Because most nurses no longer have to wear plain uniforms, you’re now faced with a sea of color choices and style options when you go scrubs shopping. Do you ever get confused about what goes with what?
We’re here to help you not only match your scrubs outfits, but we’re taking it a step further.
Consider this: The colors you wear can affect your mood and that of those around you.
Put the science of “color therapy” into practical use for your next scrubs shopping trip:
1. Sunny yellow.
DO wear white with a bright yellow top if you’re looking for a really fresh look. Yellow is considered a very energizing color that summons sunlight and optimism—maybe just what you’re looking for when you’ve got a long shift ahead of you!
DON’T mix too many bright colors. If you wear yellow, especially if it’s a brighter shade, you might want to make sure the other part of your scrubs outfit is a bit more muted in color, such as a dark green. And be sure not to confuse ‘sunny’ yellow with ‘caution’ yellow!
2. True blue.
DO treat blue scrub bottoms like a pair of jeans when choosing a top—there are so many fun colors that will look fantastic! Lighter shades of green and violet look terrific with darker blue scrub pants, and if you’re really into orange, wear a top of that color with blue scrub pants. Blue is identified with calmness—perhaps a perfect color to wear on a busy day.
DON’T go for just any orange colored top to match with your blue pants. While deep orange adds excitement, bright orange can look cheap.
3. Basic black.
DO wear black scrub pants or tops. You can never go wrong with any other color you choose to go with them. One of the trends in fashion this season is pairing black with colors such as purple, gray, bright green or bright blue.
DON’T, however, earn yourself the monicker ‘goth nurse.’ Wearing too much black day in and day out can look empty and depressing to the nurses and patients around you.
4. Green with envy.
DO add green to your wardrobe. Green is associated with growth, vitality and openness and can positively affect those around you. Good options to wear with bright green include brown, dark blue and more muted shades of red.
DON’T choose too many earthy tones as they can be associated with melancholy. Warm shades of brown encourage closeness.
5. Red hot.
DO try a rosy red, soft pink, or violet for a scrubs top as these colors have a calming effect and are easy to match. With stronger reds, you may want to try lighter colors with it, such as light blue, light green or light yellow.
DON’T go for a highly saturated blue-red since it can be disturbing in large amounts and possibly increase anger.
6. Which white is right?
DO embrace a white uniform as it often signals crisp, clean professionalism to your patients. White also imparts purity and brightness of spirit.
DON’T buy a uniform that is blue-white as it can look sterile instead of inviting.
One of the advantages and beauties of being a nurse at a hospital is the flexibility you have in what you wear. I love scrub shopping and this article gives a lot of great recommendations to color combinations that some people may not think about. Especially in the pediatric setting, the brighter and cheerier the colors are, the better. I also enjoy wearing various combinations that match sports teams that I am a fan of, or wearing colors for the seasons and holidays that we are around. Although some people can complain that we can’t wear nice office clothes to work, I think we have the advantage.
By Felicia on November 22, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Would love to see you pick out a bunch of your favorite scrubs outfit ideas and show them to us.
By DeeDee H. on November 28, 2009 at 7:38 pm
[...] I read an article a few days ago about ideas for jazzing up your scrub wardrobe. Wearing monochromatic scrubs can get [...]
By Scrubs Fashionista « The Pulse on December 5, 2009 at 10:53 am
So much to read. I work as a theatre nurse in Denmark, and we have no choise as to what we can wear. The hospital supplies the srcubs and thats it. Would be nice with more colour.
By Gitte Agerlund on January 31, 2010 at 6:36 am
@Gitte: that will always be true of OR nurses, you must wear the hospital supplied scrubs to ensure limited patient exposure to outside contaminants.
Can you float to other areas where personal scrubs are allowed?
By Lisa on February 1, 2010 at 6:19 am
From a “Lifer”, last time I bought scrubs-I spent 218.00- and have enough “work clothes” for a month without doing laundry!!!! My trick is 5 basic white pants,2 navy blue pants,one black pants and one purple pair of pants,I weed out what is too worn or old looking(color is getting dull) not spending over $15.00 a pair. then I have fun with the colors for my tops nothing over $12.00.
