What would you/did you wear in isolation?

paperpudding

or how much is it worth getting dressed at all and if so, in what?

Here in Australia, and I presume other countries, if one gets Covid one has to home isolate.
Currently 7 days where I live.

I am on day 4.

am fully vaccinated so symptoms only mild - but no matter, not allowed out till Wed midnight.

I find wearing pyjamas all day encourages 'sick and lazy mode' - and I am still going outside and publicly visible- say,to do gardening in my front yard or get mail from the letter box or put the bins out.

My answer is comfy trackpants, jeans, hoodies, that sort of thing (is winter here) - but I havent worn a pair of shoes since last Wed, been fluffy slippers all the time.

Debate question: do what clothes you wear or dont wear matter to your well being or anything else if nobody else is seeing them (or only your partner and family you live with)

Xellercin

To me, they don't matter at all. I wore scrubs for years and was hyper productive. Scrubs are like pyjamas, just worse.

Now that I'm retired, I have a "uniform" that I wear 99% of the time: merino wool leggings, merino wool t-shirt, merino wool zippy sweater, running shoes.

Being comfortable makes me more productive, uncomfortable clothes are distracting. Merino wool helps regulate my body temperature. I've worn my "uniform" to lead major corporate meetings where everyone else was in suits and ties.

So no. I don't think what I wear matters beyond it being optimally functional and comfortable for me.

I guess if your normal is to wear business attire and you only wear comfortable clothes when not being productive, then wearing comfortable clothes could make you feel less productive.

But for me, stuffy clothes, even jeans, are reserved for socializing. So it's the opposite. Comfortable, functional clothes are my "get s#&t done" uniform, and nice, proper grown-up clothes are my "dress up for a night out" attire.

I dress up very, very, very rarely though because I find wearing anything other than running shoes to be intensely annoying.

Note: I used to be BIG into fashion and didn't own running shoes. Becoming an ultra, ultra productive professional is what cured me of caring about clothes.

Lietchi

At the start of lockdown, I went full 'slob': pajamas, unkempt hair...while working from home. (I rarely, if ever, put on my camera for work meetings - putting on my camera was always planned in advance and I would prepare specifically). Honestly, not the best for getting in the right mood for work, probably. But very time efficient. Nowadays, since changing jobs, I have to put on my webcam for meetings even when working from home, so I do get dressed (usually tops I've worn at the office the week before, just to save on laundry, they can see but not smell me paired with comfy stretch pants). I resent the time lost 'putting on my face' and having presentable hair, but I do feel slightly more like I'm at work when doing so.

When I don't have to work, still full 'slob' mode for me. But you wouldn't catch me dead outside the house looking like that, I won't even open the door for packages. It just de-stresses me to not have to make myself presentable, and that's what I need mentally to unwind after a work week. That's why I also prefer to focus my social obligations: meeting friends after a day at the office, or combining a shopping spree and dinner with family the same day, to have at least one day a week when I can just relax at home (whether I'm having a lazy day or being more productive).

Even on pajama days, I will wear workout clothes and shoes to exercise in my home gym though. I have done an occasional exercise session in pajamas, when I really had low energy and changing clothes was too much of a hurdle mentally, but I felt quite 'icky' and lazy doing that, so I avoid it.

Since losing weight, I actually quite like 'dressing up' (up to a certain point) and I usually make a bit more of an effort when going to the office now than pre-covid, since it's only 2 days a week. I usually feel more productive those days, but that's probably more to do with having people around me, rather than how I'm dressed.

Mouse_Potato

I do not like wearing pajamas all day. It makes me feel like I never got out of bed. I will only do that if I am sick, and I mean *very* sick! My go-to outfit, given the choice, is a pair of joggers/shorts, a tank top, and a sports bra (we don't get a lot of winter here). This is how I dress when I work from home, which is when I am the most productive. I don't think it's the clothing, but rather the *lack* of people around me. I am a technology professional and I need quiet to focus. Also, after 25 years of being on-call, I'm pretty used to getting up in the middle of the night to work, so my clothing has never had much influence on how productive I am.

I do like to dress up a bit when I go out, but I don't go out much.

The_Enginerd

At the start of the pandemic when we started working from home almost exclusively, my partner was living across the country and it was just me and my pets at home. Our computers did not have webcams so no video calls. No one saw me unless I went to the store or out for a run. I still got up every morning, took a shower, and changed into casual clothes (jeans and a t-shirt) each day before starting work. I would normally wear khakis and a button up shirt at the office. I needed some routine and sense of normalcy and boundary between work and home. Wearing pajamas all day is a road too far for me.

We are currently hybrid and my partner now lives with me again. I still follow that same routine on my work from home days.

ythannah

I never worked from home during the pandemic but those of us remaining in the office were permitted to "dress casual", which is usually reserved for Fridays. That means we were permitted to wear jeans, T shirts, hoodies and runners -- normally forbidden. I'm happiest in jeans so that's what I wore, with the exception of the 3 ish months when my appendix blew up and the post-surgical period when I was mostly in leggings or yoga pants.

