This post is geared toward early career clinicians, but may benefit advanced career folks too! When transitioning into my new professional clinician job, I was excited to make sure I looked the part too. At the moment, I’m mostly working in an outpatient office, so I rarely put on scrubs or a white coat. I also wanted to continue growing financial independence and not break the bank by upgrading my wardrobe. Here are some key choices that I’ve made:

1. Getting a feel for the work environment and culture. Every hospital, clinic, or office will have a different standard of dress, whether stated or implicit. If you are in a department or group practice, it’s great to start by looking at how more senior professionals. I like to meet or exceed senior clinicians in dress level, within my own lifestyle guidelines as far as brands, number of pieces, and actual cost.
2. Getting the full picture of what’s already in the closet. I start off the wardrobe plan by opening my closet doors and pulling out any clothes in storage. Since the middle of my main grad school years, I’ve had some work clothes that were shoved aside when not needed for hospital rotations, or was just getting tired of them and wanting some new clothes for internship and residency years. Even after donating and selling a bunch of items before moves, I still had some nice pieces that hadn’t been worn for awhile but were still stylish and well fitting enough to bring back in a new setting.
3. Checking out thrifted options before buying new. Online marketplaces are also a stop before new retail. If new is a must, I like to see if the store is listed on coupon code websites or try waiting for a sale to come along.
4. Good grooming goes a long way. Whether you’re lower or higher maintenance with your look, not underestimate the value of solid grooming to elevate style. I’m a fan of the “5-minute face,” approach to using a few basic makeup and hair products. For guys, a regular trim and some moisture on the face or lips can do the trick. Lastly, doctors, let’s not forget that our hands and nails are often on display!

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

1. Pockets, pockets, and more pockets in tops and bottoms
2. Wedge dress shoes for comfort and style
3. Grown up backpack for commuting
4. Hospital logo fleece jacket lives in the office
5. Hair comb lives in a desk drawer