View Full Version : work clothing style, how far can I go?
I am feeling rather bland, boring, whatever in my work clothes. And I am seeing all these great t-shirts right now on Facebook that I really want to buy! Really geeky ones, but for 2 days a week it seems that I couldn't really splurge like that. So I want to make my work clothes more fun (it is also the 2nd day of spring and school is closed for snow so I am feeling wardrobe antsy).
I work with kids and programs after school, not the direct provider but supervisor and first one to step in. 2 days a week I teach mindfulness in the classroom so I have to wear pants to sit on the floor, Fridays are jeans, and Monday I lead a different meditation group so Wednesdays are my only skirt/dress day. Lots of jewelry is bothersome, just getting into scarves, I like clothes a little out of the cookie cutter style for 49 yo women, and when I get a great outfit together I get compliments ( I channeled my inner Heidi last week and wore a full wool skirt from goodwill with basic top, cardigan and red clogs). It is not a fashion magazine style at all, but it all just clicked.
So my thoughts are around shoes, like that is a place to have fun. In my work a lot of us wear fun tennis shoes, it is perfectly acceptable to wear jeans on a regular basis, or pretty casual pants, since everyone knows we sub a lot for the direct programming. I could also use more fun scarves, like with pandas. And then upcycle a little so that clothes are more fun by adding an odd button or zipper or lace. I still don't see any way I can wear a geek shirt advertising Mal and Wash for president 2016 however.
Ultralight
3-23-16, 8:02am
Since you have a grandkid on the way, why not skip the new and unnecessary clothes for yourself and put that mad money into a college fund for the kid?
If you do this regularly with your mad money for 18 years the kid would have a good chunk of cashish to pay tuition with.
Not really sure that addresses this. Getting dressed for work is not mad money or optional, although flexible. My clothing budget is already pretty low, just feels like I am dressing like a combination of my mother and some standard issue middle age lady. As an introvert I think that dressing well and fun can be a way to not disappear into the room, show off some personality in those big group meetings that I get drowned out in. When I wear some of my unique and cute outfits I do get more noticed in general.
Besides after being a parent for 25 years I am pretty good at putting any potential mad money into things my kids need or savings. If I get to the financial point I can help with college I may start with my own kids.
Ultralight
3-23-16, 9:16am
Okay, let me break it down:
Not really sure that addresses this.
Sure it does! If you had said: "I don't have any clothes for work, I would suggest that you buy some. But judging by your original post, you do currently have clothes for work. I merely suggest you keep wearing them and take the money you would have spent on new clothes and put it into a college fund for your grandchild. I don't think this is too wacky a suggestion, especially on a simple living forum.
Getting dressed for work is not mad money or optional, although flexible.
I know you have to get dressed for work. I am guessing you have already been getting dressed for work. Buying clothes you don't need is mad money spending.
My clothing budget is already pretty low, just feels like I am dressing like a combination of my mother and some standard issue middle age lady.
Glad to hear you are being frugal with your clothing, why not keep this stride?! :)
Now comes the tough talk. Most people end up pretty similar to their parents (especially if they themselves are parents). But I can assure you that new clothes will not stop you from becoming your mother. In fact, your attire is the last thing you should fret over regarding the "becoming one's mother" issue.
More tough talk: What is so wrong with being a standard issue middle age lady? And is your costuming really going to change this state you find yourself in? Probably not. I am just a workin' schlub. Like you, I was "cool" when I was young -- a college radical, chicks used to really dig me, I was skinny, funny, charming and I had a bright future ahead of me. But those years are gone. Now I am just a standard issue middle aged man (with some interesting quirks). I am going bald. I am overweight. I wear khakis and button-up shirts to work, sensible shoes, and I drive a compact car. I am learning to accept this.
Maybe it is time to accept yourself for who you are and not buy into the corporate message that clothes will change you in some amazing way. They won't any more than a new car will make you better, more appreciated, or whatever.
When I wear some of my unique and cute outfits I do get more noticed in general.
Perhaps this is just about attention?
Besides after being a parent for 25 years I am pretty good at putting any potential mad money into things my kids need or savings. If I get to the financial point I can help with college I may start with my own kids.
Can you clarify this? I am not sure what you mean.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. Hope they help! Sorry to be a Debbie Downer about your spending spree on T-Shirts, but this is a simple living forum. :)
I really like the idea of upcycling. Check Pinterest and other Internet sites for clever ideas. I've seen tees at retail for $50 or more--e.g. assymetrical hems with lace--that could be recreated cheaply with thrift store clothing. You can sew already, so that's a plus. Maybe get a simple silk screen setup (do you have a recycled craft supplies outlet in Denver?) and print your ideas on thrifted I-shirts. I have a small collection of scarves I've acquired over the years--including some lovely art pieces--for pennies on the dollar. We're talking simple living, not dismal living, after all.
