Can we have a HCP style/clothing thread?

[BanKittenHeels]

I work at a hospital and spend about 75% of my work time in scrubs and ugly shoes and the rest in smart-ish clothes. At my previous work place the uniform - scrubs were provided, here it is a case of buy your own, choose any style or cut as long as they are the correct colour and embroidered correctly.

I’d love for people to talk about their shoes - everyone on my ward (ED) seems to wear these very specific pair of Puma trainers that I can’t find anywhere and I’m stuck in ugly Sketchers that everyone promised would be comfortable but really are not.
And whilst they all stick to the uniform colour for scrubs they seem to all have interesting cuts and styles and I’m just in my ugly Dickies/Cherokee.

I know it’s far from a catwalk but I like looking and feeling good and we genuinely don’t have any time to stop and ask about this kind of thing as when we do get a spare second we are shoving in food or returning calls.

If you’re a HCP

• where do you get your scrubs/which brand do you recommend?
• which shoes do you recommend? I can’t get onboard with the Sketchers or Nike Tanjuans after wearing those at work for the last 13 years.
• If you’re not restricted to uniform what do you wear? I’m really struggling with this aspect. For most of my career I had been in scrubs at work (apart from a few rotations) but my more senior role means I need to have meetings with all manner of people and need to look smart but also remain practical in case I’m called back to the floor. I like to think I’m fairly stylish outside of work but I just can’t get work wear to work for me.
• can anyone recommend decent hair ties to keep thick hair up and out of the way all day which won’t snap but aren’t also so tight you feel like you’re being scalped?

I have to wear a pale blue uniform tunic with navy trousers & black footwear.

We get trousers provided but they fit very badly so I buy my own Slim cut trousers from M&S.

I wear black nubuck Clarks Trigenics dolly shoes. I would wear trainers but I prefer leather or nubuck shoes as it's easier to clean body fluids off them!!

I use hair scrunchies to put my hair in a bun or ponytail, I get them from Primark or Accessorize.

I always wear 1 or 2 pairs of sterling silver or gold plated sterling silver stud earrings & get away with a delicate silver or gold plated necklace.

With scrubs (hospital issue) I wear Nike Air Force 1s.
For non clinical days I mostly wear dresses as only one thing to think about - Whistles, Phase Eight, Marks and Spencer mainly. Brogues, flat pumps or ankle boots on my feet.

I am in a clinical role, no uniform and don’t wear scrubs. GP so need to look smart but approachable.
On my feet a lot so prefer flat comfy shoes - I love all birds, adidas gazelles and in summer
I like dresses rather than separates although in depths winter wear merino pants.
I layer up so lots cardigans - I am always flinging on and off as I am very menopausal currently!
If I wanted to look smart would wear a linen blazer (summer) or wool coat.
I think if you wear scrubs a lot it is very de-individualising so I would make an effort with things I could change - funky socks, comfy shoes. Hair always looking it’s best so washed as it needs. Looking after your own body - exercise and eating well and not missing meals. Discreet earrings. Being a HCP is hard work and very giving. Looking after yourself is important - it allows you to care.
Best wishes

I like Koi scrubs! Nicely cut & flattering!

Not scrubs, but no uniform.

Constant changing into and out of clogs, overalls and coats mean I'm having real trouble with shoes that fit my wide feet and are easy to slip in and out of.

Short or half sleeve tops, office appropriate trousers and 'appropriate' non-slip shoes.

Of course, almost everywhere is selling for winter, so long sleeves are everywhere.

I wear boring Alexandra 'smart scrubs' with Nike Air max, last ages and don't need ironing. I bought some posh ones but just didn't feel comfy.
I've seen super fashionable people recommend pastelli, zatys, karagroup & jaanuu. I also know someone who had there's custom made whilst on holiday in Thailand.
This has reminded me of a Consultant I worked for early in my career who had had all his suit jackets taken up to a cropped length when bare below the elbows came in

For hair I use those ones that look like a phone cord, 10for £1 from Primark.