I’ve always attended public school where I was allowed to wear anything I wanted, but I’ve worked as a waitress on and off for about four years now and have always felt so restricted when all of my coworkers and I walk around looking exactly the same. At Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, I wore a blue button down shirt that did not breathe, and now at Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, we are all required to wear black. Black shirt, black pants, black shoes, black socks. It’s pretty depressing, especially coming from a girl who wears purple pants and neon colors on a regular basis.

My solution? Well, I have three. 

 

1. I own about 20 different headbands.

I’ve come to be known for all of the different headpieces I’ve worn to work over the years. From vibrant peacock feathers to purple flower petals, I always get complemented on how cute I dress up my work style. My coworker, Donna, even said she can’t wait to see what my wedding headpiece will look like because I always wear the coolest headbands to work.

2. I wear makeup (most of the time).

Even when I don’t want to be at work, I don’t want my customers to be able to tell. That’s why I don’t like to show up looking as if I just rolled out of bed with my hair messy and my face lifeless. To dress up my work style, I apply eye shadow, eye liner, mascara and a little bit of blush to appear more polished and liven up my face. I don’t wear a lot, but just enough to finish off my look.

3. I polish my nails once a week.

Sometimes I feel as though there isn’t a point to keep polishing my nails because they chip so easily when I work, but colorful additions like these make me feel better about wearing all black and makes things less depressing. It pays off when you serve food and, while you are handing someone their meal, a customer notices your nail art. Sparkles are my favorite!

Any way I can add splashes of color to my work uniform, I seize the opportunity. It’s the little things in life that make me happy!

Do you do anything specific to liven up your boring work uniform? 

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4