Yes I get dressed for work, and periodically I buy new clothes. That is what I am talking about. I am a professional in an interesting job category, I can wear jeans but maybe not every day, I still need to buy new clothes and look appropriate for work. There is a little more flexibility for fun clothes in education, I have not bought the Pi day t-shirt in all these years but if I see a good deal it is on my list. Why not take the opportunity when I need to buy new clothes to think about how I want to spend my money and how I want to look?
I feel like an assumption has been made that I am talking about spending significantly more than my budget when I talk about the cool geek t-shirts or even clothes that I like much better? That really isn't true, maybe a little more but certainly not a large difference. Mostly this is about thinking more about where and how I spend my clothing budget. This is all going to be within my budgeted amount. No worries!
Sorry no khakis here, my mom can wear those for me. Yup, not going to embrace the frump even if I have a middle section that is stubborn I can still dress well. This has nothing to do with corporate mind-set, the stuff I love to wear is not in a fashion magazine or a get-ahead article. I would love to work in more of the steampunk style so I am working on a very low-key trenchcoat that I am upcycling to a jacket with an assymetrical zipper. It is a challenging project overall, if I can figure out how to post pics I will do that when it is done. Overall the steampunk style would be very hard to pull off professionally. Imagine that person you know or work with who just has a sense of style, not what is in a magazine or what is at Target, but a unique style that works for them. That is what I am aiming for expressing more, I have mostly been this way but it takes some work so I ended up wearing whatever.
As for clarifying what you do as a parent for 25 years financially, that is a huge other topic,
I really like the idea of upcycling. Check Pinterest and other Internet sites for clever ideas. I've seen tees at retail for $50 or more--e.g. assymetrical hems with lace--that could be recreated cheaply with thrift store clothing. You can sew already, so that's a plus. Maybe get a simple silk screen setup (do you have a recycled craft supplies outlet in Denver?) and print your ideas on thrifted I-shirts. I have a small collection of scarves I've acquired over the years--including some lovely art pieces--for pennies on the dollars. We're talking simple living, not dismal living, after all.
Thank you! Not doing dismal here, no thanks.
I think sewing is a great way to make things unique, fit better and affordable. I am so glad I can sew, and invested in getting my primary machine fixed. I have been looking for good lace lately, the t-shirt and even sweater cut-out with lace are adorable. I haven't found a lace I like so I may go to the thrift stores to see what I can cut up. I have this warm sweater that is huge and makes me look very frumpy (but is so comfy) that I want to put lace inserts in. We have these 'maker spaces' that I am aware of but not totally familiar with. I think you can rent space and gear for DIY projects, good idea to check that out. That could make a great t-shirt project possible.
Pants are tricky, There are not as many choices. Skirts are so simple and fun to make and wear. I did make a pair of cargo pants with a tan/red floral pattern. I need a shirt to change up the basic white tee look but I got a scarf for Christmas that goes well.
Ultralight
3-23-16, 10:03am
As for clarifying what you do as a parent for 25 years financially, that is a huge other topic,
Get this party started!
Get this party started!
I think the best way to do this is to develop a couple clear questions and post them on the family/relationships section, Then I can keep this thread about work fashion. :)
Miss Cellane
3-23-16, 10:31am
I've always heard that it is a good idea for teachers to dress in bright colors or interesting clothes, as it helps keep the students' attention.
So why not make Friday, which is already jeans day, into fun tee shirt day as well? I'd dress it up a tiny bit with a hoodie or cardigan, and bright-colored shoes or socks or both. Make it your signature look on Fridays.
And there's no reason a Mal and Wash for President tee shirt couldn't lead into a discussion of the kids' favorite tv shows, or which tv characters/superheroes they think might make a good president and why. (Does that mean Zoe is Secretary of Defense?)
And if you get a few tee shirts and want to wear them more, there's no reason they have to be saved for work or the weekend. Change into them when you get home from work. Even though I wear jeans to work 3-5 days a week, I like to change when I get home. It's a transition between work life and home life.
Go out and get one tee shirt. Wear it at home. See if you can't incorporate it into your work wardrobe.
And there's no reason a Mal and Wash for President tee shirt couldn't lead into a discussion of the kids' favorite tv shows, or which tv characters/superheroes they think might make a good president and why. (Does that mean Zoe is Secretary of Defense?)
