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If I Wanted to Manage Women's Apparel Choices, I'd be Working at Neimans!

If I Wanted to Manage Women's Apparel Choices, I'd be Working at Neimans!

Ok Seriously!  Let's talk career apparel/uniforms.  Our industry is made up of mostly women of all shapes, height, widths, proportions, fit preferences, color preferences, ON AND ON!  It seems no matter what vendor we choose, there are complaints.  I understand that we'll never make everyone happy.  However, when I was on site I never complained about clothing being provided for me at no cost to me!  It meant more money for me to spend on my partying clothes!

What do you guys think about career apparel?  Does it make a difference?  What vendor do you use?  What do you like about them?  Have you been in any offices recently where the apparel that was being worn made an impact on you- either because it was well coordinated or because it was a poor attempt to coordinate?

Love to hear your thoughts.  Thanks guys.

 
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Back when I was on site, the only times I was annoyed were the days when no masculine colors were available. Yes, our communities are woman-dominated, but man was that awkward!

  Brent Williams
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I tend to prefer a dress code over uniforms, but that may just be a remnant of having attended uniformed parochial school for twelve years ... but still, a dress code allows for sufficient freedom of expression while still maintaining professional decorum, and allows people to wear what actually looks good on them.

Plus, uniforms - especially the logo polo shirt with khakis/slacks types - just make me think of fast food places. Surely we're a bit classier than that.

  Sara Morrill
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Hi Sara,

I agree to the khakis and polos comment. I hope we are passed that.

Our current selections are based on suit coordinates with appropriate shirts offering 15 color options, 6 different fits and styles.

  Stephanie Gonzalez
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@Brent: Aww, but guys look so good in pink!

@Stephanie: Hmm, that doesn't sound so bad then. Although I'd think that if you're already offering that many options, then switching to a tight dress code might not be too far to leap? Maybe it's just the idea of uniforms that your team actually dislikes, not the uniforms themselves, in which case letting them use some of their own clothes might help them feel more positive. I.e., they have to use the vendors' pants and jacket, but they can wear their own shirt as long as it's within a certain range of colours, etc.

  Sara Morrill
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I can admit that I get irritated when there are only one-size-fits-all options available. I'm 5'2", and I do not look professional when I attempt to wear the same styles as women that are 5'7".

It's all about the professional appearance, so I'm inclined to agree with a dress code rather than a uniform distribution.

  Charity Zierten
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After working onsite for over 12 years, I too came across the men's shirts given for the ladies all the time. Once I crossed over to the vendor side, I promised myself I would never sell men's (unisex) to ladies.
Since we supply several multifamily owners nationwide with their logo apparel lines & have come up with a streamlined sizing system. I'd be happy to discuss this with you further and let you know what we have to offer.

  Debra Cooper Stepp
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This was a huge debate a few years ago for our company and considering the spectrum of sizes/body types of employees and range of geographic area we came up with guidelines for the company as a whole (skirts/pants/jackets) and then allowed the Regional Managers to create specifics for their region/properties. (shirts/accessories - colors/styles)

  Regina Raimona
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I believe that feeling great and looking great are essential to a successful client facing professional. When you aren't happy with how you look, it has a crucial impact on your attitude and everything you do... not to mention how others see you. Unfortunately I have walked into a few "high end" offices that could have used a little more "care" and attention to the way they look. Uniforms are very outdated. Having your office staff coordinate their colors is often better than forcing a diverse team of men and women into the same suit.
When I was onsite I remember the management making the decision to go with horizontal striped sweater sets!! Yuck! This definitely did not work for all shapes and sizes.
So in the end if you love what you are wearing you will exude confidence and that confidence will make all the difference.
Just my opinion ~:)

  Marie Williams

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