For most of my professional career, it was suits, nylons, and heels. I often was in front of clients and appearance was important. Nearer the end of my career, I moved more behind the scenes as far as clients went, and casual Fridays slid into casual business dress meaning khaki type pants (Dockers were a favorite) and blouses.

When I left that world at age 50, my next job was as a fiber optic construction inspector working on the backbone installation of fiber for the Internet. I got to wear jeans and t-shirts.

After my husband died in 2004, I eventually went back to office work and had to buy a new wardrobe of casual clothes for work in a real estate office. No heels, no hose, fortunately. I worked with the agents, not the public but there was still a standard.

In 2007 I sold everything, including my home, to become a full-time RVer and travel. With limited space and no need to dress up, my wardrobe was cut to a minimum. I didn’t even own a dress or a skirt.

Over the last twelve years, my wardrobe has morphed again. Due to cruising, dresses have been added back (minimally). They are non-wrinkle, easy to pack, but dresses nonetheless. Shorts have grown into capris as the “old lady legs” appeared. Jeans have given way to leggings, although the jeans remain for cooler weather.

But the fun thing added to my wardrobe are the t-shirts that define what I do. Write fiction….

Here is what I am wearing today…my most recent acquisition.

It got me to thinking about this topic and I got out all my writing related shirts and took a photo.

I try to remember to wear them when I’m writing…they give me a little boost. See why?

There are uniforms of all types (military, police, waitresses, government workers, mechanics, to name a few), scrubs for the medical profession, and even specialized garb/gear (firefighters). There are dresses codes for professional occupations as well as for safety. It’s always fun to look at people and see if I can envision what their job might be.

Do your  clothes define what you do? 


 

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35 thoughts on “Clothing that defines what you do…

  1. I crawl around in my garden for my job. Growing vegetables for family has become the staple of my life. Jean’s, long sleeve shirts, a hat of any kind can be found on my head, and heavy tennis with thick soles. Crawling is the one position my back allows me. And our gardens are pretty nice. We had plenty of veggies, and our tomatoes, 5 kinds of peppers, koginuts, potatoes… they are still producing. We still have tomatoes and onion volunteers popping up in the potato patch. Oklahoma has plenty of chiggers, so in addition to long sleeves, plastic gloves and knee high socks, I smear vaporub around my ankles and wrists, and spray deet on my clothing. I just don’t like bug bites very well. So that’s my job … lol…

  2. I used to wear uniforms as I worked in a doctor’s office. When I was promoted to office manager I was able to wear regular clothes and it was dresses and heels. After I started my own transcription business and work from home I have to admit that sometimes my work attire is my pj’s! I love your shirts, particularly the Pay No Attention to my browsing history…

    1. I have pj days, too! They’re the best…lol. As to the shirts, I have a hard time resisting them but most of the time I manage to…well, except the new one. Someday I’ll do a collection of my writing related coffee mugs!

  3. Clothes in my opinion, do make a person. I worked 18 years as a Retail Associate. I dressed up as opposed as to the younger workers. I can’t tell you how many times I got mistaken as a manager because of my clothes. being dressed up not only defines the person but makes you feel good too.

    1. In my professional life I always dressed for the position I wanted…served me well. But now I love being casual all the time!

  4. Hi Donna. First – that t-shirt is everything. EVERYTHING! Am pea-green with envy. My wardrobe is divided into two capsules as we’re trying to live a much more minimalistic lifestyle. I am a wildlife photographer and spend a lot of time in marshes, woods, meadows, on river/creek banks and on the shores of the lake. Meaning – everything has to be durable, washable and comfortable. Enter the world of Eddie Bauer. My capris are all beige or grey. My t-shirts are a bit wild though. My fav: “Never underestimate an old lady with a kayak.” Loved this post! Thanks Donal. xx

    1. I downsized when I went full-time RVing but it’s grown again now that we’re in a house. Glad you like the t-shirt, I couldn’t resist.

      Love that saying…and it fits you! Oh, and don’t forget Duluth Trading for durability and good looks. Double duty! I buy for both of us.