Yeah! You know firefly/Serenity. I think I could wear that one, with my jeans and red converse. Friday is usually red converse day, I am ready for a new pair since my old light pink ones are worn out and I will wear them for summer camp all the time. Thinking I haven't had Vans in awhile. Thursday is supposed to be 'boot Thursday' for my red and black cowgirl boots, but I forget. Checking out pinterest I found a Winnie the Pooh scarf, a t-shirt that blends Goodnight Moon and Star Wars, one that says "red shirt running team, I'm probably not gonna make it", another that says "geek like, it is kinda like normal like except there are dragons". I have a slight thing about dragons and crochet my own dragon puppets.
Oh My! I just found vans with Tinkerbell on them!! Those could be my summer camp shoes (must be closed toe and comfy).
rodeosweetheart
3-23-16, 11:22am
I had to laugh at Miss Cellane's suggestion about bright tee shirt day on Fridays.
One of my sons is ADHD, and went to a nice progressive grammar school, and they were constantly doing things like fun tee shirt day or opposite day.
It drove him CRAZY-- it was almost impossible to get him to school on those days.
For some children, this is really overwhelming.
And yes, I imagine for the majority, it's a great thing.
In our house, it was torture.
My grandson shows signs of being exactly like this daddy in the routine/new things/spontanaity department.
iris lilies
3-23-16, 11:28am
Rodeo, your poor kid! Who would have thought that those exercises in creativity caused some kids to shut down.
How funny Rodeo, I have a kid in program who really needs his routine. Even though he walks inside to after school program he puts on his coat, hat, gloves and backpack strapped as if he is hiking home. We have a lot of extra fun clubs but he is best in just going to the primary program every day. Another kid had a meltdown at the end of an after school Dr Seuss event that was too much.
I don't do pajama days, sometimes I would wear fun slippers. But inevitably it would be the day I needed to shop for program at WalMart, not a good thing.
I remember having one teacher in Jr High who was everyone's favorite. She really got into crazy ties and shoes. Her clothes were basic wardrobe (oxford shirt, khaki or black skirt or pants). But we always looked every day to see what tie and shoes she was wearing. Having a thing that is you can really open doors for conversations with kids.
I heard one wardrobe advisor talk about "personality socks" as a way to brighten up outfits in a non-threatening (to corporate fashion policemen/women) manner. Ha!
Ultralight
3-23-16, 1:37pm
personality socks
We live in a dystopia.
Zoe Girl, you might enjoy this http://www.lisaclarke.net/downloads/sewing-patterns/i-like-my-skirts-fast-and-cheap/?pub=sheetskirt. She's selling a pdf but the few photos shown are inspiration enough. Fun, lively, and easy to do. I've made a skirt from a beautiful vintage table cloth before. I've got one I picked up that is shades of indigo that I'm getting ready to make into a skirt, there may even be enough to make a scarf to match. Skirt, scarf (or fun jewelry), and black T-shirt/black sandals and I'm set. I'm ready to dig out my skirts after wearing the same 2 pair of jeans all winter.
rodeosweetheart
3-23-16, 1:53pm
When my kids were in middle school, the cool guy teachers wore cool cartoon ties. The kids really liked that!
Float, thanks for reminding me that I could use my fabric stash to make some nice spring skirts.
I am loving semi retirement, although I just realized I am still working 30 hours a week, but at least its not 60, as I have time to sew again!!
cute idea! I have my favorite basic skirt pattern but I think I want something like that, a fuller skirt with elastic waist. I have a pair of birkenstocks that are blue with sunflowers and I always wanted to make a dress or skirt just to match it.
I am feeling the urge for summer clothes, it was 70's yesterday and today total blizzard. ahh colorado.
Here is another fast, easy idea and you said you liked T-shirts. Buy them in Men's XL- XXL and turn those fun T-shirts into a skirt. Love the bike shirt used for a skirt on this page. The layers are great and easy too. http://www.littlebitfunky.com/2011/05/20-minute-crafter-how-to-make-t-shirt.html
another: http://jupitergirl.net/section/299759.html
Teacher Terry
3-23-16, 2:32pm
Sometimes buying a few new clothes can really make a difference about how you feel about yourself. i will go years without buying clothes and then all of a sudden I need to. I have been wearing the same PJ's for 10 years and they were old, ugly and way too big. I ordered some new ones on a fantastic sale from Kohl's and feel so good when wearing them. They fit and are comfortable and cute. WEll worth it.
Ultralight
3-23-16, 2:36pm
Sometimes buying a few new clothes can really make a difference about how you feel about yourself.
Why?
