If it were me I'd wear a lot of tunic-length button down shirts, but those might be a hassle working with kids?

And you'll know better than us what the real intent of the rules is. Do they really want everyone to look minimal and uniform? If so, even if it's technically allowed, they may object to frills and such.

I love everyone's idea of bright sneakers!

Anonymous

Thinking of beautiful Ledonna, how about wearing head wraps? Or knit beanies? Bright shoe laces? Upscale sweatshirts?

binkle

Veteran

Ya know, my first thought when reading your dress code, was "Audrey Hepburn" and you can't get less "frumpy" than that! The Old Navy peplum tops suggested above would look nice, or mock-necks or wrap tops. Can you wear a Bill Cunningham-type work/painters smock or apron, or even a chef-style tunic that can take hard use? Also, they may not be your style, but Palladium shoes are sort of sneaker- boots - lace-ups in lots of colors.

Jules

Veteran

Some perhaps irrelevant observations from my kids' Toronto daycare: it's way overheated in the winter - knits would not be ideal, so perhaps check in with coworkers to see what it's generally like once the heat is turned on all the time. If you will have any winter outdoor standing around duties ie/ watching kids on a play structure, a long and very warm puffer is needed and probably warm boots as well.
It does sound like a challenging uniform!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow. What an odd dress code. I would wonder about the intent also. But if you are stuck with it then I love the suggestions for bright/ fun sneakers for indoor shoes, a fun patterned belt (surely they can't veto that?) and some column of black (or charcoal) outfits. Then, for outdoors and lunches, I'd have a fun scarf in my bag and a fantastic coat and boots.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

You also should try button ups with plenty of strech. Kids move fast and I'm sure you will be also.

Joy thank you for the compliment. I love a great headwrap scarf or hat. Even colorful pins or clips in the hair could do.

Jules

Veteran

You know, as I was considering ideas I did see how one would want to wear bright tops for the sake of the kids. And I totally get how they don't feel great with black bottoms. But when I thought about it a bit more, I realized that the staff at my kids' daycare don't wear brights. It's quite often a lot of black and very plain tees etc. It's never bothered me at all and my kids, I'm sure, do not care. There's plenty of colour in the space in the form of their toys, art, and their own clothes.
I'd probably do grey and black or ink blue and black.

RobinF

Veteran

That is a crazy dress code. I would look for tops with an interesting cut or texture, like high-low hem or peplum. I agree about brights with black, it's just too stark for me. There's always the middle colors, not bright but not pastel. Like the melon Angie posted last week, or a pretty aqua maybe?

Helena

Veteran

Hi everyone, sorry for the slow reply, and for bumoing my wn thread, but i had to thanks you all for being so generous with suggestions and advice!!

First of all, I am so glad you all find this dress code as tricky as I do. I thought I was bonkers. I do get the intent of it, as unfortunately my director's experience is that many people in the field do not know how to dress work-appropriately. So she is basically trying to make it interpretation-proof so we all look like professionals and not like we are at the gym or ready to lounge on the couch! As for the accessories, some of that is driven by health codes ... if I have to remove things everytime I wash a toy or wipe a nose, then they become a pain and not worth the trouble. I would try a few statement necklacey things and plead ignorance if that's against the rules ...

I am not sure if I am allowed to wear colored shoes! I noticed today everyone had black on. So I may not be able to do a bright color, but I did wear faux-snakeskin flats a lot in the fall, so I may use those as an inside-shoe option when I need a change. I also have a similar patterned belt, which would be good.

I can't believe a column of black never occurred to me! That's like YLF 101. I have several cardigans in neutral colors, which I could wear over. Exciting? No. But relatively modern and non-frumpy and just polished enough? Probably.At least the 'completer' piece will make me feel like I'm wearing an actual outfit, aAnd I can easily make it transition for errands after work. I think I will make this my go-to. I am also going to keep my eye out for textured blacks that I can add into the mix. (Aside - I am less and less enthused about wearing black ... but in this case it makes total sense, and I can incorporate my more flattering neutrals into the cardis).

Finally, I will invest more time and attention in my hair, nails, and makeup, which, let's face it, is easy to neglect when you are going to hang out with 2 year olds.

I think Jules is right too - it's a bit of a stereotype that teachers need to wear brights, probably - you are right, the classroom is plenty busy without me adding to the visual chaos! And all the moms wear black and gray, so the kids will be used to it if nothing else!!

Thank you thank you thank you wise women! xoxoxoxo

Gaylene

Veteran

While I'd never have a problem wearing head-to-toe black as my uniform, I can see where it might get boring after a couple of months, especially in the doldrums of winter.

Maybe a more sophisticated colour palette than the customary bright colored top/black pants/black shoes uniform, such as a muted rose or jade top with those black pants finished with a silver flat and watch, could provide some variety? Or try mixing warmer colors like burnished gold, caramel and toffee with the black?

I'd also look for interesting necklines, hemlines, and sleeve lengths in my tops, as well as opportunities for layering. I'm not a pattern lover, but I do lots of color blocking in layers as a way of adding interest. For inspiration, look at the colors mixes in a print that incorporates black and then replicate in layers of solids?

VioletMyra

All black with colourful novelty socks?

unfrumped

Veteran

I like your idea of something like a BF cardigan worn buttoned over a matching of tonal T or tank.

It's hard to find Conor's other than black in pants for umyiuf dress code, but if you did, you might try s tonal or column of color in another neutral or nearly- neutral color--navy or gray or burgundy or whatever looks good in you.

unfrumped

Veteran

Oh duh, I didn't see that the pants could ONLY be black.

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