Adopting a Professional Uniform [poll]
I came across this article about “uniforms” – it’s a very interesting read and I’d suggest checking it out.
When I think of professional uniforms, the first thing that comes to mind are the company branded and issued ones that happen in fast food restaurants, hotels, theme parks, etc. I also think of uniforms worn by servers or hair stylists. They aren’t always branded or issued by the company but the business does put some guidelines around what’s worn (i.e. all black attire or a white button-down with khakis).
Today, uniforms are taking on a whole new meaning. Without company prompting, individuals are consciously choosing to wear the same thing every day. Like Steve Jobs and the jeans with a black turtleneck.
I can see advantages to this approach. Shopping is a breeze. Saves time looking for the latest styles. It makes getting dressed easier – fewer decisions about “What am I going to wear?!” It could be very cost effective in terms of accessories and cleaning. So there are some practicalities of adopting a professional uniform.
But in the article I mentioned above, the author talks about an aspect that I hadn’t considered – power. My take from the piece is that adopting a uniform demonstrates a sensibility that supposedly comes with age and experience. And that wearing the uniform helps to achieve (or project) the priorities associated with success. I wonder if that’s true.
I guess if someone only met me once, they wouldn’t really know that I’m wearing a uniform. Whatever I’m wearing stands on its own. But if I wore the same thing every day to the office, it would be obvious I’m wearing a uniform. Then the question becomes, what would my co-workers think? And maybe that’s the point, “Who cares what others think? As long as I like it, that’s what matters.” It’s time to free ourselves of being judged by our attire.
I’m curious. Could you / would you adopt a professional uniform? Take a minute to answer this quick one-question poll.
Image courtesy of Sharlyn Lauby
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