Please help me design a work uniform

[MythicalChicken]

I recently set up my own business developing professional salon products. I have worked very hard on the formulation of my products, the branding, etc. and am now ready to take them to the market. A lot of my time will be spent visiting beauty salons and shops and I haven't a clue what to wear! I feel that I need some kind of uniform, not just my normal clothes.

My products are all certified Organic but are luxury products. I therefore need a look that says 'organic' but also 'luxury', i.e. no hessian sack, but equally nothing artificial looking.

I was thinking some kind of branded polo shirt, although I don't think they are very flattering. So maybe a t-shirt, but that might be a bit scruffy. And maybe black trousers and high heels? No, that sounds awful. Actually I haven't a clue. Which is why I am here.

Please ladies of style, give me some suggestions.

Thanks.

You generally need to ask HQ for this sort of thing

I am HQ!

I think ICJump means MNHQ

for highinthesky

Why would OP need MNHQ to give her permission for some suggestions as to what might look nice? She's a small business surely...she just wants some style advice.

OP...not a polo shirt.

I see why you're thinking in terms of a uniform but if you're a one woman band at the moment, you're better off concentrating on a stylish and business-like selection of outfits for yourself which make you look good.

Don't worry about uniforms. If, in the future you expand then you might need to engage the help of a marketing pro/stylist to advise.

Because most focus marketing group stuff does need approval from HQ

*...you're better off concentrating on a stylish and business-like selection of outfits for yourself which make you look good.

I don't have anything like this. And I don't want to have to worry every day about what I'm going to wear, which is why I want a uniform.

I was thinking of black trousers, like Jeggings (sorry). But I don't want denim as it fades badly. I have spent ages looking for some that are stretchy, like spandex, but can't find any.

Sorry, did the word 'jeggings' scare you all away ?

Yes. Go to a good department store and make an appointment with a personal shopper. Buy one or two good outfits...tell them what it's for. That will be your "uniform"

If you go down the road of jeggings/polos, you won't look...right.

All the salons I've been to have their staff in matching tunic tops and loose trousers, with flat shoes. Based on that, I'd be tempted to mirror with a similar but slightly more flattering version.

Yes but OP is talking about sales...going to salons and selling her products. She's not going to be working in a salon.

I did consider a variation of a salon uniform...

I know she won't be working there user, but that's what I'd do. It would be more likely to put the people in the salon at ease and is what looks professional in that environment.

So, if I wore a salon tunic, what trousers and shoes should I wear?

I don't think a heel would be an issue. I would go for some loose fitting black trousers and then whatever shoe makes you happy.
If you have to drive long distance or stand up for presentations/demos then perhaps something more flat.

I'm 5ft8 so wouldn't wear a heel as no one in the salon would be, and towering over people you're selling to can make things tricky, but that's just me.

Maybe something like this?

Sorry but I don't think a salon uniform will say "luxury" and "organic". To me it actually sounds a bit low rent. You'd be much better off with a few "normal" go-to outfits IMO.

If I could find a way to incorporate these shoes... maybe with a pencil skirt and white (branded) shirt?

Maybe discreet black? If you're selling products and not showcasing it on yourself, that is. In the UK it's possible you must have high heels regardless, but that's just an observation from outside of the country.

Go to Burdastyle's UK web page and look up "Pencil Skirt with Zip Fly 02/2014#109" and see if that's it. Then you could go and have one made for you, what''s it called now again, "bespoke"...?

If you're selling rather than hands on how about a more business like uniform like a branded white wrap blouse with or without a collar and a blazer and pencil skirt

suit with badge of brand.

I also wouldn't do a uniform as such more buy a couple of outfits that you put aside as your uniform. My first purchases would be good basics as suit your figure - black dress/skirt top combination, trousers (not leggings but maybe we'll fitting jeans) and a couple of tops
Basically dress like a version of your target client base. Helps the salons see who you're aiming at - and of that's their market.
If you're not sure pininterest would help (but you should know your target audience) and take that image to a personal shopper to get you started.

I don't think you should dress as a therapist, rather as a manager. A smart suit or dress and jacket are more appropriate, if you are selling high-end products you need to look high-end. You are a business owner who is giving these salons the opportunity to stock your products, not someone selling dodgy DVDs or handbags. I've been racking my brain to think who I see in branded polo shirts & I can only think of nursery & gym staff.

I don't have anything like this. And I don't want to have to worry every day about what I'm going to wear, which is why I want a uniform.

You could do domething half way.

For work I have several pairs of black trousers and a selection of shirts/blouses, I actually have the same shirt in about 5 different colours/patterns.

It works like having a uniform but doesn't look uniform.

Have you had a look at the 'workwear' sites? For inspiration if not to buy.