I know what you mean about "sick and lazy mode" though. Even with a burst appendix I still hauled my *kitten* into the shower every day and got dressed in something other than PJs. I've never worn PJs other than to actually sleep in.

At home evenings/weekends/vacation I'm either in jeans or some variety of workout pants. I have dogs and they can be dangerous to good work clothes. I also have a home gym so I like the freedom to knock out some reps if I'm downstairs for some other reason.

AnnPT77

I don't find that what I wear affects my mood or "mode", except that dressing in nicer clothes can be a distraction during certain home chores - if I'm doing something messy, I'm more efficient if I'm not worried about getting dirt or paint or whatever on my better clothes, so kind of ratty ones are better.

I'm retired, live alone, and in the pandemic have gone very much to a uniform at home, most of the time: Plain white cotton t-shirt, leggings or sweatpants (I put drawstrings in fat Ann's leggings to hold them up, and wear them as loose house-wear yoga-pant-like things now), sweatshirt if it's cooler weather (I keep the thermostat relatively low in Winter by preference). Because I'm craftsy, many of these have paint or something on them, and I don't care. While I change these up to stay reasonably clean, I do sleep in them, too, as long as they're reasonably clean. I don't leave my yard/lot dressed like this, but will go out to get mail or do minor non-messy outdoor tasks. I have several changes of the "uniform", because I prefer to do laundry with a full-ish washer/dryer.

For me, I like to recycle/reuse older clothes for at-home wear, in a way I didn't when my husband was alive, because I really don't care at all how I look now (and I didn't care lots then, because he didn't, either). I hate clothes-shopping, but I think this is also defensible from a recycling standpoint. I feel the same way about some other things: More likely to use certain things until they wear out functionally, compared to some of my friends' practices, not discard things when they start to look worn but are still functional. (I'm not saying this is more virtuous. It's just my way. I'm comparing myself to others I know, but not judging them negatively when I do, I promise.)

If I'm doing something very dirty indoors or out (transplanting houseplants, carpentry, yard work), I will change into different clothes for that. I change into different clothes for at-home workouts, too, because I sweat lots when working out (even mild workouts). So, I switch into workout leggings or yoga pants (that actually fit) and a workout t-shirt, to work out, wash up or shower after, and change back into the uniform of the day. At home, I'm usually barefoot, or wearing socks/slipper-socks if it's cold.

When I go out, I switch into purpose-specific workout clothes for outdoor rowing/cycling (water shoes for rowing, running/cross-training shoes for cycling); jeans/plain t-shirts for errands and such (with cross-training shoes or casual leather shoes); and "dress casual" for medical appointments (plain t-shirts, nicer sweaters than for errands, black/gray dressier jeans/chinos or loose linen trousers, black leather shoes). I've found over the years that medical staff treat me as if I were smarter if I dress a bit more "white collar casual" vs. more "blue collar", so I do that for convenience. I don't do dress-up stuff often, but have a couple of simple dressy dresses for warm/cold seasons, and usually wear ballet flats with them. (I hate heels, don't own any. Didn't, even when working in IT management and wearing dresses/suits routinely.)

Out of the house, when not working out, I'm all about jewelry: Earrings, several bracelets, necklace. One of my craftsy things is making jewelry, and I like wearing it, even though I'm not very clothes/fashion-oriented in other respects.

paperpudding

I guess if your normal is to wear business attire and you only wear comfortable clothes when not being productive, then wearing comfortable clothes could make you feel less productive.

well I dont wear business attire to work - but I do have a uniform shirt which I wear with work pants.

My job is not one that can be done from home at all so I have no experience of adjusting that to work from home.

In terms of productivity I cant say I have been all that productive in home isolation, despite being only mildly sick.
have caught up on the ironing, booked a holiday for September (there is something cathartic about booking flights, accomodation, activities, for a holiday when one is currently not allowed past one's own letter box ) other than that have read some novel, done a jigsaw, caught up on some recorded TV programs, whiled away time on the internet.....


PS: because my job cannot be done from home and I am an essential worker, I wasnt in isolation during lockdown.
It is only this 7 day period for me.

corinasue1143

Unique case.
When I was younger (but not young) I dressed for work. When I went to the grocery store, Walmart, etc., I would see older women who dressed more for comfort than beauty. I decided I would be one of them. I always thought, “When I get old I will wear shorts and flip flops and no makeup when I go out. I will bathe, brush my teeth, comb my hair, but I will not use rollers or blow dry or style my hair.
I turned 70 just about the time Corona hit. I haven’t looked back. I don’t own makeup, hair-styling tools, uncomfortable shoes. I don’t think I ever will again.
Does it make me less productive? I don’t think so. I’m retired. From work. From homemaking. From hostessing. From serious cooking. From dressing for others.

