What to Wear When You’re a Nanny
When you spend your days cleaning houses or caring for children, pets or adults, things can get messy. Very messy! It̵7;s easy to throw on sweats and t-shirts every day when you̵7;re a caregiver. But a caregiving job is a serious job, so its important to look professional, while still dressing appropriately for whatever you̵7;ll be doing.
We all know what dressing for success looks like, right? A power suit for the corporate types. Maybe a button-down and a hoodie if youre working for a tech company. But what about those in the caregiving business? How do you balance the physical nature of your job without looking sloppy?
Here are seven questions to ask about your outfit before you head out the door.
Getting ready for an interview? Here are tips on how to dress.
- Is it Practical?
This is the most important point to remember when dressing for a job that̵7;s not in an office, according to Hope Skinner, a nanny and founder of NannySheCanDo. Whether youre caring for pets, kids, adults or people̵7;s homes, youre likely to be on the go, and that should be your top consideration. Clothes should be comfortable, weather appropriate, easy to wear and easy to wash. Clothing that is going to restrict you from being able to perform your duties to the full potential will not allow you to succeed, Skinner says.
- Is it Professional?
Professional doesnt have to mean buttoned-up and corporate. It means looking appropriate for the profession you̵7;re in. Dont confuse practical with sloppy. Dressing in clean, well-fitting clothing ensures that you̵7;re presenting yourself as competent and capable to your employers.
- Are You Minding Your Modesty?
Caretaking involves bending, lifting and climbing, and caregivers should be mindful of how their clothes will cover their bodies. Before you leave the house, stretch and bend to make sure that nothing is too high or too low. The goal is to ensure your clothing is respectful to your clients, Skinner says. Often, jeans or shorts are a better choice than dresses or skirts, but use your best judgment.
- Have You Considered Your Shoes?
Footwear is a key component to a successful caregiving wardrobe. Shoes should be supportive, easy to slip on and off (for example, in a home with a no shoes policy) and suitable to be worn for long periods of time.
- Have You Checked Your Accessories?
Beware of dangling earrings and other jewelry that might be attractive to a grabby baby, or that could get caught as you put a leash on a pet or scrub a sink. But dont forget the accessories you need! Skinner advises making sure you bring a hat, sunglasses and other sun-protective clothing for summer activities that may take you outside ̵2; for a walk or to play at the park. Ditto for boots, gloves and scarves for the winter.
- Do You Pass the Smell Test?
Many kids and senior citizens are especially sensitive to smells, so dont wear fragrance, suggests Terry Pile, principal consultant for Career Advisors. Soap and water should do the trick.̶1;
- Have You Considered Hygiene?
Being well-groomed is more than wearing the right clothes, says Pile. Check the details, like making sure your nails are clean and getting regular haircuts. Even if you think youll be cleaning an empty house or caring for a pet without the owner around, you never know if your client might show up unexpectedly.
While you may have the luxury of working in a non-traditional environment and enjoy more flexibility and freedom in your fashion choices, you want to dress to show your employers that you̵7;re competent and capable ̵2; that you̵7;ve brought your A Game, says Skinner.
When in doubt about an outfit, ask a friend, family member or even your employer. Once you get your wardrobe tone right, getting dressed in the morning will be easy.
What do you typically wear to work? Share your outfits in the comments section below.
Cathie Ericson is a freelance writer whose work appears regularly in parenting and business publications, both in print and online. Follow her on Twitter
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