Major fashion crisis - help!

April 1, 2014 9:24 AM

So my job has pretty strict uniform requirements - each department has its own catalog, and while mine aren't *too* bad (I can wear dresses, and they don't have to be super-heavy like some of the other departments,) the colors... I just... I can't even.

I'm trying to decide if I should wear the nicer (better-fitting, more functional) new outfit that I just got access to, or stick with my current set. The problem is, the new outfit? Is green and orange. I'd look like a pumpkin. Everyone's used to this sort of nonsense, since we all have to wear company issue, but I just can't face myself in the mirror in this getup. What should I do, Metafilter? I love my job, but my self-esteem can't take much more of this.

Also, didn't huge shoulder pads go out in the 80s?

posted by pewpewpew to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion around (6 answers total)

Can you accessorize to minimize the color combo? Maybe a nice aran cardigan?
posted by lovecrafty at 1:17 AM on April 1, 2014

Pumpkins are IN. Have you actually seen that orchid color anywhere yet this year?

Me neither. Wear the new dress. Go get a pumpkin purse to complete the look.
posted by bilabial at 3:26 AM on April 1, 2014

Is there anyplace near where you live or work that you could go to get some tailoring done, without radically altering your uniform's performance? Maybe a big nearby city?

If not, I think you just need to look at your priorities. Your team isn't being forced to wear this stuff on a whim; it's there to protect you from workplace dangers, and there are probably serious consequences to not keeping up with current standards. The OSHA problems alone would be staggering.

It's nice to look good, but I bet you'll be less concerned about aesthetics when you're picking ice shards out of your ass or watching your feet melt into glowing pools of radioactive goo. If you're not willing to be safe on the job, maybe you should look into a safer line of work. Not everyone is cut out for the front lines. You could think about making jewelry, designing clothes, or maybe open your own pharmacy or restaurant.
posted by kythuen at 8:17 AM on April 1, 2014 [2 favorites]

Adorn your new outfit with a customized piece of fabric bearing an insignia or image of your choice. Yours will be the best pumpkin patch in the company!
posted by googly at 11:32 AM on April 1, 2014

stfu noob
posted by Sequence at 12:16 PM on April 1, 2014 [2 favorites]

So long as you don't STAND IN THE FUCKING FIRE, it doesn't really matter.
posted by rachaelfaith at 3:16 PM on April 1, 2014 [4 favorites]