Xellercin

corinasue1143 wrote: »

Unique case.
When I was younger (but not young) I dressed for work. When I went to the grocery store, Walmart, etc., I would see older women who dressed more for comfort than beauty. I decided I would be one of them. I always thought, “When I get old I will wear shorts and flip flops and no makeup when I go out. I will bathe, brush my teeth, comb my hair, but I will not use rollers or blow dry or style my hair.
I turned 70 just about the time Corona hit. I haven’t looked back. I don’t own makeup, hair-styling tools, uncomfortable shoes. I don’t think I ever will again.
Does it make me less productive? I don’t think so. I’m retired. From work. From homemaking. From hostessing. From serious cooking. From dressing for others.

Same, but I retired at 37, lol, and I stopped doing all that stuff by my early 30s. My work took over my life and it required me to basically wear pyjamas, and my face and hair were covered a lot of the time, so hair and makeup were pointless. Me and my colleagues make fun of the peers who get dolled up just to get splattered with other people's body fluids. It's just ridiculous.

I do the serious cooking though, but I only started doing that *after* I semi-retired a few years before the pandemic. My husband did all of the cooking when I worked full time. We're both grateful for the change, lol. He's not the best cook.

My favourite part of my transition away from fussy "normal" women's attire? Ditching the stupid purses. I went back to my university backpack many years ago and would never go back to those awkward, unweildy, purses.

Actually, my favourite part is learning to be comfortable with how I look without any of the fuss. My mom still can't leave the house without full makeup, doing her hair, and coordinating an outfit. She lives in the woods outside of a small town where NO ONE could possibly care what a random senior lady looks like, but she's a former model and the indoctrination runs deep with her.

She often won't leave the house because she doesn't have the energy to jump through the beauty hoops. Meanwhile I can be ready to leave the house in under 45 seconds, and feel completely comfortable being seen exactly as I am. It's awesome.

DaffyGirl88

The_Enginerd wrote: »

At the start of the pandemic when we started working from home almost exclusively, my partner was living across the country and it was just me and my pets at home. Our computers did not have webcams so no video calls. No one saw me unless I went to the store or out for a run. I still got up every morning, took a shower, and changed into casual clothes (jeans and a t-shirt) each day before starting work. I would normally wear khakis and a button up shirt at the office. I needed some routine and sense of normalcy and boundary between work and home. Wearing pajamas all day is a road too far for me.

We are currently hybrid and my partner now lives with me again. I still follow that same routine on my work from home days.

This ^^

I learned a few days into teleworking (and am still teleworking after 2 + years) that I had to be showered and dressed before I sat down at my desk to begin work at 6:30. Prior to teleworking I got up at 4:00 AM EST and went to the gym before work. My gym never reopened (a COVID casualty) but I have kept the same routine. I get up, go to my basement gym and shower before I start work. One added bonus as that with the time that I used to commute I can now sit and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and read my book between my shower and my 6:30 start time.

I tried sweat pants, yoga pants and workout gear but never was comfortable working that way. Gone are the business suits and dresses that I used to wear daily, but I'm definitely dressed.

Even without the whole isolation / teleworking thing though, previously if I had been sick with a cold or flu I always felt a lot better if I took a shower and got dressed rather than if I went straight from the bed to the sofa in my PJs. Dressed being a loose term there as it may well have been sweats or lounging PJs. I think that is mostly a psychological thing.

Ninkasi

When we were in COVID lockdown I'm not going to lie, I spent a lot of time in my bathrobe. My husband would joke that I was in "Howard Hughes mode." But when I had a Skype or Teams meeting I'd put on a clean shirt and nice yoga pants or leggings, even though we don't use cameras in our meetings. I absolutely agree it's a psychological thing; putting neat, clean clothes on helped me feel more on point and ready to present and discuss ideas instead of feeling lazy or schlubby.

cwolfman13

I was working from home for 18 months. For the first couple of weeks it was pretty much PJs or sweat pants...I think it was more of a comfort thing with the shock of one day everything being pretty much normal and the next my entire state was shut down except for grocery stores. I can't say whether or not it affected my mood or anything because the whole damn thing had my anxiety high and I felt depressed and unmotivated...don't think it was so much the PJs as it was the state of affairs at that time.

After that first couple of weeks of shock, I just wore my normal off hours casual wear. Shorts and t-shirts in the summer and jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt or sweater in the winter. When I had COVID and had to isolate I pretty much wore PJs for the period of time that I was actually symptomatic and sick...but I was mostly either in bed or on the couch watching tv. That was only a couple of days...after that I just dressed normally.

ythannah

AnnPT77 wrote: »

When I go out, I switch into purpose-specific workout clothes for outdoor rowing/cycling (water shoes for rowing, running/cross-training shoes for cycling); jeans/plain t-shirts for errands and such (with cross-training shoes or casual leather shoes); and "dress casual" for medical appointments (plain t-shirts, nicer sweaters than for errands, black/gray dressier jeans/chinos or loose linen trousers, black leather shoes). I've found over the years that medical staff treat me as if I were smarter if I dress a bit more "white collar casual" vs. more "blue collar", so I do that for convenience. I don't do dress-up stuff often, but have a couple of simple dressy dresses for warm/cold seasons, and usually wear ballet flats with them. (I hate heels, don't own any. Didn't, even when working in IT management and wearing dresses/suits routinely.)

