Workwear as a fashion category is generally plain, smart and functional – nothing wrong with that. A suit and tie or shirt and pencil skirt looks tidy and sharp, when doing a PowerPoint presentation or any officely activity. Overalls and boots are the industrial worker’s ensemble of choice, well and good, but not very expressive.
Have you ever considered the alternate possibilities outside of traditional men’s and women’s workwear?
Most people don’t think about clothing and workwear when selecting a career, as factors like money and money tend to be much more effective in influencing occupational decisions. I’ll tell you for free that I could probably be persuaded to do a little job swap if it meant being able to go about my business in an especially fun and inspiring outfit.
If how you look is how you feel then these are surely three of the most satisfying jobs in the world:
1. Employer: Disney
Tale as old as time.
Why would you not want to wear a princess costume for a living? Demands on professional Disney characters include be happy, smile and wave to children. Bonuses include weekly pay, health insurance, and realising the dream of every girl under the age of 12 that’s ever existed. Temperatures at Disneyland can climb to 30 degrees Celsius so probably not a good idea to be the man on the left.
2. Employer: Stade Francais rugby union
Do. not. mess. with. me.
Nothing says ‘confidence’ like a man in pink. This French rugby club has realised that no one’s going to accuse an indestructable built-like-a-buffalo sportsman of being anything other than all that is manly. So why ever not take the opportunity to wear shocking pink infused with turquoise? This flamboyant uniform resolutely disregards stereotypes of rugby players as aggressive testosterone-driven crazies. It probably also confounds the opposition and gives lady-fans something to think about while pretending to enjoy the game.
3. Employer: Interscope Records
Oh, this old thing? I've had it for years!
Lady Gaga landed her bum in the butter as far as workwear is concerned. The rising superstar literally wears anything she wants, and not necessarily clothes. She’s appeared in a coat made of stuffed toy frogs, a Chihuahua-like headgear and dog leash, and a host of outfits that defy description. ‘Eccentric performer’ is definitely one of the more fashionably advantageous jobs in that you can wake up, decide to don a frying pan on your head, and just go with it.
It’s totally fine if none of these options suits you and you’re happy in your normal job.
Traditional workwear can be subtly accessorised to liven up the office mood.
Pair your power suit with a tiara or pirate’s eye patch, and embellish your scrubs or overalls with a sombrero. Just be sure to tell your colleagues where you heard this exclusive fashion advice.