Work Uniform Alternatives
Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Matilda Kahl – All fans of the Work Uniform
A work uniform may decrease decision fatigue, as Matilda Kahl’s describes in her Harpers Bazaar article, but we find it to be an extreme solution to wardrobe challenges. We examined her explanation and read other relevant articles and found that the ultimate goals in wearing a uniform comes down to focus.
Work uniforms supposedly combat “decision fatigue” and allows you to focus on other tasks. Decreasing the number of decisions you make in a day helps you make better decisions when you have to. Another benefit in wearing a uniform is that it allows people to focus on YOU – your accomplishments and professionalism – and not get fixated on your visual appearance.
These are more than admirable priorities – but we think there is room for these things AND fashion and self-expression at the same time. If you’re like us and value balance, then maybe you want to look at alternatives to the work uniform. This can be in the form of developing a Capsule Wardrobe and/or developing a personal guideline for building a versatile and effortless wardrobe – where pieces mix and match easily and outfits can be dressed up or down quickly.
When developing a versatile and effortless wardrobe, we look for each piece added to have the following qualities:
- Low Maintenance
- When you don’t have to constantly worry about “messing up” your outfit – your mind can focus on other things.
- When items are easy to take care of, it means less time and money spent at the dry cleaners.
- Versatile Design
- Simple silhouettes and colors will provide a great deal of versatility. It’s easier to mix and match garments, create layers for visual interest, and add statement pieces to for more dramatic looks. When putting an outfit together, simple foundational pieces means you can get get ready quickly – our goal is to put something together in under 5 minutes.
- High Quality
- High quality and durable items will stand the test of time, and the rigors of your activity-filled lifestyle.
- Buying less items of better quality is better for the environment, better for your wardrobe, and better for your time.
Using these three guiding principles allows us to build wardrobes that fit our professional and personal lives, and provides room for expression through statement pieces and other accessories.