That's an interesting observation. I've often played with wardrobe and the assumptions of others for fun, like dressing very casually (almost grunge) and browsing in a high-end clothing store, or checking out a mall real estate display. If you don't want to be approached by pushy salespeople, dress like you can't afford the merchandise. I would never have applied that principle to medical settings though. I tend to dress for convenience... if I know I'm going to need to strip for tests, I wear things that go on and off easily, no jewellery etc. When I went to Emergency last year I strongly suspected that surgery was going to be the end result (and I was right) so I deliberately chose loose comfy clothes that could go back on after surgery.

As an aside, when I was reading your "dress casual" examples, I initially misread one of the items as "black leather pants" and I thought "Oooh, GO Ann!"

AnnPT77

ythannah wrote: »

AnnPT77 wrote: »

When I go out, I switch into purpose-specific workout clothes for outdoor rowing/cycling (water shoes for rowing, running/cross-training shoes for cycling); jeans/plain t-shirts for errands and such (with cross-training shoes or casual leather shoes); and "dress casual" for medical appointments (plain t-shirts, nicer sweaters than for errands, black/gray dressier jeans/chinos or loose linen trousers, black leather shoes). I've found over the years that medical staff treat me as if I were smarter if I dress a bit more "white collar casual" vs. more "blue collar", so I do that for convenience. I don't do dress-up stuff often, but have a couple of simple dressy dresses for warm/cold seasons, and usually wear ballet flats with them. (I hate heels, don't own any. Didn't, even when working in IT management and wearing dresses/suits routinely.)

That's an interesting observation. I've often played with wardrobe and the assumptions of others for fun, like dressing very casually (almost grunge) and browsing in a high-end clothing store, or checking out a mall real estate display. If you don't want to be approached by pushy salespeople, dress like you can't afford the merchandise. I would never have applied that principle to medical settings though. I tend to dress for convenience... if I know I'm going to need to strip for tests, I wear things that go on and off easily, no jewellery etc. When I went to Emergency last year I strongly suspected that surgery was going to be the end result (and I was right) so I deliberately chose loose comfy clothes that could go back on after surgery.

As an aside, when I was reading your "dress casual" examples, I initially misread one of the items as "black leather pants" and I thought "Oooh, GO Ann!"

I think "office casual white collar-ish" and "comfy and easy to put on/take off" are not mutually exclusive, with care. Perfect: Some relaxed-fit linen pants I have (in 3 colors, because!), and a relaxed sweater or simple jacket over a t-shirt or tank top, some nice-looking flat shoes.

I noticed the effect when I was taking my dad to some of his doctors' appointments, at a time when he was unable to drive. If it was impromptu, I might be wearing jeans and a slogan t-shirt, and I felt I was far more likely to be talked down to (not necessarily unkindly). I remember one PA who looked quite surprised when I said dad had a central retinal vein occlusion. She stopped, looked at me wide-eyed, and said (sounding slightly stunned) "Are you a provider?"

I'm with you on messing with people to some extent: One of the funnest shopping expeditions I had (multi store) was when I needed to replace a lovely plum-colored wool midi-length Winter coat I wore to work, that was wearing out but also had become impractical for reasons about to be revealed. When the salesperson at each store approached, asked what I was looking for in a coat, the answer was: "Something that matches my cats." The best one - only one who did anything adequate - said "What color are your cats?" "Tweed." (I had two gray/black/white tabbies, plus a couple of multicolored beagles at the time.) Some were completely nonplussed. Hilarious.

33gail33

Well I felt like crap when I had Covid so I didn't get dressed up. I don't wear pyjamas per se - I sleep in T shirts and shorts/trackpants so that is what I wore.

When I was working from home extensively, and still when I work from home 2-3 days per week, what I wear is irrelevant to my productivity. I'm wearing a loose tank top and "harem" type pants right now (something I would never wear to the office). That is my at home "uniform" whether I am working or not. My productivity is based on my workload not what I'm wearing.

My office has definitely become more casual since Covid started - "casual friday" lasts the whole week now.

ythannah

33gail33 wrote: »

My office has definitely become more casual since Covid started - "casual friday" lasts the whole week now.

I wish ours had lasted but we were only allowed to be casual from mid-March 2020 until September 2021. At least I had the benefit of it in April 21 when I just wouldn't have been comfortable stuffing my post-surgery abdomen into normal dress pants.

