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Appearance & personal uniforms

Photo from Unsplash.

In the previous posts, we reviewed uniforms, personal uniforms, and how to create your own uniforms for work, everyday, formal, active, and lounging occasions. In this post, we’ll review how personal uniforms include more than just clothing. 

Some professional uniforms, such as in the military, also include requirements related to hairstyles and grooming. When creating your own personal uniforms, it’s also important to consider how your hairstyle and grooming contribute to your look. 

Professional uniforms with guidelines on hairstyles and appearance.

Army authorizes female Soldiers ponytails in all uniforms by U.S. Army Public Affairs, May 6, 2021

  • U.S. army: For women, some highlights include

    • Hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or secured in either a bun, single ponytail, two braids or a single braid.

    • Hair ties that match the color of your hair

    • Nails no longer than ¼ inch as measured from the tip of the finger

    • No exaggerated nail shapes, nail polishes, or makeup

Emirates Airlines Flight Attendants Reveal Just How Much Goes Into Their In-Flight Look by Jamie Feldman, October 21, 2014

Emirates flight attendants: For women, some highlights include

  • Red lipstick

  • Clear, french tip or red nail polish

  • Hair pulled back if touches your collar

Hairstyle

If you’re already happy with your hairstyle and how it may or may not change depending on your work, everyday, formal, active, and lounge uniforms, then you can skip this part. 


If not, consider your face shape, hair texture, and the personal style you previously identified in this post when identifying your hairstyle. Use a photo curating app like Pinterest to research hairstyles that complement your face shape and your hair texture to find styles that enhance your natural qualities. 

For your work, everyday, active, and lounge uniforms think about your lifestyle and maintenance preferences to find hairstyles that align with your daily routine. 

See a non-exhaustive list of hairstyles here.

Makeup / skincare

If you’re already happy with your makeup and skin care and how it may or may not change depending on your uniforms, then you can skip this part.

If not, experiment with different formulations and shades to find makeup that complements your skin tone. Review the personal style you previously identified and your uniforms to determine what level of makeup or skin care makes the most sense for you.

If you struggle with acne, I found more success working with a dermatologist directly than using over-the-counter products, which were more expensive and less effective.

For formal looks especially, it’s important to know what skincare and makeup works best for you before you need it. I’ve had friends who didn’t know their style, get their makeup done before an important event and be upset that they ‘don’t look like themselves’ or don’t like the way they look. Even if you don’t wear a lot of makeup, if you want to for some occasions, it’s better to know in advance so you can practice and make sure you like it. 

Nails

Maintaining healthy and tidy looking nails is essential for presenting a clean look. Make sure to regularly trim, clean, and moisturize nails at the bare minimum. 

If you prefer a polished look, consider regular manicures that match the personal style, the uniforms you created, and colors that complement your skin tone.


Coming up next:

Accessories & personal uniforms

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