2 May 2009

Posted on | May 2, 2009 | 11 Comments

2 May 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Button down – Gap
Black jean capris – TJMaxx, remixed
Mug – Starbucks

Endnotes:

There is an interesting thread of dialog happening over at You Look Fab regarding ‘pushing the envelope’ vs. sticking to a personal ‘uniform’. I thought this went really well with the recent discussion we’ve been having here, in which we asked you what gets you out of your pj’s in the morning, especially if you work from home like we often do. As I see it, Step One is actually getting dressed. But Step Two – what you put on – is a whole other battle. It’s one thing to recognize that you should probably not wear the same clothes you slept in all day afterwards. But it’s interesting to think about how we approach that getting dressed part, as the ladies over at YLF are doing.

For me, exploring my style by documenting it here and by talking about it with E. and A. has simultaneously harnessed it in to a more ‘specific’ look but also given me the courage to push the envelope more. Being more aware of my style has given me the courage to explore trends and looks I might have been afraid of before. I have a better sense of how to make them fit my sense of aesthetic. This applies particularly to my professional and evening attire.

2 May 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Where I do have a so-called uniform is in my casual wear and weekend attire. I have waxed poetic about the button-down before, so I’ll spare you the lengthy post on it, but it is my go-to ‘uniform’ item when I want to be casual, comfortable, and still a bit stylish. I find it a bit more chic than a t-shirt and jeans, but still as forgiving in shape (when unbelted) and comfortable.

Several of the young moms who responded to E’s post mentioned the importance of getting dressed in the morning before attending to baby, older children, and other demands. It seems that in this case especially, having a go-to ‘uniform’ would come in handy. Why is it though that we often assume uniforms to be a stifling in style creativity, likely to be bland, and lacking inspiration?

What do you think about having a style ‘uniform’? Check out the great discussion over at YLF and join in there or leave us a comment here, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic! S.

pattern close up, originally uploaded by academichic.

Category: Beltless, Pants Please, Research Casual, Weekend Wear
Tags: academia > casual wear > fashion > style > uniform > work from home

Comments

11 Responses to “2 May 2009”

Clare
May 2nd, 2009 @ 8:30 am

Ah, the uniform…

My “go-to” is, no questions asked, jeans and a t-shirt. I love this ensemble for its simplicity, its ability to flatter my body no matter what (at least now that I’ve found the right cut of jeans!), its comfort, and its versatility. I hate the uniform for its anti-fashionable nature. I never feel “new” or “fresh” in my uniform, much less “chic” or “stylish”. So it’s a double-edged sword for me. Yet I know I’ll never leave it.
Sara
May 2nd, 2009 @ 9:24 am

In the summer, I have two white skirts that my husband calls my formal pjs because they’re not bed-wear but they’re also not really appropriate for going out and about in the world (one of them is so old it’s nearly see-through, but it’s so soft and cozy that I can’t part with it… I assume it will one day just disintegrate…). I’m so much more comfortable in skirts and dresses than pants – I don’t know why, but that’s just the way it is with me.

For me, wardrobe_remix and blogging about what I’m wearing has helped me to push the boundaries of my uniform and inspired me to experiment or wear those things I often ignore in my closet that are not quite part of my uniform. I’m still very uniform-oriented and will likely continue to shop around that uniform, but I think that’s OK (for me, anyway) because it’s what I’m most comfortable in. And I feel like there are ways to make a uniform look different and interesting just by remixing.
Nic
May 2nd, 2009 @ 9:13 pm

I find that my “uniform” has become some combination of dress/skirt with a cardigan. I work retail in “business casual,” but I hate that term and how broad it is, so I tend to dress as I would if I was back in the classroom teaching (I’m trained in secondary education). For me, the challenge is mixing up belts and accessories and even the way I’m wearing my hair so that I don’t look the same every day.

I think the idea of a uniform is distasteful because of the connotations of looking like everyone else. I’m not sure that there’s anything wrong with looking like yourself every day though.
the spanish lady
May 3rd, 2009 @ 12:48 am

Good morning S.!

I do have a uniform for the evert day life, which consists on a pair of jeans and sweaters in winter and on a pair of jeans and t-shirts or shirts when is not that cold plus stilettos or flats, depending on my moot and how much do I have to walk that day.

But, in order to avoid the idea of the non- glamorous uniform, I try to change it every day by adding earrings, bracelets, scarfs, necklaces and brooches (I don’t know if it is the right English word).

And, the most important, I try to make work for me the incredible ideas you three gave us via this amazing blog. Congratulations!

auf Wiederlesen, the Spanish lady.
Diana
May 3rd, 2009 @ 5:42 am

I think my go to uniform tends to be a jersey dress with a belted cardigan. I use this look frequently, especially on days when I’m feeling really uninspired.
sassy molassy
May 3rd, 2009 @ 9:57 am

I love this look. What brand are the pants? I must find them!

The uniform is a tough thing to get past. It often makes me second guess trying a cool look that i see on someone else or in a mag because it doesn’t match my more classic look. But i think forcing ourselves to step outside our comfort zone is a good thing.
S.
May 3rd, 2009 @ 10:50 am

Thanks for all your feedback, everyone!

@Nic – I agree, we often associate a uniform with looking like everyone else and becoming indistinguishable, but a uniform can just be personal and about having a very particular style, and I see nothing wrong with that.

@ The Spanish Lady – I love your idea of spicing up your uniform with accessories and different shoes – what an easy way to get dressed quickly but still make your look singular and exciting every day!

@Sassy Molassy – the brand is “Younique Jeans”, I didn’t mention it because I got them at TJMaxx years ago, so I don’t know how you’d find them. But an online search might prove successful… good luck!

I don’t have a sewing machine or much DIY talent, but lots of people have complimented me on the slits in the front and I imagine it could be a simple enough DIY job with an older pair of jeans! If anyone of you try it, I’d love to see the results!
Sassy Molassy
May 4th, 2009 @ 7:56 am

Thanks for the brand! I’ll look online. As for my sewing skills, they’re limited so hopefully I can find something like these somewhere. :)
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