But once in a while, an inspiration strikes.
I want to talk about "uniforms" and how to wear them. You see, I volunteer and we have a dress code. We wear tan pants or skirts, white shirts and closed toe shoes. Sounds simple but I am often surprised at how many people mess that up.
We are asked to NOT wear white tee shirts, but invariably someone thinks the rules are different for them. One man wore a deep cut v-neck tee that fit very snugly....a great look if you're cruising a bar but not volunteering. And another young man wore a white tee with a very stretched out neck....it had no semblance of a normal neckline.
But the worst was a young woman in an ivory lace top with a black bra obviously showing thru. Not an appropriate look for volunteering where children and families go.
A crisp white shirt is easy to find. My favorites are Jones of New York no-iron ones that I find at TJ Maxx. $22 is the usual cost and that shirt looks great with jeans and a blazer, skirts and pants and it always looks great. No matter where you go, a white dress shirt works beautifully. I own several sleeveless ones and wear under a blazer or cardigan in the summer.
And tan slacks are really inexpensive...from Old Navy's Pixie pants to Beall's Outlet bargains, I own four pairs (some have pockets, some have fake pockets). And every time you shop for pants, be sure to look at a rear view to be sure you get a good fit.
Closed toe shoes are recommended so there is no injury (and who wants to see some people's ugly feet, right?). Easy to find and wear them....flats, sneakers, chunky heel...and a couple of women even wear stilettos (my days of standing in those are over).
You can still have your own style when wearing a uniform. Just don't overwhelm yourself.
I wish I could get this info to all the female volunteers where I work so they can feel good about themselves and still dress appropriately. But this information is also of value to all of us who throw on clothes for a day of errands....a little fine touches makes an ensemble instead of just "schlepping" as you are out and about.
There are some volunteers who look appropriate in their clothing but have seriously crabby expressions on their faces. The below quote is right on the button. You're never fully dressed without a smile.
Until next post, I remain,
Stylistically yours,
Sooz
