I have a bit of a fashion dilemma, so I thought I'd ask the DDNers for some input.

Next week, I start a new job working with kids with special needs. As things can get rough-and-tumble with these kids (playing on the floor, having to chase a student down the hallways, etc), the dress code is very practical - jeans, sweatshirt, sneakers. Nothing that you'd mind throwing in the wash if it got paint-splattered or spit on.

I've worked similar jobs before and have found that it's very easy to feel "blah" when you can just roll out of bed, pull something on, and go.

Any suggestions for being able to feel and look more put-together with such a casual "uniform"?

Don't buy anything that looks like you just rolled out of bed. And prepare your clothes the night before so if you don't have time it's easier to put on the nice stuff than search in your closet and end up putting on whatever you happened to find.

You need:
Nice jeans trousers - dark wash, straight cut
For tops: make sure they all have a little something special: some lace, some embelishment, bows, etc. They are as practical as a plain white t-shirt but you can look more put together.
Shoes: If you have to wear sneakers I'd suggest finding something cute like pumas with some colors. Not the typical running shoes. If you can go with flats, then go with that. Put insoles if you think they don't offer enough support.

Accessories: this is a tough one because I don't know much about kids but my step brother always used to pull on my hair or earings so it was dangerous to wear accessories. If accessories are ok, then they can make a plain outfit look very good and fashionable.

Make sure you give yourself time to do your hair nice and put on some makeup. That always makes me feel more put together even if I am dressing casually. I second the dark wash jeans and a more structured T-shirt. If it were me I would stay away from white or very light colors on top, that way if you do get messy it won't show as bad and will be easier to wash out. My go to item is a cardigan, it dresses up a plain shirt and is comfortable, you can get many styles (with or without buttons, hooks, snaps, etc)

I had a similar problem in my old job. I worked in a Children's home and we had to wear clothes that we didn't mind getting ruined and that we could easily run restrain, etc in.


I found after the first month or so I did get into a bit of a rut and had to kick my butt into gear.

My usual 'uniform' was

Skinny jeans - but not too tight, with a bit of stretch to them (also I always wore a belt just in case one of the kids grabbed onto them!

A t-shirt of some kind -not too low cut (if you're in doubt bend over in front of a mirror, if you have a gape it’s too low! I'd usually try and get one with a nice print, etc on.

A cardigan - I have such a collection of cardigans now it’s stupid! Also to this I could add a scarf and coat if going out in winter.

A pair of sturdy running style trainers, I would recommend against flats, you cannot run in those things!

We weren't allowed top wear any jewellery of any kind or scarves indoors (decorative ones)

Practicality comes before fashion in this world. Remember that and you'll be fine.

MOOM

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions, especially moom. I've been working with ids in that sort of environment for a few years now, and it's nice to now that I'm not the only one who got into a fashion rut