I watched the episode of What Not To Wear about Tonya, a professional business owner. She had a wardrobe that Clinton & Stacy described at "blah." She had a lot of pinks and prints. However, her prints were too much and overpowering. In the 360 mirror, Tonya realized how 'frumpy' and 'boring.' Clinton told her the importance of quality not quantity. If a person is on a budget find a good quality piece every now and then and build your wardrobe. Also, they told Tonya to keep her hem line right above her knew for skirts and shorts. It is important as a business owner to look professional and look inviting. A person should be comfortable in their skin and find clothes that accents the good parts of their body and not hides it. Your wardrobe can have a little bit of personality and still look grown up and professional. This episode of What Not to Wear was helpful in me because I shop on a budget so it is important I remember "quality not quantity," going straight to the clearance rack isn't always the best option.
It is important a person dress the part and dress for success. To me this means following the dress code that is assigned for your place of employment or position. I currently am an Assistant Director at a private preschool. My dress code is professional. I can wear slacks, skirts, dresses...anything but jeans. Friday is jean day. As far as tops, I must look professional; ironed clothes, no wholes, clean, etc. I am one of the faces for the preschool so it is crucial I look put together, ready for the day, and professional. If I was wearing jeans and t-shirts I do not look the part and future families coming in to tour may not take me seriously.
In Early Care Education, it is very hard for teachers to dress professionally. Teachers in child care programs are professionals at their job. However, working in child care isn't the cleanest/easiest job. Most teachers do not want to wear nice professional clothing because it may get dirty, torn, or who knows what else throughout the day. I do think it is important though that teachers are put together, clean, and appear ready for the day. Coming into work in sweats and a t-shirt gives a "I just rolled out of bed" impression or gives the idea that you don't care about your appearance.
Thoughtful answer.
ReplyDeleteBelow is the standard letter that all students receive after watching What Not to Wear
What Not To Wear with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly has a message for all people, but for the Communications class, the message is particularly vital. Non-verbal communication makes an impression within the first 10 seconds. The childcare professional needs to project a presence in the classroom to build a positive image with clients and the public.
The childcare professional already has the disadvantage with parents and the public because of the societal stereotype of a child care professional as being “just a babysitter” with no marketable job skills and certainly with no education. In order to become credible in the eyes of society, the child care professional should dress in such a way as to convey professionalism and the quality of being approachable. Then, the child care professional will have the chance to partner effectively with parents with a knowledgeable voice.
In What Not To Wear, many examples of sweat pants, tee shirts, ill -fitting jeans or tacky attire filled the screen. Often the people featured had forgotten the importance of self-care, to the point where they had no positive influence as a role model or were unable to advance in their careers because of the unprofessional way in which they presented themselves. The airlines admonition of taking care of yourself before taking care of others is a thread throughout this show. This rule is one that childcare professionals should take to heart.
The child care professional, unless forced to wear a uniform by a company, should avoid scrubs, the attire for a nurse, not a child care professional. Sweats, and tee shirts with logos should also be avoided. If dresses/skirts are worn, they should be of a modest length, but not so long a person trips over them. High heels would be a hazard in the classroom. Flip flops or shoes that leave toes exposed do not belong in the classroom or even in the center. This represents a safety hazard for children and part of the professionals’ job is to lead by example. Of course, the daily sanitizing poses risks for clothing, so of course, the professional wants to avoid ruining silks and wools. One can buy wisely and frugally, but always with the professional look in mind.
Bottom line, LOOK PROFESSIONAL. Clean, neat, put together, Ready to work, ready to play.
This assignment was not for you to tell what the show was about but what it was about FOR YOU. What do you look like when you are a professional? How do the parents treat you when you are in the classroom? Do you get the kind of respect you think you should? What is the message that you send to the public with the way you dress? Are you a professional or merely the babysitter?