Teacher Terry
3-23-16, 2:48pm
I think it is different for men than for women in general. Occasionally it feels good to wear something new whether it came from a thrift store, friend, etc it does not matter because it is new to you. I am not that into clothes at all but sometimes it just feels good, is uplifting to the spirit. It is something you feel or not.
Ultralight
3-23-16, 2:52pm
Why would it be different for men vs. women?
Why would it be different for men vs. women?
It might not be. I bought my SO a pair of new-with-tags flannel PJ pants emblazoned with flaming skulls, and he loved them--which surprised us both. Some people are indifferent to what they wear, some aren't.
Why would it be different for men vs. women?
Because when it comes to clothes women don't ask
Why?
so much, they just smile and feel pretty.
Teacher Terry
3-23-16, 3:46pm
Exactly!! I made a generalization. I am sure some men love clothes. I just think in general woman are more into that then men. Maybe not and who cares?????
Ultralight
3-23-16, 3:48pm
Exactly!! I made a generalization. I am sure some men love clothes. I just think in general woman are more into that then men. Maybe not and who cares?????
I would just like to know why women are more into clothing than men are, in general (if that is true).
My son is way more into fashion. In fact that is what his Instagram is all about. He posts what he's wearing daily....meanwhile my husband doesn't own a single tie.
But lets get back to the thread topic instead of chasing rabbits.
Exactly!! I made a generalization. I am sure some men love clothes. I just think in general woman are more into that then men. Maybe not and who cares?????
I guess I don't see why it is relevant in many ways. My friends back in the day were all over the place with fashion and gender, what I loved about my 'tribe' was that we just took each other as we were. All this gender stuff just makes my head spin, I just don't see things along those lines. I could go into the long list of my female friend who is in the arctic running a research camp for global warming and could care less about her clothes, or my male staff member who is so crisp every day, a tie and gorgeous shoes to work as an aide for a disabled child. I am not even sure where to put my transgender people? What about a man who becomes a woman and then doesn't dress all fabulous, just kinda like a frumpy woman.
All my friends have in common is that they feel comfortable in their own skin, and how they present themselves to the world is part of it.
I just know that I love these ideas for having fun getting dressed.
When my kids were in middle school, the cool guy teachers wore cool cartoon ties. The kids really liked that!
Apparently cool cartoon ties (or at least cartoon ties regardless of their coolness) never go out of style. I have about as corporate of a job as one can have and dress accordingly. But being a guy I don't actually think about my clothes. All work clothes are the same. All my shirts and slacks work together so I get dressed in the dark. It just doesn't matter. One day I grabbed a random tie from all the ones in SO's closet that he no longer wears. Winnie the Pooh. Not even crazy winnie the pooh, but like a republican winnie the pooh tie. I must've gotten 50 compliments on it that day. Of course when the norm is a standard blah red republican tie or an equally blah blue democratic tie, I guess it doesn't take much to impress people...
Why would it be different for men vs. women?
I don't think it is. I agree with Teacher Terry. I'm not one to buy new clothes unless the old ones are wearing out, but every once in a while I just need something different. A dollar t-shirt from the thrift store can fill the bill, but it just needs to be something I haven't worn before.
And to be sure, I'm not into fashion. SO is. He spends WAY more than me on clothes, but that's his choice. I don't really care mostly, as long as I'm not wearing something worn out and haggard looking. But once in a while I just want something new.
ApatheticNoMore
3-23-16, 10:44pm
I would just like to know why women are more into clothing than men are, in general (if that is true).
because they are judged on their appearance more than men? Oh I think so. Although then there are degrees, there is looking presentable, and there is having 100 pairs of shoes ...
Miss Cellane
3-24-16, 12:18pm
Why?
Why do you like fishing?
Sometimes, there are just things we like. I don't feel it is necessary to analyze why, but just enjoy them.
Zoe girl sounds like a creative person who enjoys putting some of the creativity into her clothing. If that is fun for her, why should we question that? She's not hurting anyone, it isn't costing her money she doesn't have, what's the harm?
I know someone with 900 pieces of Fiestaware (plates and bowls and serving ware) neatly organized on shelves in his basement. He collects the vintage stuff, as well as buying the new color every year when it is released. He swaps out the colors he is using seasonally, and has certain sets for the various holidays. All of this sounds like way too much work for me, as well as the cost--but he loves it. His eyes light up as he details tracking down a piece he's wanted for forever, he loves setting the table for guests with colors related to the occasion. It is his "thing," and it makes him happy.
Who am I to question why? He can afford it, he has the space, he does use it all. It's not my thing, and I would never spend my money that way, but it brings joy to his life.
And a lot of people probably think I have too many books.
That's life.
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