Image: © iStockphoto.com

Nursing can be very physical work, from leaning over your patients to take their blood pressure to administering an IV to lifting a patient to a gurney. It’s all part of the job.

No matter what you’re doing at work, looking professional is a necessity. No matter where you work, you’re representing the hospital or medical office. Looking like a competent and qualified nurse is essential.

Here are five tips (with helpful visuals…ahem!) to help you be mindful of fashion blunders!

(1) Watch the cleavage
(2) Steer clear of stains
(3) Too tight ain’t right
(4) No peek-a-boo, please
(5) High waters = low marks

First, watch the cleavage…

Image: Ryan McVay | Stone | Getty Images

With summer right around the corner, now is the time to rethink your scrubs so you can look your best.

Here are 5 easy, surefire “industry” tricks to make you look much thinner without dieting or stepping into the gym.

1. Say yes to monochrome
2. Get rid of anything too snug or too big
3. Choose strategic detailing
4. Get the perfect fitting pants
5. Choose the right prints

1. Say yes to monochrome

Dressing in monochrome scrubs is the first and most important step to help create a longer, leaner line. Dressing in one color gives the illusion of looking thinner because of the continuous color; it doesn’t break up the vertical line like wearing two different colors can.

Another way to accentuate your body and camouflage those trouble areas is to wear dark colors. Colors like black, brown, navy, charcoal, burgundy, deep green and purple are slimming. And always wear the styles that complement your body type. This scrub top with the feminine scoop neck is a great way to wear the monochromatic color combinations. The black, brown and navy are excellent choices.

Skechers

I like this solid-color warm-up jacket with a pair of the Skechers pants in a matching color.

Skechers

1. Say yes to monochrome
2. Get rid of anything too snug or too big
3. Choose strategic detailing
4. Get the perfect fitting pants
5. Choose the right prints

Know what to toss from your closet with #2…

What’s a classic scrubs piece?

A classic working wardrobe is a functional wardrobe. Each piece should mix and match well together. You want each item to be able to be paired with at least three other pieces in your wardrobe.

Color is also important. You want to build a wardrobe of scrubs with basic solid colors like black, brown, taupe, white, navy or green. Patterned pieces that hold up over time are stripes and polka dots. Neutral pieces can be interchangeable with bright colors.

Fit is always the name of the game. If your scrubs are a good fit, you look good. Classic tailored lines work because of their ability to flatter, their wearability and their style. The beauty of a classic piece of clothing is its simplicity.

Scroll through to see eight scrubs outfits that I think are flattering and will be in style for years to come:

Look #1 –>

Here are our fashion expert’s picks for scrubs outfits that look great from top to bottom. Pick your color from our list below to find a great match for you.


White | Purple | Blue | Green | Pink | Yellow | Brown | Black

FOR MALE NURSES

Green | Black

For 5,000 years, people have cultivated flowers—now scrubs designers are, too. To help you get a stylish dose of smile-inducing fresh petals for your workday, here’s a look at my favorite floral print scrubs from the newest collections.

Tulips
Daisies
Pansies
Roses
Daffodils
Dandelions
Hydrangeas
Daisies and Butterflies
Gerberas

This watch is fashionable and practical, and at just $19.95, you can’t go wrong. It’s a great timepiece for work or jetting about town. No one will believe the price when they see this on your wrist! It’s perfect to wear with your casual clothes or to make your scrubs outfit a little more hip.

Wow-black Women’s Plastic Black Watch

Next, one great bag –>

Image: Tracy Hebden | Veer

Here are the bits and pieces that I always have readily accessible for my fashion emergencies.

Toupee Tape
Sewing Kit
Stain Wipes

First, toupee tape…not just for affixing a rug anymore…

Image: Digital Vision | Thinkstock + Scrubs

Forget about your size. Having a great look and style is about making the most of your body shape.

And yes, you can accentuate your best assets and disguise your flaws by choosing the right cut, colors and prints.

Here are four essential scrubs fashion tips for the curvy nurse, brought to you by the Hollywood stylist who has dressed some of the curviest stars (we can’t disclose names but suffice it to say she’s got experience!).

(1) Shapes that flatter a larger bust
(2) Shapes that flatter the ‘apple’ figure
(3) Shapes that minimize larger thighs
(4) Important scrubs style notes for every nurse

Shapes that flatter a larger bust…

Image: appliquebuffet.com | pinpoint @ etsy.com

If your workplace insists on solid colored scrubs, there’s still a way to make your uniform collection more stylish and fun.

With just a few simple appliqués (for just a few dollars!) on your scrubs and accessories, you’ll be wearing scrubs that are uniquely yours.

From sports team logos to cartoon characters, there’s a wide array of iron-on patches for every personality. There’s no need to know how to sew. Just follow the directions on the package and iron them onto your uniform in minutes.

Tip: Use them on solid-color uniforms so the patches will stand out.

Here are some ideas:

Patches for Female Nurses
Animal patches
Flower patches
Fashion patches
Twilight patches
Lace collars
Decorative buttons

Patches for Male Nurses
Harley-Davidson patches
Transformer patches
Sports Team patches
Spidey Sense patches

Continue to animal patches…

Image: Urban Outfitters

Looking for a bag that’s practical and hip to carry to your shift? A messenger bag may be just the perfect thing. Whether you’re a male or female nurse, you’ll love the multiple outside pockets to organize all your things and an adjustable cross body strap that leaves your hands free.

Messengers are roomy enough for your nursing gear, paperwork and a packed lunch. For your off-duty hours, throw in your gym clothes or your computer. Messengers are also great all-weather bags that come in a range of fabrics from waterproof material such as nylon to cotton canvas and leather. The waterproof bags are great in the rain and can double as your beach bag!

Check out the assortment of colors and styles below—there’s a perfect bag for every nurse!

Messenger bags for female nurses
Classic leather messenger bag to pair with scrubs
Springy whimsical messenger bag for feminine scrubs
Bold striped messenger bag to pair with pale scrubs
Hip, stylish messenger bag to pair with dark scrubs
Quirky messenger bag to pair with solid scrubs

Messenger bags for male nurses
Classic messenger bag to pair with scrubs
Versatile messenger bag for scrubs or t-shirt and jeans
Sleek messenger bag to pair with warm ups
Messenger bag style — you build it!

Our first find —  the perfect distressed leather messenger bag…