I2k4

The (Ontario, Canada) pandemic lockdowns, as such, didn't change anything I wear but did radically change the allocation of time wearing them: within my preferred fabric limits of cotton, wool, and nylon outerwear the closets hold a range of going out clothes. Normally home wear is sweats / shorts and sandals, with a set aside casual outfit for routine shopping and another for condo gym workouts. Pandemic restrictions mainly meant a whole lot more time in home wear, with two oddities: dressing up and setting a backdrop for video calls was one, the other was a change to putting on workout clothing. Going to the gym or out of doors for an hour or two meant changing into suitably techy "gym strip" and shoes for public presentation, but once it was locked up I tended to just grab a resistance band or dumbbells several times a day at home in what I was wearing anyway, usually barefoot. The gym reopened early this year, using it weekly but I like the casual short in-home sessions and will see if / when it's necessary to push a structured program again.

hesn92

I always wear comfy clothing when I'm not in the office and don't have anywhere to be other than maybe running an errand, but not pajamas. I wear leggings, sweat shorts, tank tops, hoodies etc. and they need to look good on me and fit me well otherwise I feel like a slob. I used to dress business casual in the office M-Th but ever since coming back from working at home, I dress casual all week long. I think office wear is dumb. lol.

Sand_TIger

Ha ha, bathrobe for me. Fuzzy and often sprinkled with cat hair. If I had a Zoom meeting I might put on a shirt or aim the camera so it just showed my face.

siberiantarragon

I wore the same clothes I normally wear during the shutdowns. I don't wear any clothes that aren't comfortable. I don't know if I have one of those sensory processing issues or something but I'm very sensitive to uncomfortable sensory things. If I'm wearing something uncomfortable I won't be able to concentrate the entire day. I also have to shower and wash my hair every day for this reason -- I read about people during lockdown who didn't shower for weeks at a time and I don't understand it.

Luckily there are plenty of comfortable dresses, blouses, and dress pants out there. Even jeans have changed in the past decade or so to be more stretchy and more like jeggings. For casual wear I usually wear jeans (shorts or a skort if it's hot out) and a casual top. For less casual wear I wear a dress with leggings, or dress pants and a blouse. And I only wear sneakers or flats. I don't like to wear any shoes that I can't run in, in case of emergency. Also, I don't do anything special with my hair besides washing and sometimes blow-drying. I can't stand products in my hair and don't know how to do hair anyway. I do wear makeup but not every day and I only put on very basic makeup that takes a few minutes, since that's the limit of my makeup capabilities anyway. I also never wear underwire bras because they really irritate my skin.

smithker75

When the pandemic started we worked from home for the best part of a year and then transitioned back to the office only 2-3 days a week.
When I work from home I wear comfy pants like leggings, 'nice' sweatpants, or shorts in summer (Australian here so that's most of the year). I have a lot of online meetings and workshops so I tend to wear a nicer top or knit/cardigan with jewellery for those.
I have mostly switched out foundation for a good quality BB cream and basic makeup. I don't always style my hair, depending on the day, and often wear a headband to push back my shortish hair.
When I first started to work from home I bought some basic t-shirt dresses and button through cotton blend dresses that are cool and comfortable, wash and dry quickly and don't need ironing. I LIVE in them. It's the perfect compromise between comfort and 'being dressed' for me.
I am lucky to have a very autonomous role and lots of flexibility so I can fit in exercise at different times of day depending on my schedule.
I do enjoy going back to the office a couple of days a week and dressing up but the one thing I'll never compromise on again is shoes. I have invested in really good, comfortable 'dressy' shoes.
When I had COVID a couple of months ago it was cold and mostly I lived in pyjamas while I was ill. I did work from home some but I was in no shape for meetings so I didn't make any effort at all!

One thing I did notice is how much money I saved on clothes in the last 2 years. I work in events management and would buy new clothes seasonally (not excessive) but I haven't bought new 'work' clothes for a long time. My 'old' clothes all feel quite 'new' to me again as I haven't worn them in so long. I won't be buying anything new for some time.

kshama2001

I worked from home for 9 years before the pandemic. During conference calls, we showed screens, not each other. I worked in my pjs until lunch, at which point I put on exercise clothes. If I didn't get too sweaty, I'd stay in them for the rest of the day.

kshama2001

AnnPT77 wrote: »

When I go out, I switch into purpose-specific workout clothes for outdoor rowing/cycling (water shoes for rowing, running/cross-training shoes for cycling); jeans/plain t-shirts for errands and such (with cross-training shoes or casual leather shoes); and "dress casual" for medical appointments (plain t-shirts, nicer sweaters than for errands, black/gray dressier jeans/chinos or loose linen trousers, black leather shoes). I've found over the years that medical staff treat me as if I were smarter if I dress a bit more "white collar casual" vs. more "blue collar", so I do that for convenience. I don't do dress-up stuff often, but have a couple of simple dressy dresses for warm/cold seasons, and usually wear ballet flats with them. (I hate heels, don't own any. Didn't, even when working in IT management and wearing dresses/suits routinely.)

