Proper Professional: Megan Mae Daily

The Proper Professional feature was birthed out of my desire to spread the blogging love while also gaining some insight into professional and business attire in various situations. My goal is to feature bloggers from all different professions, whether stay-at-home moms, mega-corporation executive assistants, work-from-home employees, small office staff, business owners or more, to view different perspectives and opinions on what is appropriate, acceptable, and professional. Hopefully you'll be inspired and introduced to some great new blogs, too! To catch up on previous interviews, click here. 

Today we're hearing from Megan of Megan Mae Daily. Megan is so very dependable and faithful. I can count on her to honestly tell me if she doesn't like something; she is always tactful and kind, and always offers suggestions for improvement. I can be very sensitive and critiques are hard to take sometimes, but she always manages to put a huge smile on my face even on those days when I'm not at my best. She was and is still one of my biggest supporters during my rough patches of the divorce, job loss, and other life stuff. 

And now that I've gushed a lot, let's see what Megan has to say. :) 

Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.

I'm a young married woman and currently attending college. I started my blog to meet people who were interested in fashion and to develop my personal sense of style. I've always loved costuming and extreme fashions, and I am to push my personal boundaries to discover clothes in a whole new way.

 

How did you come up with your blog name?

It's just me. Almost every day. Talking about life, the weather, and my clothes.

 

Do you work from home or outside the home, and what do you do?

I go to school and take care of myself and husband around the home. I've also taken on small projects from volunteer work to art commissions.

 

Do you have a dress code by which you need to abide (either corporate or self-imposed)? If so, what is it and how do your co-workers (if applicable) approach the dress code?

I do not have a dress code, but I have begun to set a standard for myself. I try to push past the typical black tee and jeans (though they show up sometimes). I try to extend past that though and play with as many different things as I am able to hopefully create a well edited closet with a defined style. I also do not allow myself to wear sweatpants to classes (only one time I have, and I had the flu and a final exam due!). I get dressed every day no matter what I do.

 

Do you choose your outfits in advance or in the morning, and how long does it take you to get ready in the mornings?

Sometimes I have my whole week planned out. For example Fashion Challenge I tend to pre-plan the whole week so I can focus on making sure outfits get accessorized, and I won't be scrambling with an ill-suited outfit for the day. Other days, I wake up and put on whatever appeals to me in that moment or whatever is most appropriate for the weather - trying to pick interesting pieces that need little additional accessories.

 

If you were commissioned to rewrite the dress code, what would you change (if anything)?

I wish my fellow class mates would consider appropriateness. I know that college is freedom for many people, but I think that clothes that are way too tight/exposing are inappropriate anywhere. Also sleep clothing is not day wear and should not be worn to class except in rare cases.

 

Do you think companies should take into account the potential cost for certain dress codes to be achieved and if so, should they be concerned about the cost being equal for both men and women?

Yes I do. Especially if you're expected to dress in specialized clothing like suits, scrubs, uniforms, or other occupational specific dress code. I think money wise men and women should be about equal. In my experience, professional women's clothing can be acquired at much more reasonable prices and in wider ranges of fit than men's clothing. I just took my husband to buy his first suit, and let's just say I'd rather find a suit for myself any day! Women spend more when you add in beauty products and accessories, but I think that should be considered aside from "clothing/shoes" which is usually all that's required for dress code.

 

What is your definition of professional attire and would this vary if the business is a small business compared to a larger corporation?

I think professional attire's appropriateness is dependent on the venue. I'd never expect retail workers to wear the same thing an accountant, nurse or lawyer might wear. I think small business owners/workers should be as aware of the image they project as any in a larger corporation, and make sure that their clothing reflects the level of professionalism expected of them. First impressions can make the difference between success or failure.

 

What are some pieces that every woman should have available in their professional arsenal?

Slacks or skirts, blouses, comfortable professional looking shoes (be it flats or heels). A fitted blazer. I think every woman will have different needs, but most will need these key things.

 

What pieces are never professionally appropriate regardless of the situation?

Sweat pants (unless you're a professional trainer). I could throw in halter tops, mini skirts, and shorts, but the blog world has shown me that shorts can be made into a shorts suit, mini skirts are subjective, and halter tops can be hidden under a blazer if carried off properly. Expect the unexpected. {Editor's note: AMEN! Especially with the halter tops. :)}

 

Describe an outfit you'd wear in each of the following settings: 

1. A typical day at work. 

A typical day at class: Jeans and a top with boots, or a dress with heels depending on the weather.

2. A formal business meeting. 

A class presentation: Slacks with a blazer and nice blouse. Dressier than every day.

3. An informal meeting with co-workers. 

Going out with friends, or meeting classmates for group work: Something a bit more quirky or over the top. Make up and interesting accessories.

4. A business dinner with co-workers and superiors.

Dinner with the in-laws, or meeting with a teacher: A blouse and skirt or nice dress.

Thanks Megan! If you're not following her yet, you really should. She and Keely host Fashion Challenges that are SO much fun (and I'd participate if I had more leeway in my work dress code). 

 

If you're interested in being featured as a Proper Professional, send me an email at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com}.  Or just email me to tell me what you did this weekend! Hope you had a great one!