Because You Asked: Medical School

A friend asked me for a back to school outfit (she goes back to medical school on Monday). I tried to put myself in the shoes of a medical student and that's what came out of my empathy session. As a medical student, unless you are just starting you will probably have to do some work at the hospital. You will want to have an interesting outfit that pops out of your white coat but still looks professional. A knee-length dress with an ethnic print will easily do the trick. I made sure to choose practical jewelry: no dangling bracelets or rings because you need to wash your hands a lot and wear gloves. You don't want a necklace or earrings that are too long or they will get caught in your patients' clothes! Stud earrings and a shorter statement necklace are appropriate, and the infinity scarf serves the same purpose (+ not being cold in the AC). The leather jacket will keep you warm in case you finish late, and the watch is the stethoscope's best friend ;).The cutout ankle boots are a must: the heel is perfect for standing a long time and walking and the cutouts allow your feet to breathe (+ they are awesome boots). Wear them with cute socks for extra style points! Doesn't this outfit scream "but summer is not over yet!"?

Details here.

Guys, I didn't forget about you this time!!
I know bowties are not unanimous among guys but do you really want to catch all you patients' germs with your ties (I'm sure you wash them every week, right?). You also don't want to wear a boring blue shirt: you're already all wearing a white coat, so why not try this colorful tartan shirt instead? You can still wear your good old khakis but with cool shoes at least (and a matching belt! And watch!)! Keep your notes in a leather notebook...you'll get honors (in fashion at least)!
Details are here!

That's much nicer than scrubs, right?

The Dress Code Dilemma

Like tons of people, I work in a very corporate environment (I'm a consultant). Like tons of people, I love fashion.

But I'm not exactly on the classical side of the style spectrum... I love bold prints, bright colors, out-of-the-ordinary silhouettes, chunky jewelry and so on. And crazy pants. To reference my friend Stephanie at The Lady Olive, I have to say that in personality tests I score very low on traditionalism (and I know what I'm talking about, I'm an I/O psychology student).

The last few years have been very hard on me fashion-wise... (first world problem, I know).

I'll have to blame this one on the dress code. It's not even official, but it's ruining my fashion life. I like looking sharp and fancy but wearing a dark blazer and the matching pants or skirt every day is killing me. I know, I can wear a printed blouse or fun earrings but it's not enough. Luckily statement necklaces have made their way in our jewelry box in the past few years (+1 for bold people). But now that everyone has them, it's like it cancels and becomes unoriginal.

My other problem is that I look (too) young.

Wait! Don't get me wrong!

I love looking young but I need credibility which is already hard to gain as a young professional. This forces me to dress, again, in a boring way. There are original designer blazers and skirts out there that unfortunately my wallet can't buy. BUT, there is hope! Hope that things are going to change and that people are going to start breaking the rules of corporate fashion.

I have a strategy to gradually break the rules. The trick is to test the limits. Why not start by wearing your traditional black and white oufit BUT with bright shoes? Details here.

It works? You don't get the stink eye? Keep it up! Next time, wear a neon shirt or dress with a dark blazer on top. Details here.



Still feel safe? Next step is the printed blazer. Find some good options here.


If you feel like you still have room for improvement you can go with the grand finale: the crazy pants! Only for the boldest (or the laziest).

I still think I will only be satisfied when denim will become acceptable at work...so I can be like them (not):

P.S. Notice that I always put a flat shoes alternative in my outfits. As a tall girl I don't always want to wear heels.

Have fun testing the limits!

Sara xo