Women Can Create a Personal Uniform for Work

Women can visit a good seamstress or a clothing store to create a uniform. Playing with color, style and accessories will keep the uniform fresh and fun.

When a job comes with a uniform, women's clothing choices can become boring or monotonous. However women who do not have to wear a uniform, can have fun with creating a personal uniform for work. While keeping the look professional and together, ladies should consider the choice to sew or purchase, the maintenance and adding flavor to keep the look fresh.

Purchase or Have the Uniform Sewn

Women can opt to shop for pieces in the clothing stores or from a uniform distributor. Another option

would be to purchase the fabric and have a seamstress or tailor sew the clothing. The key things to consider would be the color, style and fit. Even if the clothing is purchased, a seamstress may be needed to adjust the items so that the fit is perfect. Jackets, skirts and pants may be sewn, but it may be more cost effective to purchase the camisoles or blouses for under the jackets from a clothing store.

Color Palette of Work Wear

A personal uniform can be several different colors such as the usual work wear colors - navy blue, black, grey, plum and dark green. Prints that are pin striped, small polka dots or simple plaids are also good choices. There can be one set style or pattern for all the chosen colors or varied colors in different styles. What also works well is mixing colors such as a powder blue jacket with a navy or black bottom.

Choosing Pants or Skirts

A lady should consider her body type when choosing pants or skirts. Most jobs allow women to wear both but it is important that the clothes are not too tight. Ladies should consider their body types when choosing styles. Pencil or a-line skirts and straight-legged pants are usually safe choices for most women but some research on dressing the body-type should be sought to ensure that the fit is the best. According to Melissa Ridenour in Suite 101's ' Fashion Strategies for Slimming: Dressing to Look Thinner ', "straight legged pants give an appearance of slimmer, elongated lines. Pleated pants should be avoided as they add bulk to the middle."

Laundering, Ironing & Dry-cleaning Uniforms

Uniforms can be considered as an investment and therefore should be cared for so that the clothing will last.

• Laundering: Be careful to wash clothing at recommended temperatures and with the right products to avoid fading and lint.
• Dry-cleaning: Items labeled for dry-cleaning should be cleaned at least once fortnightly or once per month based on the usage and soils.
• Ironing: Use the appropriate setting according to the iron's dial. For dark clothing, cover and iron with a white cotton cloth or brown paper and iron so that the clothing will not shine.

Accessories Add Flavor to a Uniform

A plain black suit can be embellished with green costume jewelry, a printed lilac scarf or bronze pumps. When a female creates her own uniform, she is free to have fun with her jewelry, shoes, handbag, scarves and belts. Accessories must still remain work appropriate so large earrings or necklaces, excessive bracelets, sequined belts or other items that are better suited for a night on the town are not allowed.

Women who wish to create a personal uniform should never consider choices as boring or limited because with a little fun, the look can remain fresh. There are many options even if the uniform is purchased from a store or sewn by a seamstress. Have fun with colors and accessories to reduce the monotony. Be sure to take good care of the uniform and all clothing in the closet to get the most optimal and longer use of the pieces.