ythannah wrote: »

That's an interesting observation. I've often played with wardrobe and the assumptions of others for fun, like dressing very casually (almost grunge) and browsing in a high-end clothing store, or checking out a mall real estate display. If you don't want to be approached by pushy salespeople, dress like you can't afford the merchandise. I would never have applied that principle to medical settings though. I tend to dress for convenience... if I know I'm going to need to strip for tests, I wear things that go on and off easily, no jewellery etc. When I went to Emergency last year I strongly suspected that surgery was going to be the end result (and I was right) so I deliberately chose loose comfy clothes that could go back on after surgery.

As an aside, when I was reading your "dress casual" examples, I initially misread one of the items as "black leather pants" and I thought "Oooh, GO Ann!"

I'm getting monthly Lupron injections and just wear shorts and a tank top, so they have easy access to various injection sites. However, if I'm going for a medical *consultation* type visit, I will dress up more so as to be taken more seriously.

I very rarely need to go to the bank in person, but I dress better for the customer service people than tellers.

I will never ever forget two people I saw at a job fair years ago. One was an older white woman in messy pig tails and a t-shirt that said, "I got out of bed this AM; what more do you want?" The other was a young black man who wore a suit. He was pulled out of line and taken out back. I imagine he walked away with a job.

ythannah

smithker75 wrote: »

My 'old' clothes all feel quite 'new' to me again as I haven't worn them in so long. I won't be buying anything new for some time.

Because we were allowed to dress down in casual clothes from mid-March 20 until Sept 21, this is the first summer in three years that I've worn my light summery dress slacks. Many people at work think they're new clothes.

AnnPT77

kshama2001 wrote: »

AnnPT77 wrote: »

When I go out, I switch into purpose-specific workout clothes for outdoor rowing/cycling (water shoes for rowing, running/cross-training shoes for cycling); jeans/plain t-shirts for errands and such (with cross-training shoes or casual leather shoes); and "dress casual" for medical appointments (plain t-shirts, nicer sweaters than for errands, black/gray dressier jeans/chinos or loose linen trousers, black leather shoes). I've found over the years that medical staff treat me as if I were smarter if I dress a bit more "white collar casual" vs. more "blue collar", so I do that for convenience. I don't do dress-up stuff often, but have a couple of simple dressy dresses for warm/cold seasons, and usually wear ballet flats with them. (I hate heels, don't own any. Didn't, even when working in IT management and wearing dresses/suits routinely.)

ythannah wrote: »

That's an interesting observation. I've often played with wardrobe and the assumptions of others for fun, like dressing very casually (almost grunge) and browsing in a high-end clothing store, or checking out a mall real estate display. If you don't want to be approached by pushy salespeople, dress like you can't afford the merchandise. I would never have applied that principle to medical settings though. I tend to dress for convenience... if I know I'm going to need to strip for tests, I wear things that go on and off easily, no jewellery etc. When I went to Emergency last year I strongly suspected that surgery was going to be the end result (and I was right) so I deliberately chose loose comfy clothes that could go back on after surgery.

As an aside, when I was reading your "dress casual" examples, I initially misread one of the items as "black leather pants" and I thought "Oooh, GO Ann!"

I'm getting monthly Lupron injections and just wear shorts and a tank top, so they have easy access to various injection sites. However, if I'm going for a medical *consultation* type visit, I will dress up more so as to be taken more seriously.

I very rarely need to go to the bank in person, but I dress better for the customer service people than tellers.

I will never ever forget two people I saw at a job fair years ago. One was an older white woman in messy pig tails and a t-shirt that said, "I got out of bed this AM; what more do you want?" The other was a young black man who wore a suit. He was pulled out of line and taken out back. I imagine he walked away with a job.

Admittedly, when a medical professional knows me well from a long association, how I dress is less a consideration.

Coincidentally, I had a discussion with one of my friends about dressing more "white collar casual" for many medical appointments, because of my perception that I was treated as more educated if I did so. She was outraged that how a person dresses made this difference. Personally, I'm not outraged - kind of the opposite.

We expect our medical professionals not to overwhelm patients by explaining in arcane medical terminology that doesn't actually communicate. What are they - the medical folks, who are actual regular humans - to do? Of course they're going to use normal social cues to make their best first guess at how to communicate with patients, how technical or simple to be. What else could they possibly rationally do, as a starting point? Of course, if they guess wrong - either start out too technical, get blank stare or deer in headlights; or start out too simple, get detailed questions - I think it would be good if they adjust (and IME, the good ones -i.e., most of them - usually do).

