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.
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.
