The seasonal scrubs overhaul

Whether you wear a nursing uniform or not, the desire to update your wardrobe with the changing seasons is only natural.
In a perfect world, we’d throw out the old and bring in an entirely new seasonal wardrobe that we so deserve!  But let’s face it – it’s probably not a great time to do such a thing.  Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t buy a few new pieces to freshen up your look and make yourself feel good.

I know if I put something on in the morning that feels awkward or just doesn’t look great, it affects my mood all day. I’ll keep thinking that I can’t wait to get home and peel these clothes off. This may seem superficial, but it does make a difference in my attitude throughout the day.

Working as a costume designer I know the importance of choosing appropriate clothes for my clients. If the actor I’m dressing isn’t comfortable in his clothes, it will negatively affect his performance. Now I know most of us aren’t dressing to go on camera, but dressing well and feeling attractive are important.

EASY CLOSET CLEAN UP

It may seem counter intuitive, but cleaning out your closet is a great way to maximize your wardrobe. As you go through and store your winter sweaters, also be brave and let things go.

Here’s how it’s done in three easy steps:

1. For starters, if you haven’t worn those faded green scrubs in the last six months, get rid of them. Out! If it’s too hard to do, enlist the help of a friend who will be honest with you. Don’t forget the tax break you’ll get by donating your clothes to charity.
2. All right, now that you have more room to see things, begin color coordinating your uniforms.  Put the tops in one section, group the pants and jackets separately. Do any of your print tops have dominant colors? Group those together. Feel better? You should!
3. Now, take one pair of your scrub pants and lay them on the bed. Find any tops that you think look good with the bottoms. Lay them down next to the bottoms. The tops can be color-coordinated or just a different color in the same hue. Take your time. You’ll be surprised that by laying your scrubs out on the bed, you’ll have a better understanding of the various combinations you come up with. Do this with each pair of your pants. Start with the bottoms and then find different tops that you like with it.

ADDING SCRUBS TO YOUR WARDROBE

Your goal is to have as many tops and bottoms that you can mix and match quickly. Now look closely at those outfits. Do you see any gaps? Could you use a new pair of pants? A new top? Narrow it down and be prudent. Just a few pieces can freshen up your wardrobe and make you feel great!

Go to your favorite scrubs retailer’s website and check out the company’s new prints.  Write down the colors and the few pieces you’d like to add to your wardrobe.

Whatever you choose, know that adding a new piece of clothing will certainly brighten your day – and your patients’ day too.