The Tragedy of it All
As you all know, I am a librarian. As you also know, we of the librarian set have several unfortunate stereotypes associated with us. We insist on quiet all the time, we are introverted, we are anal, we can be a bit snarky if you mess with our books, etc. These, I can handle because for the overwhelming majority of "real" librarians, these are not true. There is, however, one that is, sadly, very true. We are, apparently, the most tragically dressed profession in the whole world.
We insist on wearing shapeless shift dresses, orthopedic shoes (hello, are we nurses and/or over 50--NO!), hideous glasses, even more hideous "character" ties, pants that are too short (and not in that cute, peddle pusher way) and too high, shirts that have no shape, a strange fondness for polyester, and the absolutely most horrifying colors of pants, shirts, ties, and socks (typically, these colors should only be seen on Halloween or should only be worn under adult supervision). Oh, and let's not forget that they are still not over the scrunchy, but hair is, of course, a different matter all together.
I propose that my profession take a few clues from some other professions to aid in our never-ending battle to improve our image.
Let's begin with personality. Now, even the most classically introverted librarian has some sort of personality lurking underneath it all. Let it out! Our first fashion hint can be taken from the vet tech people. Sure, the doggy and starfish covered smocks exude their own sense of tragicness, but at least they match and show a bit of personality. Am I suggesting book themed earrings and ties? NO! Please, do not do such a thing! Instead, find your own personality lurking within. Perhaps you really love color, but are afraid to wear it to work--lose your fear and embrace the color, my friend! Do not, however, take it too far. We will not be taking any fashion hints from rodeo clowns, so get that silly little idea out of your head right now. A little color can go a long way.
Next up is style versus sensibility. Ladies and gents, let's turn now to the oldest profession for our next helpful hint. The hookers on the corner show style when they dress--sensibility be damned! These men and women know how to showcase what they are selling. Now, once again, I'm not suggesting that those in my chosen profession wander around in 5 inch stilettos, a plether micromini, and a tube top. No, I think that might be even scarier than the potato sack dress. However, we should wear clothes that show a bit of style so that when patrons check out the latest What Not to Wear, they don't spontaneously hand it back to us and say, "Here, you need it more than I do." Throw away those orthopedic-inspired shoes and get something that is both comfortable AND flattering. You do not have to walk around like Eddy Munster with cinder block shoes!
These are just a few helpful hints to aid you, my fellow librarians, each morning as you roam through the vast sea of colorless frocks that have chosen your closet as their finally resting place. Rise above the taupe, black and navy that seem to dominate our palate and open yourself to the possibility of a little red, lime, and bright blue (NOT TOGETHER THOUGH! VERY BAD!!!). Check out the second editions of the tweeds--you can be a classic with a modern flair. Anything, my librarian lads and lasses, anything to stop the tragicness that is our wardrobe.
RL,
who dresses quite fashionably and so is allowed to judge.
We insist on wearing shapeless shift dresses, orthopedic shoes (hello, are we nurses and/or over 50--NO!), hideous glasses, even more hideous "character" ties, pants that are too short (and not in that cute, peddle pusher way) and too high, shirts that have no shape, a strange fondness for polyester, and the absolutely most horrifying colors of pants, shirts, ties, and socks (typically, these colors should only be seen on Halloween or should only be worn under adult supervision). Oh, and let's not forget that they are still not over the scrunchy, but hair is, of course, a different matter all together.
I propose that my profession take a few clues from some other professions to aid in our never-ending battle to improve our image.
Let's begin with personality. Now, even the most classically introverted librarian has some sort of personality lurking underneath it all. Let it out! Our first fashion hint can be taken from the vet tech people. Sure, the doggy and starfish covered smocks exude their own sense of tragicness, but at least they match and show a bit of personality. Am I suggesting book themed earrings and ties? NO! Please, do not do such a thing! Instead, find your own personality lurking within. Perhaps you really love color, but are afraid to wear it to work--lose your fear and embrace the color, my friend! Do not, however, take it too far. We will not be taking any fashion hints from rodeo clowns, so get that silly little idea out of your head right now. A little color can go a long way.
Next up is style versus sensibility. Ladies and gents, let's turn now to the oldest profession for our next helpful hint. The hookers on the corner show style when they dress--sensibility be damned! These men and women know how to showcase what they are selling. Now, once again, I'm not suggesting that those in my chosen profession wander around in 5 inch stilettos, a plether micromini, and a tube top. No, I think that might be even scarier than the potato sack dress. However, we should wear clothes that show a bit of style so that when patrons check out the latest What Not to Wear, they don't spontaneously hand it back to us and say, "Here, you need it more than I do." Throw away those orthopedic-inspired shoes and get something that is both comfortable AND flattering. You do not have to walk around like Eddy Munster with cinder block shoes!
These are just a few helpful hints to aid you, my fellow librarians, each morning as you roam through the vast sea of colorless frocks that have chosen your closet as their finally resting place. Rise above the taupe, black and navy that seem to dominate our palate and open yourself to the possibility of a little red, lime, and bright blue (NOT TOGETHER THOUGH! VERY BAD!!!). Check out the second editions of the tweeds--you can be a classic with a modern flair. Anything, my librarian lads and lasses, anything to stop the tragicness that is our wardrobe.
RL,
who dresses quite fashionably and so is allowed to judge.
posted by RadicalLibrarian at 3:45 PM
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