For clarity, I support anyone's choice to dress in ways they find comfortable, convenient, otherwise desirable. But I think it's unreasonable to expect strangers to immediately grasp that stereotypes related to our style choices don't apply in our very special particular unique case. Our choices have consequences, and among those consequences is that others will assume things based on our appearance. Again, ideally, further interaction can quickly counter that stereotyping, but to expect it not to be the starting point is unrealistic.

lcoulter23

Baggy stretch pants, t-shirts and Crocs, which is the same way I dress even when I'm not in isolation or staying at home. I'm married & in my 40s and have nobody to impress & my husband loves that I'm low maintenance.

kshama2001

AnnPT77 wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

AnnPT77 wrote: »

When I go out, I switch into purpose-specific workout clothes for outdoor rowing/cycling (water shoes for rowing, running/cross-training shoes for cycling); jeans/plain t-shirts for errands and such (with cross-training shoes or casual leather shoes); and "dress casual" for medical appointments (plain t-shirts, nicer sweaters than for errands, black/gray dressier jeans/chinos or loose linen trousers, black leather shoes). I've found over the years that medical staff treat me as if I were smarter if I dress a bit more "white collar casual" vs. more "blue collar", so I do that for convenience. I don't do dress-up stuff often, but have a couple of simple dressy dresses for warm/cold seasons, and usually wear ballet flats with them. (I hate heels, don't own any. Didn't, even when working in IT management and wearing dresses/suits routinely.)

ythannah wrote: »

That's an interesting observation. I've often played with wardrobe and the assumptions of others for fun, like dressing very casually (almost grunge) and browsing in a high-end clothing store, or checking out a mall real estate display. If you don't want to be approached by pushy salespeople, dress like you can't afford the merchandise. I would never have applied that principle to medical settings though. I tend to dress for convenience... if I know I'm going to need to strip for tests, I wear things that go on and off easily, no jewellery etc. When I went to Emergency last year I strongly suspected that surgery was going to be the end result (and I was right) so I deliberately chose loose comfy clothes that could go back on after surgery.

As an aside, when I was reading your "dress casual" examples, I initially misread one of the items as "black leather pants" and I thought "Oooh, GO Ann!"

I'm getting monthly Lupron injections and just wear shorts and a tank top, so they have easy access to various injection sites. However, if I'm going for a medical *consultation* type visit, I will dress up more so as to be taken more seriously.

I very rarely need to go to the bank in person, but I dress better for the customer service people than tellers.

I will never ever forget two people I saw at a job fair years ago. One was an older white woman in messy pig tails and a t-shirt that said, "I got out of bed this AM; what more do you want?" The other was a young black man who wore a suit. He was pulled out of line and taken out back. I imagine he walked away with a job.

Admittedly, when a medical professional knows me well from a long association, how I dress is less a consideration.

Coincidentally, I had a discussion with one of my friends about dressing more "white collar casual" for many medical appointments, because of my perception that I was treated as more educated if I did so. She was outraged that how a person dresses made this difference. Personally, I'm not outraged - kind of the opposite.

We expect our medical professionals not to overwhelm patients by explaining in arcane medical terminology that doesn't actually communicate. What are they - the medical folks, who are actual regular humans - to do? Of course they're going to use normal social cues to make their best first guess at how to communicate with patients, how technical or simple to be. What else could they possibly rationally do, as a starting point? Of course, if they guess wrong - either start out too technical, get blank stare or deer in headlights; or start out too simple, get detailed questions - I think it would be good if they adjust (and IME, the good ones -i.e., most of them - usually do).

For clarity, I support anyone's choice to dress in ways they find comfortable, convenient, otherwise desirable. But I think it's unreasonable to expect strangers to immediately grasp that stereotypes related to our style choices don't apply in our very special particular unique case. Our choices have consequences, and among those consequences is that others will assume things based on our appearance. Again, ideally, further interaction can quickly counter that stereotyping, but to expect it not to be the starting point is unrealistic.

I asked my partner to come with me to a doctor's appt today, as I was expecting bad news, which I did indeed receive. Without discussing this thread with him, he dressed "white collar casual."

Xellercin

AnnPT77 wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

AnnPT77 wrote: »

When I go out, I switch into purpose-specific workout clothes for outdoor rowing/cycling (water shoes for rowing, running/cross-training shoes for cycling); jeans/plain t-shirts for errands and such (with cross-training shoes or casual leather shoes); and "dress casual" for medical appointments (plain t-shirts, nicer sweaters than for errands, black/gray dressier jeans/chinos or loose linen trousers, black leather shoes). I've found over the years that medical staff treat me as if I were smarter if I dress a bit more "white collar casual" vs. more "blue collar", so I do that for convenience. I don't do dress-up stuff often, but have a couple of simple dressy dresses for warm/cold seasons, and usually wear ballet flats with them. (I hate heels, don't own any. Didn't, even when working in IT management and wearing dresses/suits routinely.)

ythannah wrote: »

That's an interesting observation. I've often played with wardrobe and the assumptions of others for fun, like dressing very casually (almost grunge) and browsing in a high-end clothing store, or checking out a mall real estate display. If you don't want to be approached by pushy salespeople, dress like you can't afford the merchandise. I would never have applied that principle to medical settings though. I tend to dress for convenience... if I know I'm going to need to strip for tests, I wear things that go on and off easily, no jewellery etc. When I went to Emergency last year I strongly suspected that surgery was going to be the end result (and I was right) so I deliberately chose loose comfy clothes that could go back on after surgery.

