In many professions, dressing for the job often means wearing a suit and tie, pantsuit, or conservative skirt and blouse. But nannies have a different kind of dress code because of how active their work is with children all day long. Here are some tips on how to dress professionally as a nanny while still being comfortable and feeling stylish while you’re at work.
Invest in Jeans You Can Dress Up or Down
Demin is often a nanny’s best friend because it can easily be dressed up or down to adjust for an unexpected occasion. For example, a nanny can throw on a t-shirt with jeans for a casual day in the park. If a day with the kids turns into an evening engagement, jeans can be paired with a dressier shirt as long as they aren’t stained from the day with kids. Stick to dark denim colors because it doesn’t show stains as badly and looks more polished.
Basic T-Shirts and Button-Down Shirts
Basic is best when it comes to your top half, so stock up on comfortable t-shirts for casual days and button-down shirts for days when you need to look more professional. It’ also possible to layer these two types of shirts so that you’re ready for whatever the day brings. Just make sure to be careful with what your t-shirt says on the front and avoid wearing shirts with beads or other embellishments when you’re on the job to keep kids safe.
Yoga Pants and Sweatshirts in Moderation
It might be most comfortable to live in yoga pants and sweatshirts when you’re a nanny, but this style doesn’t offer the most polished or professional look. Remember that comfortable doesn’t have to mean sloppy! As an occasional yoga pant alternative, try cargo pants on days when you need extra pockets to carry things for the kids. Casual sweaters can also serve as alternatives for old, worn-out sweatshirts when the weather gets chilly.
Keep a Rain Jacket Handy
It’s best to be prepared for anything when you’re a nanny, so don’t get caught off-guard by a little rain. Keep a waterproof raincoat in the house or in your car so that you’re ready to go out during a drizzle if you need to.
Wear the Most Comfortable Shoes You Have
Even if you love wearing high heels on your days off, these stylish shoes have no place in the day-to-day work of a nanny. Invest in a few pairs of ultra-comfortable shoes that you can wear all day and keep up with the kids’ energy. You can wear athletic sneakers for park days, slip-on loafers for days at home, and cute flats for running errands and play dates. Just make sure you’re wearing closed-toed shoes and not sandals to prevent stubbing a toe or stepping in something gross with bare toes.
Leave Dangly Jewelry at Home
Jewelry is what completes an outfit and gives it a personal touch, but unfortunately, many kinds of jewelry have no place in the life of a nanny. Small children love to grab dangly jewelry, such as earrings and necklaces, and are likely to break your favorite pieces by accident. Kids also love grabbing bracelets while being held, so you’ll want to leave your favorite pieces at home for your days off work. Alternatively, you can wear kid-friendly jewelry during your day as a nanny that’s actually fun for little ones to play with and be entertained by. And while accessorizing should be kept to a minimum for nannies, don’t forget to wear practical accessories like sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat on sunny days and a scarf and gloves on cold days so that you’ll be comfortable regardless of the weather.