  5. I love your t-shirts. I have always been a relaxed dresser. I hate heels even when I was younger. I didn’t own a dress for a long time but finally bought a couple for some river cruises i have taken. I now wear long t-shirts, tops long….leggins, bamboo trousers (my daily wear…gets me to the gym dog walking the beach and shopping) Im looking for another dress for next years cruise. wanting a light weight for my Baltic cruise. where do you get your t-shirts from …#MLSTL

    1. I never wore higher than 2″ heels and now don’t even own a pair. LOL! I wear black sandals on cruises with jersey knit maxi-dresses (or black pants with blouse).

      My t-shirts have come from all over – conferences, online when I see something I like, various organizations…

      1. haha I could never walk in heels. I do remember those wedge heels back in the day. Yes I have a pair of blue/black sandals and will look for a lightweight dress. Prefer pants with a top lol thats me. I am going to look out for some T-shirts that say who I am to take on the trip

        1. Go for it…let me know what you find! I was looking on Amazon today for a cruise dress that’s more summery. Most are foreign mfg and the sizing is so weird. Guess I will wait and hit up Kohls.

  6. Hi Donna, I love your T-shirt collection! Mine are so much more functional and dull. I have work shirts from my home staging business that I still wear around the house, but I think you’ve inspired me to get a little more creative! #MLSTL

    1. I’ve gotten more adventurous and wear brighter clothes now that I ever used to. I was pretty conservative most of my life, not even adapting new fads until they were almost done with. LOL! But with your creativity, I can see you creating some gorgeous ones for your shop!

  7. My office allows business casual during the week and jeans on Friday. I do wear suits and heels for certain meetings. My preference is sundresses, shorts, or leggings. If I could live in workout clothes and loose dresses with flip flops, that’s what I would do!

    1. I don’t know why, but I’ve worn shorts/capris/jeans/leggings for so long, I feel very awkward in dresses. It’s a really special occasion (or a cruise) if I wear one. LOL!

  8. I’m in the process of letting go of all my work clothes Donna – I haven’t worn any of them since I left my job. Now it’s all leggings, capris, tee shirts, jeans (when I’m dressing up (LOL)) and I love it. I laughed at your tee shirts because I just bought my second Nana tee shirt (Nanamingo – like a Nana but more fabulous and awesome). My goal is to make my grandies smile and my kids roll their eyes – it seems to be working!
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂

    1. I love the Nanamingo and had to fight the urge to order one for me (I love flamingo stuff). I hope leggings never go out of style (and that my weight always supports me wearing them). Comfort #1

  9. Not really. I always wear a button down or polo shirt, usually jeans and some Jordan’s to work. If I feel like dressing up, I can but I dress better than a lot of co-workers. #MLSTL

  10. Oh I love slogan tshirts. There are a couple of people on Instagram who have some gorgeous ones here. One features the ‘f’ word so I’d probably have to just wear that at home so as not to shock any children!

    I’m not working at the moment and very lazy about changing out of what I wear to bed but keep promising myself I’ll make more of an effort and tshirts are perfect – comfy, publicly palatable and not-pyjamas!

    1. I always see fun ones with the F word (an coffee cups, too) and avoid them for the same reason. LOL! BTW, today is a PJ day for me! Ahhhh…comfort!

  11. It is funny how clothes define us and how there are uniforms for different jobs, even if they aren’t military or navy! I often buy kind of work clothes because I like them, and then realise that in my daily life they really aren’t suitable anymore as I don’t work in an office and I’m more likely to be in front of my computer in a pink fluffy dressing gown and slippers. I really need more dressing gowns, not sharp shirts and tailored slacks! #MLSTL and Shared on SM

  12. I love the t-shirt that you’re wearing. I’ll have to remember that phrase the next time someone asks me if I’m daydreaming. I’ve finally taught my husband that whether I’m typing on my laptop or sitting with my elbows on the laptop, head in my hands, with my eyes closed, that I’m writing. It doesn’t matter if it’s active or passive it’s all writing.

    1. You’re right about the writing…some of my best scenes have been written in my head while riding my motorcycle (or on the back of hubby’s nowadays).

  13. Hi Donna,
    Your post reminded me of what my uncle used to say: “We must dress for the occasion.”
    Nice slogans on the t-shirt. 🙂
    #MLSTL.
    – bpradeepnair.blogspot.com

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