Fashion help for a full-time live-in nanny?

Question

I work 55-60 hours as a live-in nanny for two children, ages six years and two months, working for a family in the Washington, D.C. area that is upper class. I feel very out of place in my jeans and t-shirts, and want to get something that would work better for me.

My problem is, I'm not sure what! A little about me: 21 years old, 5'4", 140 lbs (and losing more slowly), large bust and hips, short torso, tiny neck (I've been told I have a 'swan neck', average length legs (My sister is 5'6" and she is only taller than me because she has an average size torso, but we have the same length legs). My skin is very pale, and yellow-based (as opposed to pink-based). I have brown hair that I dye a reddish-brown on a regular basis to make it a little bolder, and hazel eyes leaning toward blue-grey. I don't like wearing shorts or short skirts because my legs aren't very shapely, and they are even more pale than the rest of me (I've worn one short skirt in the past 6 years.

What can I wear?

I usually take about 15 minutes to get ready in the morning (including breakfast and some alone time with my cat), and I'd like to keep that. I don't really want any clothes that require ironing, dry-cleaning, or any preparation in the morning.

Also, I need something I can be VERY active in, chasing a six-year-old boy around, and VERY durable, because of the infant's drool and spit-up.

Answer 1

I understand where you are coming from. I used to be a live in nanny for three kids all very close in age. I would wear cotton Capri's with a nice fitted t-shirt (but not too fitted and not a low v-neck) The cotton Capri's don't need any ironing if you fold them right out of the dryer or you can just spritz Downy's Wrinkle Release on them and pull the wrinkles out on your way out the door. For warmer days those Bermuda shorts are a respectable length and wear with a button down (wrinkle free) blouse. Don't forget polo style shirts are great with Capri's, Bermudas, and jeans. The Bermuda and Capri's are longer and don't show off too much leg and will help keep you a bit cooler in the park on those warmer days. Button downs are great paired with jeans because they dress the jeans up a bit. Try going to Target because their clothing isn't too expensive and you don't have to worry about a kid ruining it. Hope this helps with ideas.

Answer 2

Try and nice running suit. Short sleeved jacket and some comfortable pants. If you get a nicer looking one, you'll fit right in! If you don't want to go that route, I would suggest a wide leg jean, with a nicer top, maybe a cardigan or something. it's upscale yet comfortable! best of luck

Lola & Giselle