Friday, August 26, 2011

What I Wear to Work

I've had a couple of readers email me and ask what I wear to work as a nanny. There are a few very different opinions on what nannies should wear (uniform vs. no uniform, sweatpants vs. jeans or khakis, etc). I think it depends on your job (how old the kids are, what the family is like, etc). Some nannies have to wear a uniform (an actual uniform or something like khakis and a polo). I would never wear a skirt or dress (possibly with leggings under but doubtful). I don't feel comfortable in a tank top or anything too revealing (you'd be surprised at what you see at the park sometimes!). I think comfort is most important. I spend so much time playing around on the floor with H, walking, running, etc. I don't want to worry that I'm flashing someone going down the slide! I also understand that being a nanny is a JOB and there should still be some sort of professionalism in the way you dress and represent the family (does that make sense?). I think I would dress differently if I was looking after older kids. I'd probably wear ballet flats, jeans, and a polo.

Here's what I usually wear:
Summer/warmer weather: J.Crew (or similar) 5 inch shorts and a polo shirt (Lands End ruffle neck, Lilly P or Vineyard Vines). I usually wear my running shoes since I do quite a bit of walking. If we're going to be out and about I might wear flip flops instead.
The rest of the year: Lululemon pants, jeans or cords (if it's cooler out). Polo shirt (same as above). Hoodie (I love ones from Old Navy, J.Crew and Vineyard Vines). I love Lululemon pants. I know some people think they look too unprofessional or like sweatpants. But I think they still look put together but casual.

Work



I know I have a few readers that are (or were) nannies. What do you think is appropriate? If you have a nanny, do you have a dress code for her? I'm curious!

9 comments:

  1. When I nannies, I wore lots of Nike Tempo shorts!! Always ready to play, or go on an outing, a walk/run perhaps?

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  2. I often joke that Lululemon pants/crops with a shape jacket is my "mom uniform" during the school year, works well for running errands and volunteering at school. You need to be comfortable when you're working with kids!

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  3. You can never go wrong with a polo shirt!

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  4. I think this sounds very professional! Lululemon pants are so flattering and they definitely don't look slouchy! You always look so cute anyway so you can't go wrong!

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  5. Everything sounds like a thoughtful and professional choice. Lululemon pants are highly functional and definitely a big step up from sweats.

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  6. Sounds like you get to dress pretty fun for your job! Can't go wrong with J. Crew chino shorts. :)

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  7. Same as Sweet Southern Prep and Preppy Sue- I am in my Nike Tempo shorts in the summer, and a T-shirt with a sportsbra (always running chasing children!) and Lululemons and a t-shirt on chillier days!

    I'm glad you posted this because I start my stint as an Au Pair in 2 weeks and I hadn't even thought about what I'd wear!

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