Not sure what you should be wearing to work this winter?
As I mentioned last week when I was talking about how the fashionable professional nanny should dress, kids are messy and clothes get super dirty. They’re also at risk of being damaged and permanently stained sometimes. So given that kids are super active and life as a nanny is fast-paced, practicality and comfort usually win out. This means gym clothes and tracksuits are perfectly acceptable most days.
However, that aside, it’s still important to put some thought and planning into your outfit. When winter comes around, I prefer to stick with comfortable materials that can be layered, are durable, and ready to wear. Here’s what I’m wearing this winter.
Nanny Style Series: Winter Fashion 2014
a winter beanie | a warm winter beanie is a great item to have tucked away in your nanny (or diaper) bag. If you’re anything like me, you like milking every last second in bed under the warm blankets before starting your day. Of course this means time spent in front of the mirror each morning is minimal. Pull on a beanie to keep unruly ‘bed hair’ in place when you’re required to report for duty on those early crisp winter mornings.
dark shades | go au naturel and make-up free with oversized sunglasses during the day. Because you’re worth it!
an oversized t-shirt | throw on a top that’s light weight and comfortable material to be wearing all day. Something that’s durable and sustains the mess that comes with working with kids and yet still looks professional enough to be seen wearing at the school pick-up.
a warm scarf | a good quality knitted scarf, like this weave knit snood, will make sure you’re warm at all times. When kids are bounding all over you and you’re in an out of jackets and jumpers, a constant warm material around your neck and shoulders will make sure your core body temperature is controlled.
baby friendly jewellery | jewellery can be a difficult accessory to get right when considering the most appropriate attire to wear when working with kids. Over the top bold pieces are too much and anything dangling is a disaster waiting to happen! Finding the right baby friendly jewellery, like silicone jelly necklaces for example, are a great way to jazz up your outfit whilst also keeping things practical.
comfortable jeans | a good pair of jeans is always a safe bet. They’re the ultimate fashion piece and can be dressed up or down. They’re also practical, generally sustain all kinds of wear and tear and keep you well covered in the cold.
winter jacket | warm jackets are tricky when working with kids. I find I’m usually so busy running around that anything too warm is going to make me hot and bothered. A good light-weight jacket is great because you can throw it on and off as you go about your day running errands. It’s best to make sure it’s washing machine friendly as it’s guaranteed to get dirty sooner than later. Something with plenty of pockets also comes in useful.
the vest | is probably my favourite fashion piece during the winter months. I love being able to throw one on over a long sleeved shirt and know that my back will be warm. It’s great because it means you’re arm movements aren’t restricted – essential when toting around babies and toddlers on your hip all day!
comfortable shoes | wearing ballet flats and converse shoes are probably one the best perks of the nanny job. Being able to get around in comfortable shoes that allow you to chase after a toddler and kick a ball in the backyard is a must!
Tell me, what’s your favourite winter wardrobe item? Are you a jeans or tights lover?
blue wash jeans, weave knit snood, sunglasses + ballet flats | Seed Heritage anorak + beanie | Witchery knit vest | Country Road silicone jelly stone necklace | Ekimo Kids converse sneakers | Converse similar striped top | French Connection
I live in tights during winter, because I can dress them up, but still be comfortable and warm! (although I’ve been told on many occasions, tights aren’t pants!!). Even though I’m not a nanny, I’m all about comfort and my job doesn’t have a uniform, so I’m loving these ideas. Especially the beanie!
Sheridan recently posted…Organising Loose Cords
I love the vest and jeans look and I think this was a great post. I tend to live in jeans, leggings in winter. I would love to be able to wear skirts and tights but not practical for me with a busy job in healthcare!
Wendy Doyle recently posted…Quilt Labels: Revisited.
How lovely to visit your blog. A much-needed topic, I think, lots of nannies need advice and help on clothes. Actually, I shoudl correct myself, I have had professional nannies and they did dress professionally. Some of the au pairs I’ve had working for me most certainly didn’t!!
Love the t-shirt and I too am a big sunglasses and no makeup person. Off to browse around.
Seana – Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel recently posted…North Narrabeen Rock Pool – Swimmers At Sunrise – Photos Taken For My Course
Oh I love that vest!!! I’m definitely a boots kinda gal! Love them with either tights or with jeans – must, must own boots when you live in Melbourne!!!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted…Soft & Chewy Homemade Muesli Bars