What to wear under that white coat to look professional and stay comfortable all day
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1. Styles that are a bit more conservative
No plunging necklines, high slits, or ripped jeans. Dresses shouldn’t be shorter than 2” above the knee. Also, look for sleeves that can be pushed up to be BBE complaint (bare below the elbow) if you need to wash your hands a lot.
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2. Washable Fabrics
Working with patients can be messy. Ensure that your clothes are zero fuss by always purchasing ones made from washable fabrics.
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3. Sensible, yet stylish shoes
Oxfords, ballet flats, kitten heels, ankle boots, or an upscale, all leather sneaker are great options to keep your feet comfortable all day.
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4. The right accessories
No bracelets or rings since you will be washing your hands so many times. Earrings are the perfect accessory to look put together and they will stay out of your way. Statement necklaces or scarves can also look nice peeking out of a lab coat or under a stethoscope
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5. Comfortable clothing
Clothes that move with you as you are running around seeing patients will get you through the long days. Look for knit fabrics and/or ones with stretch to ensure your clothes will move with you and feel comfortable all day
You only get one chance to make a good first impression with your patients.
Countless studies have been done surveying patients about what they respond to best as far as their physician’s dress. A study in the BMJ Open journal surveyed over 4000 patients in academic medical facilities across the US and found that patients overwhelmingly prefer their doctors to dress in a professional manner.
Patient trust and confidence is, no doubt, influenced by the dress of the physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists, etc they choose to see, which is why it is so important to wear professional attire that reflects your personal style when seeing patients. As a busy professional, though, you also want to be comfortable and not have to fuss with your clothes (say “no” to dry clean only).
That’s why our founder, Sarah Liller, created her eponymous clothing line. Sarah was pre-med in college and has a masters degree in biochemistry. She decided to pursue her true passion, fashion, and attended Parsons Design School in New York City. She started her line in 2012.
Every piece Sarah designs in comfortable, washable, and professional enough to wear to work. It is also perfect for travel, as the pieces are easy to dress up or down and can be thrown into a carry-on. The pieces mix and match, and they can be your uniform when you don’t want to worry about what to wear.
They are smart clothes designed for smart women.
Nurse Practitioner, Ailsa, Wears Sarah Liller Under Her White Coat!
“I love this dress. I don’t have to mess with the faux wrap because it stays in place. It’s ribbed, and there are pockets. I feel so comfortable in this dress, and you guys know that’s saying a lot because I’m not a dress person. I love that the slit is not very high – it’s still work appropriate” – Ailsa, Nurse Practitioner, DC Metro
Get Ailsa’s Dress Here
Dresses are an easy, professional option to wear when seeing patients all day.
When shopping for dresses for work, look for ones no more than two inches above the knee
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