I am a cocktail caterer. How do I dress during set up, so that I still look professional?
Can you help me look good for work? I am a cocktail caterer. So, for setup, I need to carry boxes, squat, stretch, bound up & down stairs, get in and out of my SUV, and always have my phone in my pocket. But, I am meeting clients & crew, so I still need to look professional. I always change into something glamorous for the event itself. But I need help dressing during setup! Marsha M. is Mixing It Up in L.A.
Answer by Fashion Stylist Kenny Hazelwood
I use to be a caterer server, so I understand your plight. All the work that is done beforehand and behind the scenes for any good event is not glamourous. Its sweaty, messy, and stressful. The venue locations, style of event, and pleasing clients also dictates the need for looking professional at all times. To answer your question I focused the answer on fabric and style choices that are both aesthetically pleasing and are made to function under stress. I included one of my favorite accessoires to free up hands and the best tools to keep you looking chic and avoid fashion mishaps.
FLEXIBILITY. When it comes to work attire that needs to have both function and style, look no further than the label. The best choices for your labor intensive job should have a blend of fabrics to support all of your needs. Cotton is breathable and soft /Spandex is added to garments for flexibility and shape / Polyester is stain repellant and durable. Check out the R29 Editor Pick Slim Fit Long Sleeve Essential Shirt from Express, that mixes all three fabrics. Instead of a white shirt look for a color that supports your companies brands color. This peach color looks more chic and any unfortunate stains wont be immediately noticeable.
FIT. Properly fitting pants support your goal of looking presentable and professional. Start with size, each store determines sizing differently and within a brand the sizes may vary by more than two inches, so try on a couple of sizes until you get to know your ideal size for your brands. If you are shopping online use a measuring tape to get the most accurate numbers to compare to the size chart. A belt is my favorite accessory to give me the appearance of a small waist and will polish your look, but it should not compensate for oversized pants. Next, pick a shape of pant that is ideal for your body shape. Pants should not be tight but they should enhance your best features and camoflauge trouble spots. The Mid Rise Barely Boot Columnist Pant by Express is perfect for rectangle or pear shape.
ACCESSORIZE. The fanny pack was so 2017 and the 80's, but the updated version is the belt bag a versatile bag you can wear around the waist and keep your hands free. This Kipling style has multiple pockets to hold your phone, contracts, tools, and hand sanitizer. The waterproof nylon fabric and durable metal hardware can take all of your busy setups wear and tear. I also recommend small cubic z stud earrings for setting up and a silver watch, these are simple accessories that always convey the message of professionalism
Check out our Mini Stylist Kit recommendations filled with tools and products to keep you looking chic, staying comfortable and avoid any fashion emergency. All the products are fashion stylist tested on runways, red carpets, and photo shoots. Click on any product to read why we recommend, and all products are available on amazon.com
The specific tools I recommend to keep you looking chic and avoid fashion mishaps are
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