As an aside, when I was reading your "dress casual" examples, I initially misread one of the items as "black leather pants" and I thought "Oooh, GO Ann!"

I'm getting monthly Lupron injections and just wear shorts and a tank top, so they have easy access to various injection sites. However, if I'm going for a medical *consultation* type visit, I will dress up more so as to be taken more seriously.

I very rarely need to go to the bank in person, but I dress better for the customer service people than tellers.

I will never ever forget two people I saw at a job fair years ago. One was an older white woman in messy pig tails and a t-shirt that said, "I got out of bed this AM; what more do you want?" The other was a young black man who wore a suit. He was pulled out of line and taken out back. I imagine he walked away with a job.

Admittedly, when a medical professional knows me well from a long association, how I dress is less a consideration.

Coincidentally, I had a discussion with one of my friends about dressing more "white collar casual" for many medical appointments, because of my perception that I was treated as more educated if I did so. She was outraged that how a person dresses made this difference. Personally, I'm not outraged - kind of the opposite.

We expect our medical professionals not to overwhelm patients by explaining in arcane medical terminology that doesn't actually communicate. What are they - the medical folks, who are actual regular humans - to do? Of course they're going to use normal social cues to make their best first guess at how to communicate with patients, how technical or simple to be. What else could they possibly rationally do, as a starting point? Of course, if they guess wrong - either start out too technical, get blank stare or deer in headlights; or start out too simple, get detailed questions - I think it would be good if they adjust (and IME, the good ones -i.e., most of them - usually do).

For clarity, I support anyone's choice to dress in ways they find comfortable, convenient, otherwise desirable. But I think it's unreasonable to expect strangers to immediately grasp that stereotypes related to our style choices don't apply in our very special particular unique case. Our choices have consequences, and among those consequences is that others will assume things based on our appearance. Again, ideally, further interaction can quickly counter that stereotyping, but to expect it not to be the starting point is unrealistic.

I have to say, as a doctor, I find this all very strange.

It's my job to explain things in ways that people can understand. I base that on their responses to my questions, not what they are wearing.

I've treated toothless homeless people who got more technical, detailed information because they wanted it and were very invested in what I was saying and I've had executives who need crap dumbed down for them because their heads are so far up their a--es that they aren't really listening while I'm explaining things.

If dressing up for doctors legitimately gets people better care, then I apologize on behalf of my dumba-- colleagues.

Me? I always wear essentially loose pyjama type clothes that are easy to remove as needed. I hate fussing with clothes in examination rooms. I *always* wear a tank top to make taking blood pressure easy.

paperpudding

Doctors and nurses are human too and have unconcious biases, just like the rest of humans.

and Ann wasnt saying getting dressed up gets better care - just that doctors subconciously pitch their dialogue at what appears to be the understanding level of the new patient - and of course adjust if their initial impression was off the mark.

Nothing dumb *kitten* or strange about that - it is just understanding human nature .

I think it is better to recognise that and have some self reflection on what one's prejudices or stereotypes might be, in order to avoid assumptions or bias- rather than think one is different to everyone else and has no biases or prejudices.

of course none of that relates to my intial OP though - since question was what you would wear in isolation and if that affects just your own mind set.

AnnPT77

paperpudding wrote: »

Doctors and nurses are human too and have unconcious biases, just like the rest of humans.

and Ann wasnt saying getting dressed up gets better care - just that doctors subconciously pitch their dialogue at what appears to be the understanding level of the new patient - and of course adjust if their initial impression was off the mark.

Nothing dumb *kitten* or strange about that - it is just understanding human nature .

I think it is better to recognise that and have some self reflection on what one's prejudices or stereotypes might be, in order to avoid assumptions or bias- rather than think one is different to everyone else and has no biases or prejudices.

of course none of that relates to my intial OP though - since question was what you would wear in isolation and if that affects just your own mind set.

Exactly my point. It's normal, natural, human for doctors to start by pitching conversation based on what amount to statistical probabilities, and adjust from there based on early feedback from the actual conversation. Personally, I find it efficient to dress accordingly.

Of course I also dress in ways that facilitate the expected medical procedures, that are seasonally appropriate, that are consistent with my comfort and sense of personal style (or lack thereof) and all that jazz. None of those things are mutually exclusive.

And I'm 100% not saying I was treated worse medically or in terms of kindness or dignity when dressed in a more casual or working-class kind of way.