By Betsy Agnew,R.N. on April 27, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Why would the writer end on “do embrace a white uniform”….I’ve had to work, full time, in white uniforms in my early days….they don’t stay clean, don’t hide dirt, blood, etc that we’re all exposed to daily and are totally outmoded and ridiculous in this time. The scrub brands, and this magazine, should get going before the “back to all white” movement, started by the Professor types who never see a patient, win this one and we’re back in time.
By Marie on May 4, 2010 at 4:27 pm
My hospital just changed the uniform policy: All RNs must wear royal blue. Although I do love royal blue and can understand the logic, I’m having a problem with it. I absolutely LOVE buying and wearing scrubs of every color and design so this was a huge blow. I even started liking it more than buying regular clothes!! The worse part of it is the money now wasted on scrubs I barely even wore and now can’t wear at all! Enjoy the freedom while you can. I hear a lot of hospitals are starting to do this. So sad
By Rose on May 24, 2010 at 10:07 pm
The organization I work for has decided to put all RNs in Navy Blue…..beats white, but why kill individuality? Plus, it’s a security risk…people just look at the uniform color, and won’t be looking for a badge so quickly! Whatever academic types that decided nurses should be color-coded robots need to find something better to do.
By FoxyRN on June 2, 2010 at 1:02 am
Too bad about the color coded uniform policies. I think the hospitals that are doing this are making a big mistake. It’s a good thing when nurses can make some individual choices, like choosing theri own uniform.
By Myrna Stovel on June 15, 2010 at 6:36 am
I love the bright colored uniforms but also I love the swarovski embellished scrub tops at scrubcouture.com they pair peaches smart style and comfort with swarovski elements talk about feeling good when you wear your uniform! we know when you feel great when you start your shift the shift is better!the patients love them they are sparkly and cheery!
By cindi on June 22, 2010 at 9:33 am
We get to wear pajamas to work, why must it be turned into a fashion competition?
By VinceRN on July 8, 2010 at 4:43 pm
I think most scrubs make women look frumpy, and if a nurse has a nice the frumpy scrubs mostly hide it. Most of the scrubs that are shaped for women do not enhance our professionalism. This especailly goes for most of the printed scrubs, unless one works in pedicatrics. Why can’t scrubs be utiltarian, professiaonally fitted and colored simultaneously? Maybe we need to wait another 10-20 years for those, or make our own in the meantime.
By Mary on July 14, 2010 at 9:17 am
Nice body, that is.
By Mary on July 14, 2010 at 9:18 am
I want a choco brown set 2X. what brand should I buy
By cindy on August 12, 2010 at 4:50 am
@Cindy We love Cherokee scrubs for their comfort and style. Here are some of our favorite chocolate brown options, all available in 2XL.
To see our suggestions go to: http://www.cherokeeuniforms.com
Tops: Ruffle Wrap Tunic- Style 3801 in Color CHCB (Chocolate)
Empire Top- Style 2799 in Color CHPR (Chocolate)
V Neck Tunic- Style 2874 in Color CHOB (CHOCOLATE )
Pants: Flare Leg Pant- Style 2040 in Color CHCW (Chocolate)
Flare Leg Pant- Style 3020 in Color CHOC (Chocolate)
Cargo Pocket Pant- Style 1031 in Color CHOB (CHOCOLATE )
Hope this helps! Happy shopping
By Halie (Scrubs Editor) on August 12, 2010 at 11:46 am
I wish I could wear my own scrubs, period! But so it goes when you work surgery…
By Beautifuldayze on August 18, 2010 at 6:03 pm
i just saw some awesome scrubs at a show hosted by Scrub Coture, they were peaches scrubs with Swarovski crystals on them! Check out their site http://www.scrubcouture.com
By Mandi on August 20, 2010 at 6:06 pm