What to Wear

Do you show up at work looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed? If you do, your employer may be thinking about implementing a dress code.

Dress, grooming and personal hygiene standards may be more important to your nanny employer than you think. Arriving for work looking ready to work sends the message that you take your job seriously and are prepared to face the day. If you’re wondering if your nanny wardrobe is up to snuff, consider these few tips.

Tops

Who doesn’t love the coolness a sleeveless top, racer back tank or deep v-neck shirt brings on a hot, summer day? But when you’re at the job, those cuts can pose a challenge. If you’ve ever held a baby while wearing a top that provides less than full coverage, you know that there comes a point where you’re holding the baby, while trying to keep the girls in their place. Babies pull at necklines, bra straps and whatever else their cute little hands can grasp, so by choosing a top with appropriate coverage, you can prevent a wardrobe malfunction that could pose an embarrassment to you and your boss. And if you’re thinking of showing support for your favorite band, cause or politician on your clothing, you may want to reconsider that as many families prefer message neutral clothing.

Bottoms

While leggings and tee-shirts may seem like a great idea, this isn’t always the case. Leggings that are too tight or too thin may not provide the coverage required when actively engaging children. With all of the bending over and getting up and down that is required on the nanny job, proper fitting bottoms are essential to ensure what is covered stays covered during active play. If your employer allows leggings to be worn, always be sure to put them to the test in the mirror before wearing them on the job- and opt to pair them with a tunic to ensure appropriate coverage. As an alternative, consider loose fitting jeans, khakis or shorts that provide adequate coverage and will allow for free movement. Ensuring that the length of the shorts are longer than the tips of your fingers when your arms are at your side will help to ensure an appropriate fit.

Footwear

While flip flops or heels may be your shoe of choice, rarely do these belong on the nanny job. Of course if you’re at the pool or at a special event, there may be cause to sport your favorite slides or stilettos, but for everyday wear, opt for an athletic shoe or sandal that offers stability for when you’re chasing around active little ones.

While every nanny has their own personal style, when it comes to the workplace, that style should be specifically tailored for the job at hand. In addition to wearing appropriate clothing, jewelry that can pose a safety hazard for children, like long necklaces or earrings with small beads, should not be worn during working hours.

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