I've just started a new job working in frontline mental health and we have a long list of quite common dress requirements: show no cleavage, no tight clothing, no midriff exposure, and no heels (we need to be able to run away if a situation escalates!). But, a big thing that's added to this is that we also need to avoid 'expressing our personalities' too much - so definitely no red lipstick, no 1950's skirts, no victory rolls. The idea is that you have to look approachable to every single person that walks through the door, so that you can quickly build up a rapport. If they can't relate to you, it's another barrier to their treatment.
It's hard doing this without looking 'bland' to be honest. I'm a bit bored of my flat shoes and appropriate hemlines and I've only been there a few weeks! At least I'm only there part time, and in my other job I can still continue to wear heels and red lippy. So, to assist me in this new transition, I've thought long and hard about what I can get away with, and what I can't. Here are my lists:
Keep! (Vintage style 'toned down' enough to wear in more conservative situations)
Brogues
Swing trousers
30s/40s style skirts
Cropped 50s/60s style trousers
Patterned/coloured tights
60's style shift dresses (worn with tights so as not to flash so much leg!)
Tea dresses
Ditch! (Style with a flamboyance not always suitable for all occasions)
Bright lipstick
Victory rolls
Quiffs
50s style full skirts
60s style mini skirts
Tight pencil skirts
Seamed tights
Cropped shirts
Open toe/peep toe shoes
Western/sailor themed items
What do you all think? Do you have 'toned down' items you wear when you don't want to abandon the vintage look completely but it's not entirely appropriate?
What situations would you NOT wear vintage to? Job interviews? Meeting the other half's parents for the first time? Rambling up mountains?
I'd love to hear your experiences with this! As an update, I did a new post on Wearing Vintage In the Real World that includes a video, with a peek into my working wardrobe.
I did go full on vintage to a job interview I must confess. Twin set, pearls and a velvet swing coat. First they didn't think I was there for the interview, then they thought I couldn't do the job because of how I looked but I must have done something right as I got the job.
ReplyDeleteThat's encouraging that you got the job and looked fabulous at the same time! Can I ask what industry the job was in? Some are much more accommodating than others.
DeleteP x
What a shame that you can't express yourself through personal style as much as you'd like at your new job. On the plus side, you don't have to wear some hideous polyester uniform.
ReplyDeleteI don't always wear big hair and flirty dresses when I'm at home and of course all my sports clothing is modern and very functional.
I'm just smiling at the memory of polyster uniforms! Yes, it's great I have moved on from those days, that's something to be thankful for. My sports clothing is modern and functional too, I did try a few things like running 'dresses' but the fit was bad.
DeleteP x
I haven't had to tone down my vintage to this extent in years. I greatly admire you for taking on a job that is both important and challenges you in the wardrobe department. Additionally, your toned down list seems very appropriate. Especially the 60s shifts, since that cut is currently in style (at least according to the windows of the Nordstorm in my downtown :/)
ReplyDeletePrior to settling on taking up my own business, I only had one interview where I chose not to wear vintage, as it wasn't for a vintage shop, but a wedding dress store instead. I wore a very contemporary work-attire style outfit - slacks, and one of those sweater vest/blouse combos. Other occasions that call for a "toned down" look are more practical than anything else. Working on cars requires old low-rise jeans from my high school days, and an old t-shirt, while going to the swapmeet means maybe a pair of Freddies and a band t-shirt, same for a day at the races, and I may do the same for a day of thrifting, especially if going to the bins.
xoxo
-Janey
Thanks Janey, I thought it might be useful for people to see what is realistic in a very restrictive environment. Although conservative in terms of toned down hair, make-up, and clothing that doesn't really stand out, it's actually turning out to have quite a casual slant - lots of leggings and even jeans! Not sure I'd go there for work, maybe smart cropped jeans but definitely no blue denim for me to work. Some people are dressing more stylishly - dresses with cardigans etc. We'll see what I can get away with over time ;)
DeleteYour outfits for those various situations sound very considered and practical, I also wear my '50s style jeans and a tee for thrifting at the car boot sale!
P x
I wear vintage to job interviews, because I wear vintage/vintage-inspired to work every day and since it's doesn't affect my job roles and responsibilities (I'm a social media coordinator, and before that a journalist) I don't think it should be a barrier to me getting the job. For me, if an employer dislikes my style so much that they don't want to give me a job because of it, or would only give me a job if I changed my style, I don't think I'd want to be working for them anyway.
ReplyDeleteI totally see the reasoning behind your wardrobe restrictions, but for some jobs I think that it shouldn't be an issue (especially since it's such a classy look!). Have fun with your restrictions, and look on it as a creativity challenge :)
Thanks for that Laurie, it's good to hear that you work in a more creative industry that is more tolerant of your vintage style so that you're able to wear it everyday. A lot of my friends work in the arts and also have completed freedom in the wardrobe area. I have to say that my other job at the University is also very open - academia is full of free spirits!
DeleteIt's definitely a challenge...
P x
Keep the quiff! It's a great way to liven up an otherwise run of the mill hairstyle, plus it can act as a vintage element to an otherwise modern outfit.
ReplyDeletewww.mancunianvintage.com
I might start sneaking a small quiff in Helen...will test the waters!
DeleteP x
Huge congrats on your new job, honey! I'm sorry though that this company has such a strict dress code. While I can see where they're coming from, I can't help but think that letting staff inject at least a soupcon of their personal style into their ensembles would make them feel more at ease, in a better mood, and thus at their best to greet and interact with everyone they come in contact with.
ReplyDeleteI really love the list that you put together and that you're determined to keep the spirit of your favourite vintage styles going strong even under such strict guidelines.
♥ Jessica
Thank you Jessica! It's challenging indeed but I'm thankful that it's at least not as strict as some industries, e.g. law, where you have to wear nude hosiery and have skirts a certain length, always have arms covered even on a sweltering day etc.
DeleteI'm going to see how it goes and start introducing little elements one at a time, there are a few people there who wear things more in line with what I would choose e.g. shirt dresses with cardigans, so I'm keeping to that kind of style for the timebeing. I've also noticed a few girls doing '60s style eyeliner, so there is hope!
P x
It's a tricky one! Your efforts are utterly commendable...and think of it this way, you are in such a position of privileged to be a part of restoring the mental health of our society...it makes your work utterly selfless and worthwhile. I work in an office of a very business orientated nature, so I do wear smart vintage inspired and modern pieces but still wear my eyeliner with the usual flick. I like to think that there is always room to mix vintage and modern. Have a fabulous week!
ReplyDeleteMay x
www.walkinginmay.com
I like the lists as they are both very wearable for various situations. As I wear uniform to work it has never been an issue to think about what I wear for the day. I do however find myself constantly in jeans, tshirt, converse/pumps/flip flops/boots! Sometimes it can be very annoying as when I have a day off my wardrobe has become limited! Practical and boring i think describes it!
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of shoes most of which are heels but just don't see the point! The other thing I LOVE and cannot wear at work is nail varnish - so irritating but whenever i am off the polish goes on!
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