Fashion Etiquette for Scientists

The new generation of scientists is breaking the mold when it comes to the image of our personality, intellect and, of course, fashion.  Today is the start of Fashion Week in New York.  In commemoration of this event, BenchFly is laying down some rules to ensure the survival of this updated image.

.

Fashion Faux Pas:

1. No black socks and sandals.  Ever.

In fact, no socks and sandals.  This is Rule #1 for a reason.

2. If you wore it yesterday, you shouldn’t be wearing it today.

What’s that smell? Did someone forget about their bacterial cultures?

3. Just because it fit in high school, doesn’t mean it fits anymore.

Just trust us on this one.

4. The free shirts that vendors give away are not that cool to wear in public.

Although these shirts are great for the gym, they just don’t have much appeal as everyday wear.  Speaking of working out, gym shorts are meant to be wore at the gym, ONLY!

5. Put away the backpack.  Its okay, mom won’t get mad.

You just had to have the L.L. Bean backpack with your initials on it in the 9^th grade, we get it.  Use this as an excuse to look a little more professional and get a new, more sophisticated bag for your laptop, like a shoulder bag.

6. Absolutely no Crocs.

I don’t care how comfortable they are, they are ugly.

7. The infamous wolf shirt.  Or lions, tigers or bears, Oh my!

We know you are concerned for wildlife and animals are pretty cool, but donate to the conservation department and turn this shirt into rags.

8. Athletic socks are for athletic shoes…only.

There’s almost no chance that a basketball game is going to break out in the lab, and even less of a chance that those loafers would do you any good…

.

We’re certainly not implying that scientists need to be “runway ready,” but these suggestions will help eliminate some of the worst public offenses.  Should you see any of your fellow scientists blatantly disregarding any of these rules, be sure to share this article with them, quickly!

.

Have any additional “do’s or don’ts” you’d like to add?

Katie in the process of completing her Ph.D. in Developmental Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, studying the effect of diabetes on pre-implantation biology in mice.  Outside of lab you can find Katie playing softball or kickball, often with a frothy beverage in her hand.  Recently married, Katie tries to balance work with home life by spending her free time with her husband and their animals: two English Mastiffs and two spunky alley cats.