How nursing changes your style

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As a nurse, the fabric of your life is most likely cotton. It’s a classic fabric that’s comfy and has simple care instructions for the busy nurse. Plus, thanks to our favorite scrubs brands, it’s available in a variety of patterns and styles. Comfortable, easy and stylish—sounds like a win-win-win to us.

We wanted to know how having a career in nursing has changed nurses’ fashion outside of the hospital, so we asked you to comment on our ScrubsMagazine Facebook page. Here’s what you said:

• “I don’t have a style now. I just wear big, baggy pants and shirts with lots of pockets. Pockets everywhere.” —Nicole L.
• “Anything constricting, jeans especially, take some convincing to get into. I tend to go between sweats and jammies, unless I actually have to get dressed.” —Lyse J. 
• “I no longer care about makeup.” —Jessica R. 
• “I’ve become a lot less likely to wear my hair in anything but a messy bun.” —Jessica W. 
• “It’s hard to choose what to wear besides scrubs! But my style has definitely changed to more functional clothing. Under Armour and Nike. (All other time besides work is spent working out or sleeping, LOL.) Almost no makeup on my off days. So tired after working!” —Sarah C. 
• “Working 12 hours or 16 hours a day [is] so draining. So, I need to pamper myself [with] fashion when I’m off from work. Stay pretty after long hours [on] duty.” —Jam N. 
• “Cute uniforms, even if they cost more. And girly clothes on my days off. Unless it’s a pj day.” —Natasha B. 
• “I totally prefer scrubs over regular clothes.” —Suzy Z. 
• “No makeup; from scrubs to nightgown; and when going out, I keep it simple, except bling jewelry once in a while.” —Mary O. 
• “Pretty much gave up on makeup, pretty hairdos or fancy clothes. It’s some two-minute application of the necessities (mascara and cover-up), a ponytail and whatever is comfy, and I’m out the door!” —Erica C. 

It’s clear from the responses that being a nurse does affect personal style in a variety of ways. Are you a scrubs-all-day-every-day kind of nurse or do you consider the world to be your runway? Tell us about your off-duty style in a comment below!